©Copyright Task Force Tips LLC 2016-2019
LIS-040 April 8, 2019 Rev02
11
12.0 MAINTENANCE
TFT nozzles are designed and manufactured to be damage resistant and require minimal maintenance. However, as the primary
firefighting tool upon which your life depends, it should be treated accordingly. To help prevent mechanical damage, do not drop or
throw equipment.
12.1 FIELD LUBRICATION
All Task Force Tip nozzles are factory lubricated with high quality silicone grease. This lubricant has excellent washout resistance
and long term performance. If your department has unusually hard or sandy water, the moving parts may be affected. Foam agents
and water additives contain soaps and chemicals that may break down the factory lubrication.
The moving parts of the nozzle should be checked on a regular basis for smooth and free operation, and signs of damage. IF THE
NOZZLE IS OPERATING CORRECTLY, THEN NO ADDITIONAL LUBRICATION IS NEEDED. Any nozzle that is not operating
correctly should be immediately removed from service.
12.2 SERVICE TESTING
In accordance with NFPA 1962 (2013), nozzles must be tested a minimum of annually. Nozzles failing any part of this test must be
removed from service, repaired and retested upon completion of the repair.
12.2.1 HYDROSTATIC TESTING
Each nozzle with a shut off mechanism shall be tested in the following manner.
1. The nozzle shall be placed in a device capable of holding it and the shut off shall be closed.
2. A device capable of exerting a hydrostatic pressure of 300 psi (2070 kPa) or 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure,
whichever is higher, shall be attached to the nozzle.
3. All air shall be bled from the system.
4. The gage pressure shall be increased by 50 psi (3.5 bar or 345 kPa) increments, held for 30 seconds at each pressure up to
the maximum pressure for which the nozzle is being tested, and then held for one minute without leakage.
5. There shall be no sign of leakage through the valve or shut off.
12.2.2 FLOW TESTING
Flow testing must be conducted in the following manner.
1. The nozzle shall be mounted so that the flow rate and pressure through the nozzle and the pressure at the inlet can be
accurately measured.
2. With the shut off fully open, the inlet pressure shall be adjusted to the rated pressure ±2 percent.
3. The valve or shut off and pattern controls shall be operated through their full range of motion at 100 psi (6.9 bar or 690 kPa)
with no signs of leaking, binding or other problems.
4. Evaluate the flow of nozzles as defined by NFPA 1964 in the following manner:
Basic Spray Nozzles shall flow no less than and no more than 10 percent over the rated flow at the rated pressure in the
straight stream and wide-angle fog settings.
12.2.3 RECORDS
A record of testing and repairs must be maintained from the time the nozzle is purchased until it is discarded. Each TFT nozzle is
engraved with a unique serial number which, if so desired, can be used to identify nozzle for documentation purposes.
The following information, if applicable, must be included on the test record for each nozzle:
1. Assigned identification number
2. Manufacturer
3. Product or model designation
4. Vendor
5. Warranty
6. Hose connection size
7. Maximum operating pressure
8. Flow rate or range
9. Date received and date put in service
10. Date of each service test and service test results
11. Damage and repairs, including who made the repairs and the cost of repair parts
12. Reason removed from service
NFPA 1962: Standard for the care, use, inspection, service testing, and replacement of fire hose, couplings, nozzles and fire hose appliances. (2013
ed., Section 5.5.4). Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Agency.
