Factories in Taiwan Can Only Install Type 1 Indoor Hydrants: How to Choose Fire Hose Size, Pressure Rating and Abrasion Resistance

Under Article 34 of Taiwan's Standards for Installation of Fire Safety Equipment Based on Use and Occupancy, Class D occupancies (high-, medium- and low-hazard workplaces) may only install Type 1 indoor fire hydrants, and each Type 1 cabinet holds two 15 m hoses. When choosing those hoses, check three things together: the hose size matches the hydrant valve, the working pressure is not lower than the highest pressure that hydrant can see, and the outer jacket can withstand the floor surfaces and handling conditions on site.

Residential buildings in Taiwan can choose between Type 1 and Type 2 indoor hydrants. Factories classified as Class D cannot. A Type 1 hydrant needs two people to operate and delivers a larger flow, and its hoses are often dragged across concrete floors, past steel edges and through forklift aisles. When the wrong hose is specified or maintenance slips, the problem usually only shows up at the annual inspection or when water is actually needed. This article draws on the regulations, the Ministry of the Interior's Approval Standards for Fire Hoses and Hailong catalog data to answer the questions Class D sites ask most often.

Why can Class D sites only install Type 1 indoor hydrants?

Article 34 of the Standards requires sites used under Article 12, Paragraph 2, Item 11 (furniture showrooms) or Paragraph 4 (Class D occupancies) to install Type 1 hydrants; all other sites may choose Type 1 or Type 2. The Taipei City Fire Department's Plan to Promote Type 2 Indoor Fire Hydrants, issued on May 27, 2024, restates this restriction and excludes Class D sites from the new public buildings where Type 2 is to be prioritized.

Article 12 divides Class D occupancies into three groups:

• High-hazard workplaces: for example, warehouses storing ordinary combustible solids stacked higher than 5.5 m, sites handling flammable liquids with a flash point of 60°C or lower, facilities that produce, store or handle combustible high-pressure gas, and petrochemical, woodworking and painting operations.
• Medium-hazard workplaces: for example, warehouses storing ordinary combustible solids stacked no higher than 5.5 m, sites handling flammable liquids with a flash point above 60°C, and light industry.
• Low-hazard workplaces: sites where combustible materials are present but in small quantities, so any fire spreads slowly over a limited area.

Article 15 sets floor-area thresholds for when indoor hydrants are required. For example, in buildings of five storeys or fewer, a Class D site must install them once any single floor reaches 500 m². Where automatic sprinklers or similar systems are installed, hydrants may be omitted within the area those systems effectively protect. The occupancy class and equipment type that apply to a specific site are determined by the fire authority and the fire safety engineer's design.

How do Type 1 and Type 2 hose configurations differ?

A Type 1 cabinet contains a 38 mm or 50 mm hydrant valve, two 15 m hoses, a hose rack and a straight-stream/fog nozzle, and needs two operators. A Type 2 cabinet contains a 25 mm valve with one 30 m flexible hose or semi-rigid hose and can be operated by one person. Both cover a horizontal distance of 25 m, and both require a nozzle pressure of at least 1.7 kgf/cm².

Sources: Articles 34 and 37 of the Standards; appendix table of the Taipei City Fire Department's Type 2 promotion plan.

Nozzle reaction is calculated as F = 1.5 × d² × P, where d is the nozzle diameter in centimeters and P is the discharge pressure in kgf/cm². The Taipei table uses a 1.3 cm nozzle at 7 kgf/cm², which gives about 17.7 kg for Type 1. The plan notes that Type 1 produces strong reaction force and needs two operators; in practice, one person opens the valve at the cabinet while the other holds the nozzle. For a factory, that means every night shift or weekend duty roster should include at least two trained people who can run out the hose, couple it, open the valve and discharge water.

The same plan lists fewer delays from failed hose coupling as one advantage of Type 2. Put the other way, the two Type 1 hoses have to be coupled on the spot, so coupling condition and operator practice matter. For the residential side of this comparison, see Who Can Actually Hold the Hose? Type 1 vs Type 2 Indoor Fire Hydrants.

How do you read fire hose codes such as 40×1.3 or DJ40?

Fire hose specifications are usually written as nominal size × working pressure. 40×1.3 means a nominal 40 hose (about 1.5 inches) rated at a working pressure of 1.3 MPa; DJ means double jacket. A Type 1 hydrant with a 38 mm valve uses nominal 40 hose, and one with a 50 mm valve uses nominal 50 hose (about 2 inches).

Under the Approval Standards for Fire Hoses, nominal 40 hose has an inner diameter of 38 to 41 mm, nominal 50 is 51 to 54 mm and nominal 65 is 63.5 to 66.5 mm. Approved lengths are 10, 15, 20 and 30 m. Every approved hose must carry a durable marking showing the manufacturer's name or trademark, year of manufacture, nominal size, length, type approval number and working pressure, plus a "double jacket" marking where applicable. These markings are what you check during a self-inspection or when accepting a delivery.

