GENERAL

Fire hose is one of the most important tools used by the fire department. As such, these specifications must be adhered to unless the proposed specification exceeds specification listed. Only the fire department can determine if proposed product exceeds specification and product must be approved as "equal" prior to bid.

1.  HOSE CONSTRUCTION

1.1 Hose meeting this specification shall consist of a 100% synthetic high tensile yarn reinforcement circular woven in a "TWILL CONFIGURATION" to maximize hose flexibility and eliminate any left hand twist.

1.2 The woven reinforcement shall be totally encased in a matrix of ozone resistant nitrile rubber utilizing a single, THROUGH THE WEAVE EXTRUSION PROCESS, thereby eliminating the possibility of delamination found in layered hoses.

1.3 The unitized finished product shall thereby optimize hydrostatic properties, abrasion resistance and rubber to yarn adhesion.

2.  LINING AND COVER PROPERTIES

When tested in accordance with the procedures listed in NFPA 1961 (Latest Edition) and other related standards, liner and cover shall have the following properties:

2.1 Ultimate Tensile Strength:  Tensile strength of lining and cover rubber compound shall not be less than 1600 psi.

2.2 Ultimate Elongation:  Ultimate elongation of liner and cover shall not be less than 400%.

2.3 Permanent Elongation:  Permanent elongation of liner shall not be greater than 25%.

2.4 Accelerated Aging Test:  When using conditions as listed in ASTM D1349-99, samples of the vulcanized rubber compound subjected to air oven aging at 100 degrees C for 70 +/- 1/2 hr. and then tested in accordance with ASTM D573-04 will exhibit a tensile strength of not less than 80% of the un-aged sample. The ultimate elongation shall be not less than 50% of the original value.

2.5 Adhesion:  Adhesion between reinforcement and either cover or liner shall be a minimum of 15 lbs when tested using the ASTM D380-99 procedure.
 
2.6 Ozone Resistance:  Hose shall show no visible signs of cracking of the lining or cover when tested in accordance with ASTM D1149-99 and ASTM D518-99, Procedure B, 100 pphm/118 degrees F/70 hours. Hose shall meet NFPA requirements for "ozone resistant" hose, and have approval to be labeled as ozone resistant.

2.7 Chalking:  Hose furnished to this specification shall not react adversely to environmental changes (chalking caused by exposure to sunlight).

2.8 Chemical Resistance:  Exposure to sea water and contamination by most chemical substances, hydrocarbons, oils, alkalis, acids and grease must have no effect on the short or long term performance of the hose. Manufacturer shall provide standard chemical resistance charts.

3.  SAFETY FACTORS

3.1. Abrasion Resistance Safety Factors:  Abrasion resistance bears a direct relationship to the safe performance of the hose on the fire ground and as such will not be compromised. The U. L. Reciprocating Test - listed first - is felt to most closely reproduce this fire department's actual fire ground conditions and is therefore considered of prime importance to the Purchasing Authority. Hose meeting all the abrasion resistance safety factors listed below shall do so without exceeding the average weights listed in paragraph 7.3. of this specification.
 
3.1.a safety factor to damage - U. L. Reciprocating Test. Safety factor to damage test:  Hose shall withstand 5,000 cycles on a reciprocating abrasion tester - as specified in UL Std 19 - resulting in no delamination or damage to the reinforcing yarns. Hose so abraded shall comply with section 4.1 of this specification.

3.1.b safety factor to exposure - Taber Test. Safety factor to exposure Taber Test:  Hose shall withstand 10,000 cycles on the taber abrasion machine H22 wheels, 1,000 gm total load per wheel, 2000 gm total, without any exposure of the synthetic reinforcement fibers.  Tests to be performed in accordance with ASTM D3389-94. Wheels must be re-faced immediately prior to commencement of test.

3.1.c safety factor to damage - Taber Test. Safety factor to damage Taber Test:  Hose shall withstand 24,000 cycles on the taber abrasion machine H22 wheel, 1,000 gm total load per wheel, 2000 gm total, without damage to the synthetic reinforcement fibers.
Tests to be performed in accordance with ASTM D3389-94. Wheels must be re-faced immediately prior to commencement of test.

3.2 Cold Resistance Safety Factor:  Cold resistance bears a direct relationship to the safe performance of the hose on the fire ground and as such will not be compromised. Hose meeting the cold resistance safety factors listed below shall do so without exceeding the average weights listed in paragraph 7.3.

3.2.a  Hose shall have a capability of safe use down to –35°F. Hose shall have no apparent damage to cover reinforcement or lining when subjected to the following cold bending test: A 50 foot length of dry hose is to be firmly coiled and placed in a cold box at –35°F for a duration of 24 hours. Immediately after removal of the hose from the box, hose should be uncoiled and laid out by one operator. Following this procedure, the hose shall not leak or show any damage to the reinforcement when subjected to hydrostatic acceptance test pressure as herein listed in item 4.1.

3.3 Heat Resistance Safety Factor:  Heat resistance bears a direct relationship to the safe performance of the hose on the fire ground and as such will not be compromised. Hose meeting the heat resistance safety factors listed below shall do so without exceeding the average weights listed in paragraph 7.3. of this specification.

3.3.a  The hose when subjected to a static pressure of 100 psi shall be capable of safely withstanding a surface temperature of 1200°F for a minimum of two minutes without bursting. Heat resistance to be demonstrated on request of the Purchasing Authority.

3.4 Proven Performance Safety Factor: Proven performance is of prime concern to the Purchasing Authority. Performance testing by a third party shall be recognized by OSHA in accordance with the OSHA regulations set forth at 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1910.7, Appendix A, "OSHA Recognition Process for Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.

4.  PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

4. 1. Hydrostatic Pressure Test:  The hose shall comply with the National Fire Protection Association Standard: NFPA 1961 (Latest Edition).
 

Diameter	Service Pressure	Acceptance Pressure	Kink Proof Pressure	Short Length Burst Pressure	Curved Length Burst Pressure
5"	200 psi	400 psi	400 psi	600 psi	600 psi
4"	200 psi	400 psi	400 psi	600 psi	600 psi