Which is a characteristic of foam nozzles?

• A. Shorter stream reach than fog nozzles
• B. Longer stream reach than fog nozzles
• C. Higher nozzle pressure
• D. Narrow spray pattern

Answer: (A)

Foam nozzles are designed to lay down a foam blanket rather than deliver a long, high-velocity water jet. The foam solution contains air and is more viscous than plain water, which increases friction and dissipates energy as it exits the nozzle. That extra energy loss means the discharge doesn’t travel as far as a fog nozzle’s water stream, even when pressures are similar. Foam nozzles are intended to blanket and smother the fire rather than project a long, narrow jet, which is why the characteristic is a shorter stream reach than fog nozzles.