BS EN 14540:2014

BSI Standards Publication

Fire-fighting hoses — Non-

percolating layflat hoses for
fixed systems
BS EN 14540:2014 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 14540:2014. It
supersedes BS EN 14540:2004 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee FSH/17/8, Hydrants, hoses and associated water delivery
equipment.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2014. Published by BSI Standards
Limited 2014
ISBN 978 0 580 78802 4
ICS 13.220.10; 23.040.70
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 July 2014.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
 BS EN 14540:2014

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 14540

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM July 2014

ICS 13.220.10; 23.040.70 Supersedes EN 14540:2004+A1:2007

English Version

Fire-fighting hoses - Non-percolating layflat hoses for fixed

systems

Tuyaux de lutte contre l'incendie - Tuyaux aplatissables Feuerlöschläuche - Flachschläuche für Wandhydranten
étanches pour systèmes fixes

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 May 2014.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 14540:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................5
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................5
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................6
4 Materials and construction of hose .....................................................................................................6
5 Dimensions, tolerances and maximum mass .....................................................................................6
5.1 Inside diameter and maximum mass ...................................................................................................6
5.2 Length and tolerances on length .........................................................................................................6
6 Performance requirements of finished hose ......................................................................................7
6.1 Hydrostatic requirements .....................................................................................................................7
6.1.1 Deformation under normal working pressure ....................................................................................7
6.1.2 Deformation under proof pressure ......................................................................................................7
6.1.3 Minimum burst pressure .......................................................................................................................7
6.1.4 Kink pressure .........................................................................................................................................8
6.2 Adhesion .................................................................................................................................................8
6.3 Accelerated ageing ................................................................................................................................8
6.4 Low temperature flexibility ...................................................................................................................8
6.5 Hot surface resistance ..........................................................................................................................8
6.6 Resistance to kinking ............................................................................................................................8
7 Frequency of testing .............................................................................................................................9
8 Marking ...................................................................................................................................................9
Annex A (normative) Frequencies of testing (type test and production test) ........................................... 10
Annex B (informative) Frequencies of testing (batch test) ......................................................................... 11
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

2
 BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

Foreword

This document (EN 14540:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 192 “Fire and Rescue
Service Equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2015 and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by January 2015.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 14540:2004+A1:2007.

This revised standard now references EN 15889:2011, Fire-fighting hoses - Test methods, which includes the
test methods formerly in annexes within EN 14540.

This standard is based on liaison with CEN/TC 191 “Fixed fire-fighting systems” and should be read in
conjunction with EN 671-2.

Requirements for semi-rigid hoses for use with fire-fighting pumps and vehicles are given in EN 1947; those
semi-rigid hoses for fixed systems are given in EN 694.

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

3
BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

Introduction

A fixed system is a manually operated unit installed in a building in order to make it possible for the occupants
to control and extinguish a small fire. The system consists of fixed units mounted on walls or in cabinets
permanently connected to a water supply. The fixed units are composed of a coupling, a valve with a pressure
indicator, a layflat hose with its support and a nozzle.

The fixed systems are specified in EN 671-2, Fixed firefighting systems — Hose systems — Part 2: Hose
systems with lay-flat hose.

4
 BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

1 Scope

This European Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for non-percolating layflat hoses for
fixed systems. The hoses are intended for use at a maximum working pressure of 1,5 MPa over a range of
inside diameters from 25 mm to 52 mm.

This European Standard applies exclusively to hoses for fire-fighting purposes intended for use at a minimum
ambient temperature of −20 °C in normal conditions, and a minimum temperature of −30 °C in colder climatic
conditions and a maximum ambient temperature of +60 °C. Hoses conforming to this standard should be used
with fire hose couplings conforming to the relevant national standards for couplings.

NOTE 1 Hoses for use at ambient temperatures below −20 °C can be supplied if they have been tested at the specified
lower temperature in accordance with 6.4 and identified by their marking in Clause 8 f).

Hoses in marine applications and/or aggressive environments to be used with wall hydrants as specified in
EN 671-2 can conform to the requirements of this standard.

NOTE 2 All pressures are gauge pressures and are expressed in megapascals 1.

