What pressure is measured on the discharge manifold of the fire pump at the gauge attachment point?

The pressure measured on the discharge manifold of the fire pump at the gauge attachment point is discharge pressure. This measurement indicates the pressure of the water being pushed out of the pump and into the hose lines or system. Discharge pressure is critical because it directly affects the performance of the fire pump, determining how effectively water can be delivered to the fire or any other application requiring water flow.

Discharge pressure is typically higher than the intake pressure since the pump generates additional pressure as it moves water from the suction side to the discharge side. This value is essential for firefighters and operators to monitor, as it influences tactics, flow rates, and the overall effectiveness in suppressing fires. Knowing the discharge pressure allows operators to ensure that the system operates within safe and effective parameters.

The other options relate to different aspects of pump operation. Intake pressure refers to the pressure in the water source before it enters the pump, suction pressure is the pressure on the side of the pump that is drawing water in, and net pump pressure is a calculation that takes the discharge pressure and subtracts the intake pressure, providing a measure of the pump's actual working pressure. However, when identifying what is directly measured on the discharge manifold, discharge pressure is the correct term.