Frequently Asked Questions About Rawhide Fire Hose Products

Rawhide Fire Hose is customer driven. Processing your fire hose order is the reason we are in business. We strive to be accurate, quick and competitively priced to earn your business, with every single order.

Find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Still can’t find the answer? Contact us today.

Fire Hose & Equipment

The longevity of a fire hose is directly related to how you care for the hose. You can improve comes to woven jacketed hoses. Check out The Complete Guide for Cleaning Fire Hoses.

This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Do not use in connection with drinking water. Wash hands after handling.

On woven jacket and rubber-covered lay flat hose, Rawhide can apply stenciling per your specifications. This feature is available at no extra cost to you.

Laser engraving can be performed on virtually any coupling or connection. This procedure can also be performed on color-coded couplings. Engraving can be “color filled” to make your words more visible.

Modern, jacketed-style fire hose is made with a EPDM, black rubber tube surrounded by one (single jacket) or two (double jacket) layers of polyester spun yarn in the form of a jacket or cover. Rubber-covered, or supply, fire hose is commonly made from extruded nitrile rubber compressed “through the weave” of an inner jacket.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “for a product to be called Made in USA, the product must be all or virtually all made in the USA.” Further, “All or virtually all “means that “all significant parts AND processing that go into the product must be of U.S. origin.” That is, “the product should contain no, or negligible, foreign content.” Many manufacturers and distributors will assemble or couple hoses, using foreign component parts and sell the finished product as Made in USA. Rawhide Fire Hose buys and stocks domestic fire hose, global fire hose purchased from domestic manufacturers, and fire hose sourced globally. Rawhide Fire Hose will not represent fire hose as “Made in USA” that has any globally produced components. Find out more about Rawhide’s policy on fire hose made in the USA.

Most service tests are required annually and are application dependent. In the case of a repair or modification, a service test may be required at this time. Please refer to your state’s administrative code and/or the OSHA rules and regulations.

All manufacturers offer guidelines addressing these issues. Several associations (NFPA, ANSI, MSHA, FM Approvals and UL) are instrumental in ensuring that manufacturers adhere to quality specifications. Ultimately, the industry and/or application of the fire hoses will adhere to your state’s administrative code, which will outline the requirements. OSHA also publishes information and guidelines on this subject.

Couplings require little, if any maintenance. Sand, mud and ash should be rinsed or brushed off after each use. All gasket faces should be kept free of sand, grit etc. and lubricated with silicone or a light film of petroleum jelly.

Fire hose is typically safety rated for 3 test pressures:

  • Service Test Pressure is 10 percent more than the normal highest operating pressure of the hose.
  • Proof Test Pressure is a one-time test done at the factory level prior to shipping. The threshold for this test is no less than two times the specified Service Test Pressure.
  • Burst Pressure is also performed at the factory and is no less than three times the specified Service Test Pressure.
  • For more information, please refer to our NFPA Pressure Chart.

No. Custom coupling configurations is our specialty. We can provide uncoupled fire hose in addition to same sex (MxM or FxF), expansion coupling by shank, and even diferent sizes of threads on the same length of fire hose. Should your particular application require it, you can use an adapter fitting or coupler to change from one size or thread pattern to another. We offer a variety of adapters that allow you to change the fire hose couplings as your project requires.

Although most of the hose in our product line offering requires no routine washing and drying, it is recommended that accumulations of mud, sand, and ash be rinsed or brushed off. Heavy accumulations of tars, grease or paint may be removed with an appropriate solvent.

Ultimate performance will depend on the application. Rubber-lined hose will typically last longer, in particular when stored “accordion” style in the bed of a fire truck. The polyurethane will tend to become brittle and crack at every bend over time. The polyurethane hose is a bit lighter, making it ideal for “high rise” packs and is typically approved for potable water service.

The easiest way to identify what type of thread you need is by looking at the couplings on the hose you want to replace. There should be a stamp with the initials of the thread type. A water source fitting/adapter may also have the stamp. If you’re checking what to use on a fire hydrant, call the local fire department. Check out our guide to couplings and threading.

MHSA, commonly referred to as mine hose, is hose that has been approved for use in underground mining operations by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The tube liner is manufactured for flame resistance, and couplings are produced from extruded aluminum designed to be non-sparking when used in underground coal mines. Essentially, the fire hose will extinguish itself when the flame source is removed. Standard fire hose will continue to burn even without a flame source by virtue of a wicking action, similar to that of a candle.

