Large Diameter Fire Hose

A large diameter fire hose offers several advantages for firefighting operations and high-volume water delivery.. An LDH fire hose is:

• Generally longer than smaller diameter fire hoses, with 100 feet the standard length. Short or pony lengths are used for hydrant hook-ups to supply pumper units.
• Manufactured using techniques that include the extrusion of nitrile rubber in a thru-the-weave process, or by laminating the nitrile rubber cover and liner. In either case, the entire length of the LDH fire hose is seamless.
• Heavier than smaller diameter fire hoses but capable of delivering  greater water volumes over longer distances with reduced friction loss at comparable flow rates.

What is Friction Loss in a Large Diameter Fire Hose?

A large diameter fire hose is designed for high-volume water delivery with reduced friction loss compared to smaller diameter hoses. This is one of its defining features and a major reason for its popularity in firefighting applications. 

Friction loss occurs as water moves through a hose and encounters resistance. The amount of friction loss depends on factors such as water flow rate (GPM), hose diameter, hose length, and internal hose characteristics.

Because an LDH fire hose has a larger internal diameter, it can move greater volumes of water with less pressure loss than a smaller diameter hose carrying the same flow. This allows firefighters to deliver substantial water volumes over longer distances while maintaining more effective water supply operations.

With large diameter fire hoses on your engines, your firefighters can deliver high volumes of water to the fire scene with less labor and potentially fewer hose lines and associated equipment.

LDH Hose FAQs

What is an LDH Fire Hose?

In firefighting, LDH stands for Large Diameter Hose. An LDH fire hose is a flexible, high-capacity supply hose designed to move water efficiently between a pressurized water source, such as a fire hydrant, and a fire pump supplying attack lines.

What size is a Large Diameter Fire Hose?

Large diameter fire hoses are commonly available in 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch diameters, depending on the water flow requirements of the application.

How long is an LDH Fire Hose?

A standard large diameter fire hose length is commonly 100 feet. Short or pony lengths are also available for hydrant connections and other specific applications.

Need a custom large diameter fire hose length? Rawhide can help. Fill out our Custom Fire Hose Builder form, and we’ll help you find the right LDH fire hose for your application.