Basic Firefighter Written Practice Exam

What appliance do you need to connect a 3" hose to supply two 1 3/4" attacking hand-lines?

1. Y-valve

2. Wye

3. Cross lay

4. Reducer

The correct answer is: Wye

The best appliance to connect a 3" hose to supply two 1 3/4" attacking hand-lines is a Wye. A Wye is a fitting that splits a single hose line into two separate lines of smaller diameter. In firefighting scenarios, this is particularly useful for supplying multiple hand-lines from a single larger hose supply, enabling effective water distribution without compromising pressure. Using a Wye allows firefighters to branch out, efficiently utilizing the water source for simultaneous attack lines. It maintains a uniform pressure across the two attacking lines, which is crucial for effective fire suppression. The Wye configuration is also advantageous during operations, as it facilitates easier maneuverability and management of multiple hoses without the need for additional apparatus. The other options do not serve the same purpose: a Y-valve generally refers to a valve that controls flow direction but is not specifically designed for this type of connection. A cross lay is a method of carrying hose, not an appliance for connecting hoses. A reducer, meanwhile, decreases the size of the hose but does not allow for splitting into multiple lines. Thus, a Wye is the most suitable choice for connecting a 3" hose to supply two 1 3/4" hand-lines effectively.