When firefighters enter an emergency situation, their safety depends on equipment that won’t fail under pressure. The fire hose is one of the most critical tools, and while many claim to be “tested” and “proven,” not all have certification to back it up.
That’s where UL-19 comes in. This Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard for lined fire hoses and hose assemblies ensures reliable performance in life-or-death situations.
UL-19 isn’t just a box to check. It’s a rigorous benchmark that sets clear performance expectations and delivers peace of mind for firefighters and the communities they protect. In short, you don’t have to just take our word for it.
This Hose Safety Week, we’re digging deep into what UL is and why certification matters when evaluating a fire hose.
What is UL-19?
UL-19 is the Underwriters Laboratories safety standard for lined fire hoses and hose assemblies. It lays out strict testing and performance requirements to make sure fire hoses can withstand the extreme conditions firefighters face like:
High heat - Exposure to flames, radiant heat, or hot surfaces.
High pressure- Hoses must stay intact and not rupture under water pressure.
Durability- Resistance to abrasion, repeated bending, and long-term aging.
Unlike some standards that allow self-certification, UL requires third-party testing and ongoing inspections, which enhances credibility and consistency.
Why is UL Important?
UL ensures that the product you purchase is the same every single time. What you evaluate on the fireground is what you’ll receive in the shipping box! But beyond that, UL is important for several other reasons, including:
1. Ensuring Firefighter Safety
Fire hoses that rupture under heat or pressure can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. UL-19 requires hoses to pass demanding heat resistance tests, giving firefighters the assurance that their equipment won’t fail them in the toughest conditions.
2. Driving Product Innovation
The history of UL-19 is tied to real-world tragedies. Firefighter fatalities and equipment failures have pushed the industry to demand better gear. Over time, the standard has evolved, encouraging manufacturers to create hoses with stronger materials and advanced construction techniques.
And thus, the Warrior™ was born. Check it out below:
Warrior™: In a Class of its Own
3. Setting Performance Benchmarks
UL-19 doesn’t just verify that a hose “works,” it defines how well it performs. As of 2025, hoses must be classified into Type 1, 2, or 3, based on how long they can withstand direct heat exposure. This helps fire departments match the right hose to the right job.
That’s what makes the Warrior™ truly unique. It’s the one and only UL-listed, Type 1 fire hose available today.
4. Guaranteeing Reliability and Consistency
Certification isn’t a one-and-done process. Manufacturers must undergo unannounced inspections and product retesting to maintain their UL listing. This ongoing oversight ensures that every hose leaving the factory is as safe and reliable as the first.
How the UL Standard Works
Earning UL-19 certification means passing a gauntlet of demanding physical tests, many of which focus on heat and durability. A few examples include:
Radiant Heat Test
A charged fire hose is exposed to extreme radiant heat. To qualify as a Type 1 hose, it must endure 15 minutes of exposure without leaking or losing pressure.Conductive Heat Test
A 752°F steel block is placed directly on a charged hose to measure how it holds up when in direct contact with burning-hot surfaces.Additional Durability Tests
Hoses are also tested for abrasion resistance, pressure retention, bending cycles, and long-term aging. Together, these tests simulate the punishing realities of a firefighting environment.
Check out Snap-tite's UL/ULC listed hoses here:
Final Thoughts
No matter what hose your department uses, it’s critical to understand its performance. Knowing how it flows and responds shapes your attack tactics and protects your crew’s safety.
Your hose is not a commodity. It is your lifeline, and must be reliable, tested, and proven. While Snap-tite diligently tests every single hose we manufacture under our coveted ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, that extra layer of credibility UL provides cannot be understated.
And that is why third-party testing, UL listing, and #QualityMatters.