Single Jacket vs. Double Jacket

Double Jacket hose is what fire departments all around the United States primarily use. They use double jacketed hoses because of the extra durability and high test pressure. Sometimes, it can be referred to as "lay-flat", or double-layered hose.

Double jacket hose has an extra layer or jacket that slides over a single jacket to increase the pressure and the durability of the hose. Below the jacket, every single and double jacket hose contains the same rubber liner on the inside. If a hose is being dragged on a concrete or pavement surface a lot, it will wear out the double jacket outer layer first. This protects the single jacket. 50-foot lengths are easier to handle and offer more layout flexibility rather than 100-foot lengths.

White Hose vs. Colored Hose

Adding color to a hose will increase the durability of the hose, regardless of single or double jacket specifications. A single jacket hose, with color, will last longer than a colorless, white one.

The best hose in the market will be a Made in America double jacket hose with color.

Brass Couplings vs. Aluminum Couplings

All hoses come with a a male and a female coupling. They come in either aluminum or brass. Every fire department in the United States uses aluminum. Some applications, like the Coast Guard, will require brass couplings for saltwater or chemical use.

NH / NST vs. NPSH

Fire Hose couplings will usually have thread type stenciled on the adapter or swivel. Hoses are designed for water only, and not for air. Once a coupling is attached to the hose, it becomes the strongest part of the assembly. Typically, the hose will break before the couplings come off.

NH / NST is also referred to as "Fire Hose thread." It is a very coarse thread primarily used in 80% of the country. If you are not sure what thread your fire department uses, contact your local department. For example, New York City and Chicago use a unique, special thread. Remember, NH / NST threads can only connect to other NH or NST fittings, adapters or nozzles.

NPSH is also known as "Pipe thread." NPSH is not compatible with NH / NST, but will connect to a male PVC, metal or galvanized steel pipe. A NPT pipe will work with a female NPSH threaded directly to it. The connection seals with the use of a gasket, which provides the ability to take it on or off.

NPSH male couplings will NOT thread into a female NPT. And remember, NPSH male fittings can only connect to other female NPSH fittings, adapters or nozzles.  

NH / NST is typically found in the Fire Hose market; NPSH is typically found in an industrial market. 

Expansion Rings

Fire hoses use an expansionary coupling. They are Made in the USA and manufactured from 6061-TB aluminum. They meet NFPA 1963 standards and are finished with a hardcoat anodized finish, providing corrosion and abrasion resistance.

Measuring Hose Couplings

The outside measurement of a 1 1/2" fire hose coupling will measure 2 inches. Also, the outside measurement of a 2 1/2" coupling with measure three inches.

The correct way to determine fire hose coupling size is to measure the outside diameter of the male coupling. Do NOT measure the female.

Domestic Hose vs. Imported Hose

All our domestic fire hoses are service-tested before shipping. Our imported hoses are excellent, but are not tested prior to shipping. We highly recommend purchasing domestic fire hose.

EPDM vs. Polyurethane Liner