The Insurance Service Office (ISO), in their evaluation of fire department hose testing, investigates to ensure that fire hose 3 inches and smaller in diameter is tested at no higher than 250 psi and that hose larger than 3 inches in diameters follows NFPA 1962 for test pressure (generally 200 psi).

 

Fire apparatus manufacturers are only required to hydrostatically test the pumping systems on new fire apparatus to 250 psi at the factory, and apparatus fire pumps are only required to be tested to a maximum of 250 psi during the annual fire pump test.

 

The purpose of the Standard for the Inspection, Care and Use of Fire Hose, Couplings, Appliances and Nozzles and the Service Testing of Fire Hose is to provide a reasonable level of safety for users of fire hose and a reasonable degree of assurance that the hose, coupling assemblies, appliances and nozzles will perform as designed.  This applies to the care of all types of fire hose, coupling assemblies, appliances and nozzles while in service, in use and after use, including inspecting and service testing.

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FIRE HOSE TESTING

Fire hose testing includes:

 

  • Removal of fire hose from apparatus or storage
  • Identification numbers when needed
  • Labeling and recording of all information for each length of hose
  • Inspection of all fire hose, nozzles, coupling and appliances in accordance with NFPA standards
  • Rolling and repacking of fire hose in the same place and manner as it was removed or as you would prefer
  • Pressure testing (from NFPA 1961, Fire Hose, 2007 Edition) — Pressure testing attack hose, nozzles, adaptors and appliances to 300 psi minimum pressure.  Pressure testing supply hose, appliances and adaptors to 200 psi minimum pressure.  Pressure testing occupants use hose, nozzles, adaptors and appliances to 150 psi minimum pressure.  Pressure testing any hose, nozzles, adaptors or appliances that will be used at pressures above 250 psi in the course of firefighting activities at 50 psi above the normal operating pressure of the hose, nozzles, adaptors or appliances.