What size supply line is best for a pumper with a capacity of 1250-1500 gpm?

For a pumper with a capacity of 1250-1500 gallons per minute (gpm), the best choice for a supply line is 5 inches in diameter. A 5-inch supply line is designed to efficiently handle high volumes of water flow, making it suitable for supplying a pumper with such a capacity. This size maximizes water delivery while minimizing friction loss, which is critical in maintaining the desired flow rates at the pump.

Using a 5-inch supply line helps achieve an optimal balance between sufficient water supply and manageable weight for fire personnel during deployment. Larger supply lines, such as 6 inches, while capable of providing even greater flow rates, may not be necessary for typical operations involving a pumper in this range and could be cumbersome to handle. Similarly, using smaller lines, such as 4 inches or 3 inches, would increase friction loss significantly and may restrict the flow to below the operational capacity needed for effective firefighting, especially in high-demand scenarios. The 5-inch line is, therefore, the most practical and efficient choice for the requirements of a pumper with a capacity of 1250-1500 gpm.