Velocity pressure is measured using a ____________.

Velocity pressure is specifically measured using a pitot tube, which is an instrument designed to measure the dynamic pressure of fluid flow. The pitot tube operates by converting the kinetic energy of the fluid into pressure. When fluid flows into the tube, it creates a pressure differential; the pressure in the tube is related to the fluid's velocity at the point of measurement. This relationship allows technicians to determine the velocity pressure, which is essential for assessing the performance of sprinkler systems and ensuring adequate water distribution in fire protection applications.

In contrast, normal pressure gauges typically measure static pressure in a system, dial indicator gauges are used for various applications but not specifically for velocity pressure, and pressure reducing valves (PRVs) are used to manage and reduce water pressure in systems rather than measure velocity. Thus, the pitot tube stands out as the appropriate instrument for measuring velocity pressure accurately.