What marking is required on discharge nozzles?

• A. Discharge nozzles shall be permanently marked to identify the manufacturer as well as the type and size of the orifice.
• B. No markings are required.
• C. Only the orifice size is marked.
• D. Markings must be paint-free.

Answer: (A)

Discharge nozzles must carry permanent markings that identify both the manufacturer and the nozzle’s type and orifice size. This ensures traceability and proper compatibility with the system design, since the orifice size determines the discharge rate and the distribution pattern of the clean agent. Having the manufacturer information visible allows technicians to source the correct replacement parts and verify compatibility during inspections, maintenance, and recharging. Permanent markings survive service conditions and cleaning, so they remain legible over the life of the system; markings that can wear off or be obscured would defeat the purpose.

Choosing nothing marked would make it impossible to verify which nozzle is installed or to select the correct replacement. Marking only the orifice size omits the manufacturer and nozzle type, which are also essential for correct replacement and verification. Requiring markings to be paint-free would not address the need for durable, readable identification, and could still leave markings unreadable if damaged by coatings or debris.