NF S61-112 Fire Extinguishing Hoses - Flexible Hoses in Diameters of 25 - 45 - 70 - 110 - 152 mm

The French standard “NF S61-112 Fire extinguishing hoses - flexible hoses in diameters 25 - 45 - 70 - 110 - 152 mm” describes the performance requirements and test methods for verifying these requirements for flexible hoses, with or without protective sheaths, in diameters of 25, 45, 70, 110, and 152 mm and abrasion classes A or B, used in fire and rescue services. This standard defines the dimensions, pressure drop, and the contents of the user manual, markings, and technical data sheet for all hoses. For DN 70 hoses, it specifies compatibility requirements with wheeled hose reels.

In short, this standard specifies the performance requirements for flexible conveyor hoses used in fire suppression and fire protection applications. This standard covers collapsible (straight) conveyor hoses with specified nominal diameters. These hoses are designed to convey water or extinguishing agents from a pump or hydrant to a fire nozzle or other equipment. This standard defines the following:

• Performance criteria that hoses must meet
• Test methods to verify suitability

This standard applies to hoses with or without an external protective sheath/jacket (protective sleeve).

Hoses certified according to the NF S61-112 standard are expected to have the following characteristics:

• Resilience to climatic conditions: Such as heat, cold, and exposure to UV rays.
• Resistance to aggressive environments: Seawater, brackish water, and in some cases, chemicals.
• Mechanical durability: Such as burst pressure resistance, abrasion resistance, and bending resistance.
• Hydraulic performance: Low pressure drop, good flow capacity.
• Flexibility and ease of storage (as they are foldable/flat hoses that can be coiled up compactly when empty)
• Compatibility with fasteners and other fire extinguishing equipment.

Many manufacturers emphasize that compatible hoses remain functional over a wide temperature range (for example, some product specifications range from -30 degrees to +80 degrees) and offer a long service life (some premium models come with a 20-year warranty).

The relevant standards are as follows:

• NF S61-111 Fire extinguishing hose assemblies - Assembly requirements and testing of hoses and fittings: Typically used together. Covers assembly requirements for complete hose lines (including fittings and connection methods). The hoses themselves must conform to NF S61-112 or equivalent standards (in some cases NF EN 1947). The fittings must comply with NF S61-701 standard.
• NF S61-521 Fire extinguishing equipment - Mobile hose reel: Wheeled hose reels that are frequently used with these hoses.
• International/cross-references: Some products also meet the requirements of BS 6391 standard Type 3, DIN 14811 standard Class 3, or the marine equipment directive.

In France, fire extinguishing equipment (particularly for professional fire services and industrial safety) often requires NF S61-112 certification for flexible distribution hoses.

This standard ensures reliability and interoperability in emergency situations where rapid deployment, durability under pressure, and resistance to harsh conditions are critical.

Fire hoses are vital equipment used by professional firefighters under extreme conditions. Without a national standard, significant risks arise, including equipment failure, incompatibility, inconsistent performance, and reduced effectiveness in emergencies. The key reasons why this standard is considered important are as follows:

• Ensuring reliable performance in challenging real-world conditions: Fire hoses must withstand the following:
• High pressures (typically 10-20 bar or more during operations)
• Abrasion (from sliding on concrete, asphalt, rubble, or uneven terrain)
• Bending, twisting, and folding
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, UV radiation, seawater, brackish water, chemicals, ozone, and hydrocarbons.
• Repeated use, rolling, and storage.

This standard defines stringent minimum performance levels and precise testing methods (e.g., burst pressure, wear classes A or B, pressure drop/hydraulic efficiency, dimensional stability, resistance to environmental degradation). This guarantees that a hose marked as compliant will not burst, leak excessively, or rapidly deteriorate, posing a risk to life and property.

• Compatibility with French fire department equipment: French fire department operations rely on standardized equipment for rapid and interoperable response between departments.
• Fasteners (NF S61-701 series)
• Wheel hose reels (NF S61-521)
• Nozzles, pumps, and tools.

This standard includes specific requirements for DN 70 hoses (the most common intrusion line size) regarding the following:

• Maximum linear mass
• Maximum volume/weight when flattened.

These ensure the hoses sit neatly on wheeled reels without violating the minimum ground clearance (e.g., 100 mm), preventing operational problems or safety hazards.

In conclusion, the NF S61-112 standard is not merely a technical specification, but a safety assurance adapted to the realities of French firefighting, ensuring hoses are durable, compatible, and high-performing in situations where seconds matter. Therefore, it is mandatory in professional contexts in France, even though international norms exist.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "NF S61-112 Fire extinguishing hoses - flexible hoses in diameters of 25 - 45 - 70 - 110 - 152" standard.