Almost all fire hose manufactured globally is made to Underwriters Laboratories specifications. If your application requires the UL logo, then order UL “labeled” hose. UL labeled fire hose will typically cost more, as the factory has to purchase copyright authority from Underwriters Laboratories, in order to apply that label on their fire hose.

Mill hose, also commonly referred to as contractor hose, is available in both single jacket and double jacket varieties, but it has a slightly lower pressure rating. Both utilize a rubber or polyurethane liner with one (single jacket) or two (double jacket) layers of polyester woven yarn. They are often used on construction sites, in parks or for agricultural use to transfer water or water crops.

While all modern hose is treated to resist gathering mold or mildew, you should still let hoses dry at least a little while before storing. Hose doesn’t need to be completely dry since the polyester used for the hose jacket isn’t prone to gathering mold or mildew. However, drying becomes more important if the hose is being prepped for seasonal storage. Find out more about proper care for fire hose.

This is a function dependent upon the hose diameter, tube material/construction and composition of the expansion ring. Every hose diameter and/or coupling material requires a specific amount of expansion pressure to ensure the integrity of the coupled fire hose length. Call Rawhide Fire Hose customer service at 1-800-321-3715 for more specific information.

Orders, Shipping & Returns

Our trained customer service representatives will gather information regarding your specific application and offer the best possible solution. In particular on custom lengths, the “end-to–end” dimension can be measured fron one end of the fire hose to the other OR from the end of one coupling to the other. This is a critical measurement.

Although every order is cut and coupled to customer specifications, some industry standards have been established and are considered (stock or shelf) items. The criteria for a custom order would involve non-typical lengths or special applications for hose and/or couplings.

We follow a procedure beginning with gathering all the information about your project. We establish the lead-time window that you require. We determine our sources for your material whether it is in stock or from one or several of our vendors. We pride ourselves in being able to respond quickly and accurately. Our success is measured by meeting delivery on your project.

You will receive an instant confirmation, including a reference number as soon as you submit your request. Typically this is performed by email, but can be by telephone or fax if needed.

Rawhide Fire Hose will respond via e-mail, phone, fax or U.S. Postal Service according to your preference.

All orders are processed the same day they are received, during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time). Orders received after hours, weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. Hose orders are shipped the same day as the order is received, up until the UPS pick up time, 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Subsequent orders are shipped the next business day. Standard length hose and hose assemblies are shipped from 16 warehouses throughout the United States and are delivered in one or two days, Monday through Friday as are standard adapters, valves and nozzles. Special order thread configurations may take a week to 10 days, and custom length hoses and hose assemblies are shipped from our Ohio warehouse  so our West Coast customers can expect delivery of their order within 5 business days.

You will receive shipping confirmation via email if you have provided us with your email address. With this feature you can track your order online at UPS or by calling 1-800-321-3715 if shipped by common carrier. If we do not have your e-mail address, you will be notified by fax that your order was shipped. Your order can be tracked via UPS, by calling 1-800-PICK-UPS or by calling 1-800-321-3715 if shipped by common carrier. At the end of the business day, you will know when and how your order shipped.

Same-day AND free shipping from the four warehouse locations maintained by Rawhide Fire Hose reduces costs and increases productivity. Simply place the order with Rawhide, and the order is shipped direct to you or the location where the product(s) will be used. The shipment may be “blind” or using YOUR “ship from” information. Rawhide confirms shipment/tracking number(s). You receive your order in 1 or 2 days.

Please contact Rawhide Fire Hose customer service at 1-800-321-3715, and one of our representatives will assign a Return Goods Authorization (RGA). Your RGA is required for ALL returns and will serve as a tracking number. A 25% re-stocking charge may apply. Product(s), part(s) or material(s) that where non-stocking and/or special order, are non-returnable and non-refundable. All shipping/freight charges will be paid by customer/purchaser, unless otherwise noted in writing by Rawhide Fire Hose. Note: Only shipments that display an authorized RGA number will be accepted. Returns will be considered for up to one year after purchase, provided product(s) are unused and still in original carton(s). Per NFPA 1961 5.6 (Marking) all hose is dated. Hose returned in the subsequent month and beyond cannot be sold as new. Once received at Rawhide Fire Hose with RGA number and inspected, the appropriate refund will be issued within 24 hours in the original method of payment.