2 Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

EN 15889:2011, Fire-fighting hoses - Test methods

EN ISO 1307, Rubber and plastics hoses - Hose sizes, minimum and maximum inside diameters, and
tolerances on cut-to-length hoses (ISO 1307)

EN ISO 1402, Rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies - Hydrostatic testing (ISO 1402)

EN ISO 4671, Rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies - Methods of measurement of the dimensions
of hoses and the lengths of hose assemblies (ISO 4671)

EN ISO 8033, Rubber and plastics hoses - Determination of adhesion between components (ISO 8033)

EN ISO 8330, Rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies - Vocabulary (ISO 8330)

1 1 MPa = 10 bar

5
BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 8330 and the following apply.

3.1
layflat hose
hose with a soft wall which, when unpressurized internally, collapses to such an extent that the inner faces of
the inside diameter make contact and the hose takes up a flat cross-sectional appearance

3.2
jacket
circular woven seamless reinforcement

4 Materials and construction of hose

The hose shall be uncovered. It shall consist of the following:

a) a water impermeable rubber or plastics lining;

b) a synthetic fibre jacket.

1) The hose jacket can be dyed or pigmented.

2) The hose manufacturer should weave the jacket and assemble the jacket and lining.

The lining should be as smooth as possible so as to minimize friction.

5 Dimensions, tolerances and maximum mass

5.1 Inside diameter and maximum mass

The inside diameter of the hose and tolerances when measured in accordance with EN ISO 4671 shall
conform to the requirements given in Table 1. The mass per metre length for a length of hose of at least 2 m,
without couplings fitted, shall not exceed the value given in Table 1.

Table 1 — Inside diameter, tolerances on inside diameter and maximum mass per unit length

Inside diameter Tolerances for inside Maximum mass per

diameter unit length

mm mm kg/m

25 −0,5 to +1,0 0,18

38 0,24
40/42/45 −0,5 to +1,5 0,29
50/51/52 0,35
5.2 Length and tolerances on length

The total length of hose supplied shall be stated in metres.

Tolerance on length shall be in accordance with EN ISO 1307.

NOTE The coil or flake size, and the test procedures to determine these can, if considered necessary, be stated by
the purchaser.

6
 BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

6 Performance requirements of finished hose

6.1 Hydrostatic requirements

6.1.1 Deformation under normal working pressure

The dimensional stability of the hose when tested in accordance with EN ISO 1402, shall conform to the
requirements of Table 2 and Table 3.

The initial test pressure shall be 0,07 MPa, and the final test pressure shall be 1,0 MPa.

The twisting line shall be clockwise.

Table 2 — Change in length and external diameter

Tolerances
%

Change in length 0,0 to +5,0

Change in external diameter 0,0 to +5,0

Table 3 — Twisting line

Inside diameter Maximum twist

mm °/m

25 120
38 to 52 inclusive 100

6.1.2 Deformation under proof pressure

A proof pressure hold test shall be carried out on three hose lengths each of 1 m in accordance with
EN ISO 1402. The proof pressure shall be as given in Table 4 and on examination during the test, the test
pieces shall not show any evidence of leakage, cracking, abrupt distortion or other signs of failure.

Table 4 — Working pressures, proof pressure and minimum burst pressure

Pressure
MPa

Normal working pressure 1,0

a
Maximum working pressure 1,5
b
Proof pressure 2,25
Minimum burst pressure 4,5
a
To accommodate pump close down pressures, the maximum working pressure may be exceeded by a
maximum of 0,2 MPa for short periods only.
b
A statistically based sampling plan may be used to provide evidence that hoses in a given batch
conform to the proof pressure requirement.

6.1.3 Minimum burst pressure

Three test pieces of length 1 m shall be subjected to the burst pressure test as specified in EN ISO 1402.

No individual test piece shall burst at less than the burst pressure given in Table 4.

7
BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

It is not necessary to increase the pressure above the minimum burst value to burst the hose. It is sufficient to
increase the pressure to the required minimum burst pressure stated in Table 4 in order to pass this test
requirement. This should be stated in the Test Report.

6.1.4 Kink pressure

When tested in accordance with EN 15889:2011, Annex C, the test piece shall neither burst nor show any
signs of leakage or damage when examined visually before or after being subjected to the proof pressure
given in Table 4.

6.2 Adhesion

When tested in accordance with type 1 of EN ISO 8033 the adhesion between the lining and jacket shall be
not less than 1,0 kN/m.

The test piece shall be of length (25 ± 0,5) mm cut at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the hose. The ring
shall be cut transversely and opened out to form a strip and the adhesion determined with the rate of travel of
the power driven grips such that a rate of ply separation of (50 ± 5) mm/min is obtained.

If an adhesion result is not possible because of tearing due to high adhesion, this shall be accepted as a pass.
All adhesions shall be attempted and the results recorded.

