At what pressure should hoses be pumped to ensure they do not exceed the annual service test?

To ensure that hoses do not exceed the annual service test pressure, they should be pumped to a pressure of 90% of the service test pressure. This practice is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of the hoses during operation. The annual service test is designed to verify that the hoses can withstand normal operating pressures without experiencing failures. By testing at 90%, operators ensure a margin of safety, allowing some tolerance for variations and potential weaknesses that may not be apparent in routine inspections.

Pumping hoses at 90% allows the operators to avoid unnecessary stress that could lead to hose failure, while still ensuring that they are capable of handling the pressures they will encounter in real fire service situations. This percentage is a widely accepted standard and is based on industry practices, ensuring reliability and durability during firefighting operations.