Where should the pressure gauge be placed in relation to the nozzle?

Placing the pressure gauge close to the nozzle is essential for accurately measuring the pressure at the point where the fluid is being discharged. This positioning ensures that the reading reflects the actual pressure being experienced by the nozzle, which can be critical for understanding the system's performance, especially in applications like firefighting or irrigation.

When the gauge is located close to the nozzle, it captures the dynamic pressure changes that can occur due to flow variations, friction loss in the hose, and the influence of the nozzle design. This provides operators with real-time feedback on the operating conditions, enabling them to optimize the performance accordingly.

In contrast, a gauge placed at the pump outlet may not provide a true representation of the pressure experienced at the nozzle due to losses encountered along the hose, such as friction. Similarly, a gauge located at the end of the hose, while it might seem logical, can still be influenced by any restrictions or variations before the nozzle itself. Finally, a gauge near the tank would not reflect nozzle pressure at all, as it would measure pressure before any activity occurs through the system. Therefore, having the gauge close to the nozzle is the optimal choice for accurate assessment and operational efficiency.