Flowmeters should be accurate to a tolerance of what percentage?

Flowmeters used in fire apparatus must provide accurate measurements to ensure effective response during firefighting operations. The industry standard for accuracy in flow measurement generally requires flowmeters to maintain a tolerance of +/- 3%. This level of precision is crucial for calculating the correct water supply needed for firefighting efforts, ensuring that personnel can depend on the data provided by the flowmeters without significant deviations from actual flow rates.

Using flowmeters with a tolerance above 3% could lead to errors in flow calculations that might compromise fire suppression efforts. The choices that suggest a higher tolerance, like +/- 5%, would not meet the accuracy requirements necessary for effective firefighting operations. Similarly, tighter tolerances, such as +/- 1% or +/- 2%, while beneficial for some applications, are often not practical or necessary for the operational context of fire apparatus. The +/- 3% tolerance strikes a balance between accuracy and operational practicality in firefighting scenarios, making it the standard that is typically adhered to within the industry.