What is the standard length of one section of hard suction hose?

The standard length of one section of hard suction hose is 10 feet. This length is widely used because it strikes a balance between being long enough to provide flexibility in setup and short enough for ease of handling and storage. Hard suction hose is an essential component of a fire apparatus's water supply system, specifically designed to draft water from a static source when connected to a pump. Adopting a standardized length helps ensure compatibility across different equipment and allows for quick deployment during firefighting operations.

Other lengths, such as 5 feet, may be practical for certain applications but are not standard for hard suction hoses. The longer options of 15 feet or 20 feet could impede maneuverability and complicate the logistics of fitting hoses into compact spaces on fire apparatus. Thus, the choice of 10 feet reflects a widely accepted convention in firefighting practices.