6.3 Accelerated ageing

The hose shall be tested in accordance with EN 15889:2011, D.1.

After ageing, subject three test pieces to the burst pressure test as specified in 6.1.3.

The mean of the burst pressure test results shall not decrease by more than 25 % from the initial mean burst
pressure value determined from the results obtained in 6.1.3.

Subject the remaining test piece to the adhesion test as given in 6.2.

The adhesion between lining and jacket of the coiled test piece shall be not less than 0,9 kN/m.

6.4 Low temperature flexibility

When tested in accordance with EN 15889:2011, G.1, the inner lining of the hose shall not crack or become
loose from the jacket after 15 cycles. The test temperatures shall be as specified below:

Standard test temperature (−20 ± 2) °C

Special test temperature (−30 ± 2) °C

NOTE The special test temperature requirement is for hoses for use in the colder climatic conditions of Northern
Europe.

6.5 Hot surface resistance

When tested in accordance with EN 15889:2011, Annex H at a test temperature of (200 ± 10) °C, the test
piece shall not show signs of leakage within 120 s from the application of the filament rod or on removal of the
filament rod after this period, in none of the four tests.

6.6 Resistance to kinking

When tested in accordance with EN 15889:2011, Annex Q and using a bending radius 10 times its inside
diameter, the hose shall not show any kinks when examined visually.

8
 BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

7 Frequency of testing

Type tests and Production tests shall be carried out as detailed in Annex A.

Batch tests as given in Annex B shall be carried to control the quality of the product. They are for guidance
only.

8 Marking

Each length of hose shall be legibly and permanently marked with the following minimum information, at least
twice per length, at both ends:

a) the manufacturer's name or trade mark

b) the number and date of this European Standard;

c) the inside diameter;

d) the maximum working pressure in MPa (bar);

e) the quarter and year of manufacture;

f) the test temperature if lower than −20 °C (see 6.4);

g) the approval number and the certifying body or its reference, where applicable.

EXAMPLE Man - EN 14540:2014 - 20 - 45 - 1,5(15) - 2Q/2014

9
BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

Annex A
(normative)
Frequencies of testing (type test and production test)

Table A.1 gives the frequencies for the tests specified in this standard.

Type tests are those tests carried out to determine that the hose design and methods of manufacture meet the
full requirements of the standard. They shall be repeated whenever the hose construction or the materials are
modified. Repeat type tests shall be carried out every five years unless it can be confirmed by the
manufacturer that no changes have been made during this period.

Production tests are those tests to be carried out on every manufactured length of hose.

Table A.1 – Frequencies of testing

Dimension/property under test (with reference to Type test Production test

relevant clause)
Inside diameter (5.1) X X
Maximum mass (5.1) X X
Change in length at normal working pressure (6.1.1) X -
Change in external diameter at normal working pressure X -
(6.1.1)
Twist at normal working pressure (6.1.1) X -
Proof pressure (6.1.2) X -
Minimum burst pressure (6.1.3) X -
Kink pressure (6.1.4) X -
Adhesion (6.2) X -
Accelerated ageing (6.3) X -
Low temperature flexibility (6.4) X -
Hot surface resistance (6.5) X -
Non-kink properties (6.6) X -
NOTE X to be tested.

10
 BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

Annex B
(informative)
Frequencies of testing (batch test)

Batch tests are those tests to be carried out on a hose or sample of hose from every batch manufactured.

Table B.1 – Frequencies of testing

Dimension/property under test (with reference to relevant clause) Batch test

Inside diameter (5.1) X
Maximum mass (5.1) X
Change in length at normal working pressure (6.1.1) X
Change in external diameter at normal working pressure (6.1.1) X
Twist at normal working pressure (6.1.1) X
Proof pressure (6.1.2) X
Minimum burst pressure (6.1.3) X
Kink pressure (6.1.4) X
Adhesion (6.2) X
Accelerated ageing (6.3) -
Low temperature flexibility (6.4) -
Hot surface resistance (6.5) -
Non-kink properties (6.6) -
NOTE X to be tested.

11
BS EN 14540:2014
EN 14540:2014 (E)

Bibliography

[1] EN 671-2, Fixed firefighting systems - Hose systems - Part 2: Hose systems with lay-flat hose

[2] EN ISO 9001, Quality management systems - Requirements (ISO 9001)

[3] EN 1947, Fire-fighting hoses — Semi-rigid delivery hoses and hose assemblies for pumps and
vehicles

[4] EN 694, Fire-fighting hoses — Semi-rigid hoses for fixed systems

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