Hailong catalog data for nominal 40 hose:

Source: Hailong Approved Fire Hose catalog. See the full range at Hailong Fire Hose.

How should a factory choose hose working pressure?

The hose's working pressure should not be lower than the highest water pressure that particular hydrant can experience in the system. Confirm that figure from the fire safety engineer's design documents or the pump specifications, rather than defaulting to "factories need the top rating" or "the cheapest will do".

The Approval Standards define working pressure as the normal maximum water pressure the hose carries when connected and not kinked. The Installation Standards require a nozzle pressure of at least 1.7 kgf/cm² and call for effective pressure reduction where it exceeds 7 kgf/cm². Note that 7 kgf/cm² (about 0.69 MPa) is measured at the nozzle while water is flowing. Pressure at the hose inlet is higher by the amount of hose friction loss, and when the nozzle is shut, the static pressure in the hose can be higher still, especially on lower floors or near the pump. There is no single answer to whether 0.9 MPa is enough; it depends on the actual maximum pressure at that hydrant.

Higher ratings also mean heavier hose. Based on catalog weights, the body of a 15 m length of 40 0.9MPa hose weighs about 2.0 kg, 40 2.0MPa about 2.7 kg and DJ40 about 3.8 kg, excluding couplings. A 1.5-inch coupling weighs about 0.3 kg in forged aluminum alloy or 0.7 kg in bronze. Type 1 requires two people to couple and handle two lengths, so for factories with limited duty staff, weight and flexibility are part of the specification.

Once the minimum rating is confirmed, standardize hose size, pressure rating and coupling material across the site where possible, so spares are interchangeable and inspections are easier to check. For test procedures and how to write the purchase specification, see Fire Hose Pressure Ratings and Testing.

Where does hose pressure loss come from, and why not simply add length or change size?

Hose friction loss is built into the fire pump head calculation. Article 37 of the Standards requires that, where indoor hydrants are served by a fire pump, total pump head must be at least hose friction loss + piping friction loss + elevation difference + 17 m. Gravity tanks and pressure tanks must account for hose friction loss in the same way. In other words, the original design calculates nozzle pressure on the basis of two 15 m hoses in the cabinet.

Three situations can push actual pressure loss away from the design:

1. Adding a third length: coupling on extra hose to reach a far corner increases friction loss, and nozzle pressure may drop below the design value.
2. Changing size or mixing hoses: a smaller bore, or mixing sizes with adapters, increases friction loss at the same flow.
3. Kinks and tangles: the Taipei plan notes that when a Type 1 hose is bent sharply or tangled during use, nozzle pressure can become insufficient or water may not discharge properly.

Layout changes also matter. The Standards assess coverage by a 25 m horizontal distance, but in practice the hose has to follow aisles and go around machines and racks. After adding a production line, racking or partitions, lay out the hose along the actual walking route to confirm it reaches the corners of the protected area. If it does not, ask a fire safety engineer to review the layout instead of lengthening the hose yourself.

The Approval Standards require the hose lining surface to be free of wrinkles and other irregularities, with low water friction loss. Hailong hose uses a TPU lining and an industrial-grade high-tenacity polyester jacket, and the catalog lists low expansion, low elongation and low twist. For more on matching hose configuration to site risk, see Strategic Fire Hose Configuration.

Which number tells you how well a hose resists abrasion on factory floors?

Use the abrasion test in the Approval Standards: hoses rated at 0.9 MPa must withstand at least 20 cycles, 1.3 MPa at least 30, 1.6 MPa at least 50 and 2.0 MPa at least 80. The abrasion ratings in the Hailong catalog correspond to these grades, and the double-jacket DJ series is rated at 150 cycles or more.

The figure comes from fixed test conditions: 0.5 MPa internal water pressure, No. 100 waterproof abrasive paper as the rubbing surface, a 10 N load applied at a 45-degree angle, a 200 mm stroke at 20 strokes per minute, counted until the hose leaks. It is useful for comparing grades with each other, but it does not equal the number of times a hose can be dragged on site.

In factories, wear usually comes from rough concrete, steel and machine edges, metal swarf on the floor and couplings striking the hose when it is dragged or dropped. Three measures help:

• Match the grade to the location: for hydrants with long drag routes, rough floors or nearby machining areas, consider a higher grade or double-jacket hose once system pressure is confirmed, while keeping weight in mind.
• Protect the coupling tail: Hailong adds an extra protective sleeve where hose meets coupling to reduce the chance of the coupling tail cutting into the hose. A hose protection ring can also be fitted over the binding.
• Secure the coupled joint: when the two Type 1 lengths are coupled and dragged, a C-type clip fitted below the binding ring of the male coupling helps stop the male and female ends from separating under impact or friction. For coupling approval requirements, see How 25–75 mm Couplings Meet the Approval Standards.