Rawhide reviews the weight, number of cartons, length of haul and the size of the cartons, to determine the most efficient mode of transportation. SHIPPING IS FREE for most products within the continental United States. When there are no freight/shipping promotions, if an order is too large to ship UPS ground (including hundred weight multiples), we then go to our pool of LTL carriers in order to secure the most economical freight rate to drive your shipping cost down as much as possible.

We maintain over 1.5 million dollars of fire hose inventory, in four strategic locations and are located in close proximity to many of our sources. Our alliance with Dixon Valve/Dixon Fire affords an additional 13 warehouse locations in the continental United States. Orders are processed and shipped the SAME day as received and delivered within 1 or 2 days.

To the extent permitted by law, Rawhide will extend to you the manufacturer’s warranty received by Rawhide for the component parts of the Rawhide Fire Hose. In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, Rawhide provides an extended warranty for one year from the date of shipment. During the extended warranty period, we will unconditionally repair your Rawhide Fire Hose, regardless of who is at fault. We will charge you only for replacement parts and shipping. If the fire hose is damaged beyond safe repair, we will contact you and offer to replace the fire hose at a cost below the retail cost of a new fire hose. For any questions regarding this warranty, contact Rawhide Fire Hose, LLC., at 1-800-321-3715.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SETS FORTH THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF RAWHIDE FOR ITS PRODUCTS. RAWHIDE MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY; EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO DISTRIBUTOR, DEALER OR REPRESENTATIVE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE OR MODIFY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. UNLESS STATE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH A LIMITATION, RAWHIDE SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES.

Simply call Rawhide Fire Hose at 1-800-321-3715. A Return Goods Authorization (RGA) will be issued, for tracking purposes. Please include the “RGA” with all correspondence. Please write the “RGA” number on the carton(s) that the product(s) will be returned in. Rawhide Fire Hose customer service will contact you prior to repair and/or replacement, to review the nature of the damage/repair and advise the best option. Note: Only shipments that display an authorized RGA number will be accepted.

Suppliers & Distributors

Action Coupling, D. B. Smith, Goodyear, Continental, Kidde Fire Fighting, North American Fire Hose, ASOE Fire Hose, Dixon Fire / Dixon Valve, Crestar Firefighting Equipment LLC, Key Fire Hose, Red Head Brass, HBD/Thermoid, ZyFire Zhongyu Fire-Fighting Equipment), United Fire Safety, U.S. Coupling & Accessories, Inc., 5Elem Material Scientific, Wilson & Cousins, Harrington, Inc., P.T. Coupling, and C & S Supply. Specific information about all of our manufacturing sources may be found on our Customer Service page.

Simply request a distributor application and complete the business reference questionnaire, OR submit your own word document with required information. Return by email, online, fax or U.S. mail. All application requests will be acknowledged, and notification issued within 5 business days. Contact us.

Company & History

The Rawhide Fire Hose customer service department is available to take your calls from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. After our regular business hours, our toll-free answering service will take your message so that Rawhide Fire Hose customer service can respond first thing the next business day. Request for quotes are accepted via e-mail 24/7 at [email protected], or by fax at 1-866-321-3715. Regardless, you will be contacted the next business day, by the method that best suits your needs.

Originally, the fire departments used bucket brigades, which consisted of several townsmen in a line, passing buckets full of water towards the fire. The last man threw the water on the fire. These buckets were often made of leather and were used to water horses. Much of the original fire hose was made from leather, which was tough, yet flexible. Hence the name Rawhide Fire Hose, built tough as leather and engineered to be flexible and durable.

No. The Rawhide Fire Hose privacy policy prohibits disclosure of customer information to outside sources. Rawhide Fire Hose is “PCI” compliant and is audited at a minimum on a quarterly basis. Internet orders are conducted on a third-party server and transacted via an offsite payment gateway. Your credit card information is not available to any Rawhide Fire Hose employee when transacted online. We highly discourage transferring credit card information by means of fax and/or email. Credit card information on file with Rawhide Fire Hose, upon customer request is maintained on a secure, offsite server system. Signed confidentiality, proprietary information governance and information destruction agreements are maintained for all employees and are conditions of employment at Rawhide Fire Hose. Rawhide Fire Hose is self audited annually and is proud to display the ID Stay Safe logo.

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