For how long should a hose be tested to ensure its integrity?

The duration for testing a hose to ensure its integrity is typically stipulated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which are followed in most professional firefighter training and practices. Testing a hose for a duration of 5 minutes allows adequate time to apply pressure and monitor for any leaks or failures. This timeframe is long enough for water to flow through the entire length of the hose and ensures that any weak spots or potential issues can be detected while under pressure.

In contrast, shorter durations such as 1 or 3 minutes may not provide enough time to identify subtle problems that could lead to hose failure during actual firefighting operations. A 10-minute test, while thorough, is generally beyond the standard requirement, which can lead to unnecessary wear on the hose without providing proportionately more assurance of its integrity. Therefore, a 5-minute test is both sufficient and aligned with industry standards.