Firefighting Fridays: The 15/16-Inch nozzle

Jeff Shupe and other members of Strategic Fire Training consider the use of this nozzle on the fireground, its advantanges and application, comparison to 7/8-inch nozzle, and more.
Panel: Shupe, Knapp, Diederich, Gruver, Matier, Hydeman
www.strategicfiretraining.com/

[@Dan_Bender]

FF Shupe holds up a book from 1941 and tells us to study it. I tell you to check out a study by a man named John Freeman in 1888. It's called the Freeman Ratio, which states "The ideal nozzle tip size is one in which the internal diameter of the tip is at or less than one-half the internal diameter of the hoseline to which it is attached."
No mention in this discussion about the true ID of 1.75" hose.
I'm not going to argue about Nozzle Reaction and Stream Reach, because apparently it will fall on deaf ears.
IF your department is using hose with 1.88" ID, DEFINITELY use 15/16" Smooth Bores. (Half of 1.88" is .94" or 15/16")
IF your department is using hose with 1.77" ID, DEFINITELY use the 7/8" Smooth Bore. (Half of 1.77" is .885" real close to 7/8")
If you insist on using 15/16" tips, but still use 1.77" ID hose, you need to reevaluate your research skills.
The Freeman Ratio is a real thing. It's proven science. If "underpumping" and "overpumping" is too confusing for your driver/engineer, don't do it, but you better be matching your hose to the correct nozzles. Whether it's 7/8 or 15/16.
Please find a way to make these discussions PODCASTS with comments from the listeners. I hate critiquing after I listen to an hour. 90% of the info is great.

[@DIRTDUMMY1]

15/16" is soooo much better... show me the numbers... well, show us numbers and it's impact on btu's. If the fire load is of significance, perhaps that 1/16" of diameter isn't your problem. "Hire better FF, that can pull a 2-1/2" tough guys.

[@matthewgromelski223]

The 15/16ths will certainly get you the most bang for your buck on 1 3/4 hose. However, if you don’t marry the hose and nozzle packages, you will get terrible results and maybe guys will move towards the 7/8’s tip. Still a great discussion and a cool history lesson, keep these videos and discussions coming!