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INTRODUCTION: When water flows through pipes, pressure losses occur due to friction. This loss is the energy used to overcome the resistance caused by the water rubbing against the walls of the pipe as the water travels through it. The pressure loss due to friction can be determined in the field by measuring the pressure between two points of interest. The difference in pressure between the points would be the loss. But to predict the magnitude of friction losses in a system, it is necessary to use formulas and perform calculations. The NFPA requires that in water-based fire extinguishing or control systems, the Hazen-Williams equation be used for the respective hydraulic calculations. This equation is relatively simple to use and produces conservative and satisfactory results in the range of flow rates that normally occur in the aforementioned systems. OBJECTIVE: To present and inform participants about the methodology used to determine pressure losses due to friction in fire fighting water networks; indicating which equations can be used, how they should be used and what additional aspects should be considered to obtain satisfactory results.