OSFM Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) Practice Exam

Flow from a handline is primarily governed by the size of the nozzle opening; bigger openings allow more water to pass. In training and practice charts, the discharge capability of a 1 1/2 inch nozzle is treated as about 600 gallons per minute. This is a convenient, commonly used estimate for initial planning and decision-making, recognizing that the exact flow depends on the nozzle type (smooth bore vs fog) and the pressure at the nozzle. So, for a typical 1 1/2 inch handline, around 600 gpm is the expected figure.