How is pump pressure typically rated?

Pump pressure is typically rated in feet of head, which represents the height of a column of water that the pump can support. This measurement takes into account the gravitational force acting on the water and enables a clear understanding of the energy required to move water vertically. When a pump is rated in feet of head, it provides an indication of the pump's capability to overcome various forces, such as friction losses in the piping system, elevation gains, and other system demands.

Feet of head is particularly advantageous in hydraulic applications because it directly correlates with the actual performance of the pump in a way that is intuitive for engineers and designers. Understanding the pump's capability in terms of head allows for straightforward comparisons between different pumps and their suitability for specific applications.

The other measurement options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not provide as immediate a reflection of the pump’s pressure capabilities in the same way that feet of head does.