Puck Fire Nozzles Product Overview
Every fire scene varies in necessary equipment, from ladder trucks to hose nozzles. Fire nozzles determine the reach and water coverage, and the right nozzle is dependent on its intended use. The most efficient fire suppression is achieved when firefighters match the mission of the truck with the correct water application method. U.S. Coupling ball shut offs, smooth bore tips, and fog nozzles are built from aircraft grade aluminum and finished with a hard anodizing process to withstand the extreme environments and years of use and abuse on the fire scene. If they’re all built for long life, which is best for your operation?
All U.S. Coupling nozzles are made with a threaded connection ranging from 1.5” to 2.5” to attach to the male fitting of your fire hose. From hose to nozzle, water enters the portion of the nozzle that contains the shut-off valve, controlled by a lever called the bale. The valves within nozzles are typically either slide or ball valves. The type of ball valve, whether whole or split, will help determine the type of stream the nozzle produces, as well as its ease of opening or closing the valve.
Ball Shut Off Nozzle
A whole ball valve, like that of U.S. Coupling, provides an undisturbed stream through the nozzle. For this reason, whole ball valves are often used with smooth bore tips for maximum reach and a solid stream. U.S. Coupling ball shut offs feature an all-aluminum construction, including a bale handle, an optional pistol grip, and internal components. Our ball shut offs are designed with a 1-1/2” diameter internal waterway for unrestricted water flow, also reducing nozzle reaction. A whole ball valve requires more force to open and close compared to a split ball valve, but the solid stream offers a farther reach. Once the water has moved past the valve, the nozzle tip is the last point of contact before the air.
Smooth Bore Tip Nozzle
A Smooth Bore Tip nozzle is the standard, original fire fighting nozzle. Sometimes referred to as a straight tip nozzle, smooth bore nozzles provide a long-reaching, solid stream. The cylindrical metal inside the nozzle orifice provides a fixed pathway for water. Smooth bore nozzles are best suited for precise water delivery and an extended reach. The nozzle has no internal disturbance, creating a long column of water capable of penetrating further. U.S. Coupling’s Smooth Bore Tips can be ordered in outlet sizes from 3/4” to 1-1/4” to maximize your water stream reach and penetration of the fire.
When choosing a nozzle, a smooth bore tip has a few potential drawbacks to consider. A smooth bore tip is a simple and cost-effective design, but that simplicity can also be a disadvantage to firefighters looking for adaptability. The water flow is always at full boar and lacks flexibility in case fire conditions change. Another potential drawback is the lack of exposure protection that a wider breadth of water can cover. This can put the fire fighter at greater risk of dangerous exposure. For a wider water cast, a fog nozzle offers that desired coverage.
Fog Nozzle
A fog nozzle, synonymous with a combination nozzle, provides a wide stream of mist. The smaller water particles are intended to create a higher heat absorption rate. This water stream is not a true column of water in the way a smooth bore nozzle produces, but fog nozzles can cover a greater area. U.S. Coupling Fog Nozzle Tips provide adjustability in water stream shape, from full fog for heat absorption to a straight stream for extended reach into the seat of the fire. These nozzles have fixed rubber teeth at the outer edge of the nozzle bumper. The teeth remain functional when dirty and are built durably to withstand impacts.
A fog nozzle can be great for a wide curtain of water for exposure protection and a higher heat absorption rate. Yet the width of the stream’s reach has a negative effect on the water’s distance. Due to the unpredictable and fast-changing conditions of a fire, the most effective firehouses have different nozzle types on hand at the scene.
Stream Shaper nozzle
A stream shaper nozzle is intended to help remove turbulence from the water flow. Undisturbed, the stream reach is extended and improves penetration. Stream shapers can be attached to the handline directly to the hose coupling, before the nozzle. The water stream is straightened before reaching the nozzle, making it a perfect match for the smooth bore tip.
An effective firehouse will find a fire nozzle that is right for their standard operating procedures and working area. Diversifying your nozzles based on their handline is one way to stay ahead of any issues or obstacles in an unpredictable job. Follow the Puck Fire YouTube channel to see demos of U.S. Coupling nozzles, or contact a sales team member to learn more.
