What Working Pressure Means
Working pressure, sometimes written WP, is the pressure at which the hose is intended to operate continuously under defined conditions. It already includes a product-specific safety design margin, but it does not mean the hose can be used at that pressure under every temperature, chemical or installation condition.
The operating pressure should be checked at the pump outlet and at the most demanding point of the system. A hose carrying water uphill can see more pressure at the lower end, and a long line may experience additional surge when a valve closes.
What Burst Pressure Means
Burst pressure, or BP, is the pressure at which the hose fails in a controlled test. It is a useful quality indicator and can show the safety margin of a construction, but it is not an operating target. A hose rated at 18 bar burst should not be used at 18 bar.
Test temperature, hold time and test standard also matter. When comparing suppliers, ask that working pressure and burst pressure be stated separately, together with the test conditions.
Convert the Units Before Comparing Quotes
Hose suppliers may use bar, MPa, psi or kg/cm². Convert all offers to one unit before comparing them. The exact conversion is important when a pump nameplate, a tender document and a product page use different systems.
| Value | Approximate equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 bar | 0.1 MPa · 14.5 psi |
| 4 bar | 0.4 MPa · 58 psi |
| 6 bar | 0.6 MPa · 87 psi |
| 10 bar | 1.0 MPa · 145 psi |
Useful pressure conversions
Account for Temperature, Surge and Installation
Thermoplastic hose can lose pressure capacity as temperature rises. PVC also has different behaviour in hot water, direct sun and cold conditions. Ask for the temperature derating information or choose a hose with a suitable temperature rating for the site.
Avoid sharp bends, dragging over abrasive edges and excessive pump pulsation. A pressure rating is not a substitute for correct installation, and a damaged cover or coupling can fail well before the hose body reaches its rated pressure.
Specify the Hose in a Way Suppliers Can Quote
Write the request as: inside diameter, working pressure, burst pressure if required, water temperature, roll length, coupling type, expected flow and maximum vertical lift. Add whether the hose is for irrigation, mining, fire standby or temporary bypass service.
Products mentioned in this guide
Плоский ПВХ-шланг
Полиэфирное плетение с ПВХ покрытием — для орошения и пожаротушения
View productПлоский ПВХ-шланг высокого давления
Высокопрочное армирование и толстая стенка для горнодобычи и перекачки песка
View productПлоский резиновый шланг из NBR
Премиальный шланг с резиновой оболочкой: стойкий к истиранию, маслу и высокому давлению
View productПлоский ПВХ-шланг из ТПУ
Высокоэффективный полиуретан: стойкий к истиранию, маслу и морозу
View productFrequently asked questions
Can I use a hose at its burst pressure if the pump occasionally spikes?
No. Burst pressure is a failure point, not a safe operating limit. Select a hose whose working-pressure rating comfortably covers the normal operating pressure, surge and temperature conditions.
Is higher working pressure always better?
Not necessarily. A higher-pressure hose may be heavier, stiffer and more expensive. Choose the lowest class that safely covers the actual duty and installation conditions.
Why do two hoses with the same diameter have different ratings?
The jacket, reinforcement, wall thickness, liner and manufacturing method can all change both pressure capacity and flexibility. Diameter alone does not define performance.