EN 694 Fire Fighting Hoses - Semi-Rigid Hoses for Fixed Systems

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of EN 694 testing. The EN 694 standard, a European standard, describes requirements and defines test methods for semi-rigid fire-fighting hoses for use with fixed systems.

These test methods apply to hoses with the following diameter and pressure information:

• 19 Mpa maximum working pressure for 25mm and 1,2mm ID hoses;
• 33 MPa maximum working pressure for 0,7 mm ID hoses.

Hoses conforming to the EN 694 standard are designed for applications where long intervals occur between use cases, eg fixed fire hose reels in buildings and other construction works.

This standard only applies to fire fighting hoses intended for use in non-aggressive or non-corrosive ambient conditions in the temperature range of minus 20 degrees to plus 60 degrees. For use in ambient temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius, hoses can be supplied if they have been tested at the lower temperature described in the standard and are identified with the required markings. Pressure values ​​are expressed in megapascals (1 MPa = 10 bar).

The three main features of fire extinguishing hoses are:

• Hose structure. To be reliable, the fire hose must be made of the best materials available. Most hoses are flexible, waterproof and have a smooth rubber or neoprene lining covered with a durable material;
• Hose dimensions. The size of a fire hose corresponds to the inside diameter of the hose;
• Type of fire couplings. Hose couplings are designed to connect fire hoses to nozzles, hydrants and pump connections to create a continuous hose line.

Corrosion damage occurs when a substance attacks the metal of the hose coupling, which degrades the original material and weakens it. Brass and aluminum are highly resistant to corrosion, but over time corrosion can still occur. Apart from corrosion, thermal damage to a fire hose can also result from exposure to extreme heat or cold. Effects such as charring, melting, freezing and cracking in the hose can weaken the hose sheath, coupling and the entire hose.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with EN 694 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.