Hand line nozzles typically flow between what range of gallons per minute?

Hand line nozzles are designed to deliver a specific amount of water flow to effectively combat fires while being manageable for firefighters to operate. The range of 60 to 350 gallons per minute is appropriate for hand lines because it allows for a versatile application in various firefighting scenarios. This flow rate is suitable for dealing with both smaller residential fires and larger commercial incidents, enabling firefighters to adjust the nozzle's output as needed to suppress flames and protect property.

In this context, it’s important to understand that hand line operations are typically employed for active firefighting efforts where a balance between flow rate and maneuverability is critical. Lower flow rates under 60 gallons per minute may not be sufficient for effective fire suppression in many structural fires, while flow rates exceeding 350 gallons per minute may be more suited for larger attack lines or master streams, which are usually operated by larger apparatus and equipment.