What should Class D sites check on their hoses before the annual inspection?

Fire safety equipment at Class D sites must be inspected once a year, with the report filed by the end of November. October is the time to schedule a self-check and order spares. Facility or safety staff can go through each cabinet as follows before the licensed fire safety engineer, technician or inspection agency carries out the formal inspection:

1. Clear the approach: make sure no pallets, materials or vehicles block the cabinet and the door opens fully.
2. Record the markings: note the year of manufacture, nominal size, length, working pressure and type approval number of every hose, and flag any marking that cannot be read.
3. Check service life: hoses for Type 1 hydrants that are more than 10 years old must be pressure tested or replaced.
4. Inspect the jacket: list hoses with fuzzing, exposed weft yarn, thinning or cuts for replacement review.
5. Inspect the couplings: check for deformation or corrosion and for aged or missing gaskets, and confirm both hoses and the nozzle couple smoothly.
6. Check the nozzle and rack: the nozzle is in the cabinet and switches between straight stream and fog, and the hose sits neatly on the rack without twists.
7. Lay out the hose after layout changes: when machines, racks or partitions are added, run the hose along the actual aisles to confirm it reaches the corners of the protected area.

After a drill or actual use, clean off any oil, cutting fluid or chemicals before returning the hose to the cabinet. The Hailong catalog states that its TPU-lined hose does not need to be hung to dry after use, which shortens the time to put it back in service. For a full discussion of service life and replacement, see How Long Does a Fire Hose Last?; for a site-wide stocktake method, see 2026 Annual Fire Hose Audit Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a factory switch to Type 2 indoor hydrants?

Not if it is a Class D occupancy. Article 34 of the Standards requires Class D sites and furniture showrooms to install Type 1 hydrants, and the Taipei City Fire Department's promotion plan also states that Class D sites may only install Type 1. Where a building includes other uses such as offices, the fire safety engineer should review which equipment applies to each area, subject to the fire authority's determination.

How long are Type 1 indoor hydrant hoses, and how many are there?

Under Article 34, a Type 1 cabinet holds two 15 m hoses, together with a 38 mm or 50 mm hydrant valve, a hose rack and a straight-stream/fog nozzle. Horizontal coverage is 25 m. If a layout change means the hose no longer reaches the corners of the protected area, have a fire safety engineer review it rather than coupling on more hose.

What does a 40×1.3 fire hose mean?

40 is the nominal size, with an inner diameter of 38 to 41 mm, or about 1.5 inches. 1.3 is the working pressure of 1.3 MPa. The Hailong 40 1.3MPa hose, for example, has a test pressure of 2.5 MPa, weighs about 155 g/m and is rated for 30 or more abrasion cycles. A Type 1 hydrant with a 38 mm valve uses nominal 40 hose.

Is a higher pressure rating always better for factory hoses?

Not necessarily. A working pressure no lower than the highest pressure that hydrant can see is the minimum requirement. Above that, higher grades usually resist abrasion better but weigh more. For a 15 m length, the body of a 40 0.9MPa hose weighs about 2.0 kg and a DJ40 about 3.8 kg. Base the choice on the system pressure provided by your fire safety engineer, then factor in floor wear and available duty staff.

How often should fire hoses be replaced?

Hoses used with Type 1 indoor hydrants must be pressure tested or replaced once they are more than 10 years past their year of manufacture. Regardless of age, hoses with heavy jacket wear, exposed weft yarn, lining separation, or deformed or corroded couplings should be listed for replacement. The year of manufacture is marked on the hose itself; if it cannot be read, ask your inspector to assess the hose.

Does a 20-cycle abrasion rating mean the hose can only be dragged 20 times?

No. It is the laboratory result of the abrasion test in the Approval Standards: the hose is held at 0.5 MPa internal pressure and rubbed against No. 100 waterproof abrasive paper under a fixed load and stroke until it leaks. The figure compares grades with each other. 0.9 MPa hose must reach 20 cycles and 2.0 MPa hose 80 cycles; neither number is a count of how many times the hose can be dragged on site.

Match Your Hose Specification to System Pressure Before You Buy

Sochiao Industrial was founded in 1980 in Taiping, Taichung, as a specialist fire hose manufacturer. The company is certified to ISO 9001 by TÜV SÜD, its Hailong fire hoses received Ministry of the Interior type approval in May 2011, and every hose is made in Taiwan. Product specifications and approval documents are available on the Catalog and Type Approval Certificates pages, and company background is on About Us.

If your site is preparing for the end-of-November inspection filing, or you want to standardize hoses across several plants, send us the number of hydrant cabinets, the valve sizes and the system pressure data. We will match them to the appropriate Hailong hose grades and provide a quotation.

• Contact Us: https://www.sochiao.com.tw/webls-en-us/contact/contact.html
• Email: sochiao@ms14.hinet.net
• Phone: +886-4-2271-5577