What is the difference between handlines and master streams in terms of required pressure?

• A. Handlines require higher pressures.
• B. Master streams require higher nozzle pressures and total system head; handlines require lower.
• C. Both require same pressure.
• D. Master streams require lower head.

Answer: (B)

The amount of pressure you need is driven by how much water you’re delivering and how far that water has to travel. A master stream moves a lot more water through larger lines and longer hose lays, which creates much more friction loss and can involve greater elevations. To overcome those losses and still push the required GPM out of the nozzle, you must raise the nozzle pressure and, consequently, the total system head (the pump discharge pressure needed to overcome everything in the path). So master streams require higher nozzle pressures and higher total system head, while handlines— delivering smaller flows over shorter runs—need lower pressures. This is why the best choice is that master streams require higher nozzle pressures and total system head, handlines require lower.