Overview
EN ISO 14557:2021 (ISO 14557:2021) specifies requirements and test methods for rubber and plastics suction hoses and hose assemblies used in fire-fighting. It covers hose construction, dimensions, performance criteria and marking for hoses intended to supply unpressurized water to pumps or to discharge water. The standard applies to two construction types: Type A (rubber) - rated for use down to −20 °C, and Type B (thermoplastics) - rated for use down to −10 °C. Pressures are expressed in megapascals (MPa) and bar (1 MPa = 10 bar).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Classification and construction
- Type A: rubber lining, textile reinforcement, embedded wire helix, ozone‑resistant rubber cover.
- Type B: flexible thermoplastic wall with rigid polymer helix reinforcement.
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Internal diameters, lengths and maximum mass requirements are specified.
- Performance and testing
- Hydrostatic tests (proof and burst), deformation under proof pressure.
- Vacuum resistance (including tests with flexing).
- Low temperature flexibility and bending resistance.
- Adhesion tests (Type A).
- Ozone resistance (Type A) and UV resistance, loss in mass on heating, pressure impulse resistance, reinforcement fracture resistance (Type B).
- Frequency of testing, routine and type tests; detailed procedures in normative annexes (pressure impulse, reinforcement fracture, flexibility, vacuum with flexing, assembly proof tests).
- Hose assemblies
- Additional requirements when couplings are fitted by the hose manufacturer; marking and proof pressure tests apply.
- Marking and documentation
- Requirements for hose and hose assembly identification and traceability.
Applications
- Primary use: suction hoses for fire-fighting, manual supply of unpressurized water to pumps and water discharge lines.
- Suited for fire brigades, municipal and industrial fire protection systems, and mobile pump operations where reliable suction performance and environmental resistance are required.
Who should use this standard
- Hose manufacturers (design, production, quality control and assembly of couplings)
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing type and routine tests
- Fire and rescue services, procurement officials and equipment specifiers
- Regulatory and standards bodies and maintenance engineers specifying replacement parts
Related standards
EN ISO 14557 refers to and works with other hose standards such as:
By following EN ISO 14557:2021, stakeholders ensure that fire‑fighting suction hoses and assemblies meet harmonized performance, safety and traceability requirements for reliable field use.
