Which characteristic is true regarding small diameter hoses?

Small diameter hoses are typically designed to handle lower flow rates and are more susceptible to collapsing under negative pressure, which occurs when there is a significant difference between the pressure inside the hose and the atmospheric pressure outside. This is particularly true if there is a vacuum effect, such as when flow is restricted or when the hose is partially empty.

Understanding the behavior of small diameter hoses under negative pressure is important for firefighters and operators, as this could lead to reduced water supply capability or potential hose failure in critical situations.

While small diameter hoses do exhibit unique pressure characteristics, it is not accurate to describe them as designed for high pressure, as they are generally intended for low to moderate pressure operations. Similarly, while they may exhibit lower friction loss compared to larger hoses when considering certain scenarios, this is not a defining characteristic. Their use during wind-driven fires does not reflect their primary application, as such situations often require larger hoses to deliver greater volumes of water effectively.