In this article, we want to teach you more about nozzles, AVA's color coding system and how you can use the nozzles in the best possible way. It is important that you use the right nozzle for the right surface, and with our washing methods you are guaranteed a good result with a few simple steps.
What is a nozzle?
A nozzle is placed on the lance or directly on the high-pressure gun. It is the nozzle that gives the water the high pressure you associate with a high-pressure washer, as the small opening narrows the water into a jet that it being forced through it. There are many variations of nozzles. You have, for example, fixed, variable and rotating nozzles etc. We will return to the various types of nozzles further down in the article.
The new washing experience - made to last
When you have to wash a surface with a high-pressure washer, it can take some time before you are left with a satisfactory result. We at AVA wanted to do something about this, and that is why we promote a washing method where you wash the surfaces in 1-2-3 steps.
1. Always foam
2. Choose the correct nozzle
3. Wash at the most efficient distance
We believe that by foaming all surfaces, working with the correct nozzle and then the correct distance from the surface to cover the maximum surface possible, you can achieve the same result in half the time. With our system, it should be easy to change between nozzles so that you can choose the optimal nozzle for the job:
60 degree nozzle: Flat V-shaped water jet for use on wood and other surfaces to be cleaned gently.
40 degree nozzle: Flat V-shaped water jet well suited for car washing.
25 degree nozzle: Flat V-shaped water jet, for general use with high power (20 and 25 degrees are standard widths on most brands)
15 degree nozzle: Flat V-shaped water jet with a lot of power but not very wide due to narrow working field. Used where a little extra power is needed.
0 degree nozzle: Thin, sharp point jet to reach particularly far, e.g. under a gutter, or remove bird droppings high up on the wall.
Turbo nozzle: This projects all of the water in a thin, sharp jet similar to the 0-degree nozzle, but in addition the water jet rotates around with a 20 degree spread so that you get a wider coverage area. It is well suited for removing moss and stubborn dirt, but is far too powerful for cars and wood. A turbo nozzle is therefore something that should be used with care.
What do I need to look out for when buying nozzles and accessories?
Bayonet connection: different suppliers have different connections for nozzles and accessories. You must make sure that you buy the nozzle that fits your pressure washer. In some cases, nozzles from different suppliers are interchangeable or you can use an adapter. (example: Kärcher accessories and nozzles fit in most cases in AVA's lances and guns).
Nozzle opening: in addition to the nozzle attachment having to fit, the nozzle opening must also be adapted to your high pressure washer. If you choose a nozzle with an opening that is too small, you may find that the motor/pump runs unevenly or jerkily, and the consequence is that you wear out the motor and pump quickly.
If you have a nozzle opening that is too large, you will get less pressure - but also use much more water. That is to say, it is not harmful to the high-pressure washer, but it can result in a reducedino in the machines ability to remove the worst of the dirt. If you want to wash extra gently, you can deliberately choose a nozzle with a larger nozzle opening than is actually recommended for your high-pressure washer.
Color codes for nozzles
AVA has a system that describes the power of the pump size with the designation, P30 and all the way up to P90. From the start, we were concerned with labeling nozzles and accessories so that you choose the right nozzle for the right pressure washer.
Nozzles marked green are made for P30-P60
Nozzles marked blue are made for P70- P80
Nozzles marked purple are made for P90
We are currently working on translating and rewriting all of our articles into English from the original Norwegian. Whilst we are proud of the quality of our language skills here at AVA, we are aware that there may be some slightly odd syntax and wording present in the articles that have been translated. The approach we have taken to this translation process is in order to get as much information as possible out to our customers in a timely fashion. Thusly the ongoing revision and updating of these articles by our British-Norwegian team will include slight changes to how the text is put together in order to bring it more into line with correct British English.