A Quick Reference About The Fire Hose

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A Quick Reference About The Fire Hose

Posted On : Feb-04-2011 | seen (575) times | Article Word Count : 553 |

The fire hose was invented by Jan van der Heyden in 1672 with the goal of improving the capability of fire marshals to extinguish fires in his native Amsterdam. It is interesting to note that van der Heyden was not a fire fighter. He was an artist and an inventor but he certainly made a priceless contribution to the field of fire fighting by inventing the fire hose. When you imagine a fire fighter, the likely picture that comes to mind is someone clad in fire-fighting suit and carrying a fire hose.

While modern fire fighting equipment have been developed to control and contain fires, the fire hose remains as the single, most important tool because of its unique ability to enable a fire fighter to gain access to the site of the blaze and control the direction of the water to completely douse the flames. Aside from water, the fire hose can also deliver other fire retardants like foam at a minimum of 0.33 liter per second. The typical fire hose consists of one or more outer layers of fabric with an inner layer of rubber. A distinct feature of most fire hoses is that they have been specifically designed to be stored flat. This saves space when it has to be stored, either in a hose reel or in a hanging rack.

There are different types of hoses designed for fire fighting purposes. Those that are designed and manufactured to be used under positive pressure are called discharge hoses. This class of hoses include the attack hose, booster hose, forestry hose, relay hose and the supply hose. Attack hoses, as the name suggests, are used to deliver a jet of water from a fire engine while supply hoses are used to transport water to the fire engine. On the other hand, hoses used under negative pressure are termed suction hoses.

Fire hoses are also classified based on size. To date, there are five major classes which include the 1 ¾ inch hose, the 2 ½ inch hose, the 3 inch and the 5 inch hoses, the Booster and the Hard Suction hose. The 1 ¾ inch hose is basically used whenever fire fighters have to enter a building to contain the fire. The 2 ½ inch hose is also known as Blitz Line and it is primarily used to fight fittings massive fires. The 3 inch and the 5 inch hoses are generally used as the main supply lines to carry water from sources like a fire hydrant. The Booster is used for small blazes and during clean-up operations. The Hard Suction hose is used to ferry water from other possible sources aside from the hydrant.

The older types of fire hoses need to be hung after use because water that is left inside for extended periods can affect the hose material. However, modern fire hoses are manufactured from different types of fabrics and elastomers. These materials are more durable and allow fire hoses to be stored even when wet without compromising the integrity of its material. Modern hoses are also lightweight and they have been designed to withstand the effects of various chemicals and sunlight. As technology advances, new knowledge and materials are being integrated into the composition of existing hoses to further boost their efficiency.

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<h1>A Quick Reference About The Fire Hose</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Jessy Ryder.aspx'>Jessy Ryder</a> The fire hose was invented by Jan van der Heyden in 1672 with the goal of improving the capability of fire marshals to extinguish fires in his native Amsterdam. It is interesting to note that van der Heyden was not a fire fighter. He was an artist and an inventor but he certainly made a priceless contribution to the field of fire fighting by inventing the fire hose. When you imagine a fire fighter, the likely picture that comes to mind is someone clad in fire-fighting suit and carrying a fire hose.

While modern fire fighting equipment have been developed to control and contain fires, the fire hose remains as the single, most important tool because of its unique ability to enable a fire fighter to gain access to the site of the blaze and control the direction of the water to completely douse the flames. Aside from water, the fire hose can also deliver other fire retardants like foam at a minimum of 0.33 liter per second. The typical fire hose consists of one or more outer layers of fabric with an inner layer of rubber. A distinct feature of most fire hoses is that they have been specifically designed to be stored flat. This saves space when it has to be stored, either in a hose reel or in a hanging rack.

There are different types of hoses designed for fire fighting purposes. Those that are designed and manufactured to be used under positive pressure are called discharge hoses. This class of hoses include the attack hose, booster hose, forestry hose, relay hose and the supply hose. Attack hoses, as the name suggests, are used to deliver a jet of water from a fire engine while supply hoses are used to transport water to the fire engine. On the other hand, hoses used under negative pressure are termed suction hoses.

Fire hoses are also classified based on size. To date, there are five major classes which include the 1 ¾ inch hose, the 2 ½ inch hose, the 3 inch and the 5 inch hoses, the Booster and the Hard Suction hose. The 1 ¾ inch hose is basically used whenever fire fighters have to enter a building to contain the fire. The 2 ½ inch hose is also known as Blitz Line and it is primarily used to fight fittings massive fires. The 3 inch and the 5 inch hoses are generally used as the main supply lines to carry water from sources like a fire hydrant. The Booster is used for small blazes and during clean-up operations. The Hard Suction hose is used to ferry water from other possible sources aside from the hydrant.

The older types of fire hoses need to be hung after use because water that is left inside for extended periods can affect the hose material. However, modern fire hoses are manufactured from different types of fabrics and elastomers. These materials are more durable and allow fire hoses to be stored even when wet without compromising the integrity of its material. Modern hoses are also lightweight and they have been designed to withstand the effects of various chemicals and sunlight. As technology advances, new knowledge and materials are being integrated into the composition of existing hoses to further boost their efficiency.About the Author: We stock a full range of fire hoses and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hoseonline.com.au/Fire">fire fittings</a> equipment to ensure you are safe and well equipped during the fire season. As fire hose specialists we stock only the best fire <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hoseonline.com.au/Fire">hose reels</a>, kits and fittings. When looking for a fire hose look for one that offers strong durability and flexibility, the ability to withstand high temperatures as well as UV protection for outdoor use. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_A-Quick-Reference-About-The-Fire-Hose_51614.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_A Quick Reference About The Fire Hose_51614.aspx</a>

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We stock a full range of fire hoses and fire fittings equipment to ensure you are safe and well equipped during the fire season. As fire hose specialists we stock only the best fire hose reels, kits and fittings. When looking for a fire hose look for one that offers strong durability and flexibility, the ability to withstand high temperatures as well as UV protection for outdoor use.

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