What is one of the three factors that determine friction loss in fire hoses?

Friction loss in fire hoses is primarily influenced by the diameter of the hose, along with the length of the hose and the flow rate of the water. A larger diameter hose provides less resistance to the flow of water, resulting in lower friction loss. This is critical during firefighting operations, as minimizing friction loss ensures that more water is effectively delivered to combat a fire. When fire hoses are wider, the water can flow more freely, reducing the amount of pressure lost due to friction against the inner walls of the hose.

While other factors like hose length certainly play a role—longer hoses typically result in greater friction loss due to the increased surface area—the diameter is a fundamental factor that allows firefighters to maintain efficient water delivery under varying conditions. The color or age of the hose does not have a significant impact on friction loss.