Drafting operation is best described as which action?

• A. Use of suction to move a liquid
• B. Use of pressure to move a liquid
• C. Use of gravity to move liquids
• D. A device that siphons liquid into a moving stream

Answer: (A)

Drafting operation involves pulling water into the pump from an external source by suction. The pump creates a low pressure on its suction side, and atmospheric pressure pushes water up into the suction hose and into the pump. This is different from moving water by applying pressure, which would push water through the hose, or from relying on gravity alone to move water. Siphoning also uses gravity, but drafting specifically relies on the pump’s suction to draw the water into the apparatus. In firefighting practice, drafting lets you lift water from a pond or other source into the pump so you can start delivering water where you need it.