Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

What is the minimum pressure that should be maintained at hydrants delivering the required fire flow?

1. 10 psi

2. 20 psi

3. 30 psi

4. 40 psi

The correct answer is: 20 psi

The minimum pressure that should be maintained at hydrants delivering the required fire flow is 20 psi. This pressure is essential to ensure that firefighters can effectively access water to suppress fires and manage the firefighting operations without experiencing insufficient flow or pressure issues. Maintaining at least 20 psi ensures that the system can deliver adequate water at the necessary flow rates while also accommodating factors like friction loss in hoses and additional pressure needed to overcome elevation changes in certain firefighting scenarios. A pressure lower than this could compromise the effectiveness of the hydrant, potentially resulting in inadequate firefighting efforts during critical situations. This standard is generally recognized by fire protection standards and guidelines to support effective emergency response and fire suppression strategies.