The difference between single and double jacket fire hose is important in determining the right one for your project and application. If you are new to hose, you may be surprised to learn that while there are some attributes that make these hoses unique, they are constructed similarly.
Single and double jacket fire hoses are made up of the same two components: a liner and a jacket. The liner of modern fire hoses is a layer of EPDM rubber. The properties of EPDM rubber are lined and run through the jacket.
They are then subjected to a steam vulcanization process that bonds the jacket to the liner. Woven jackets are composed of ring-spun polyester yarns that are processed to resist mold and mildew. These jackets are woven on large circular looms that are woven based on the size of the fire hose they will be made for.
The jacket gives the hose its strength and pressure rating. While most jacketed hoses are white, there are a variety of colors available. To achieve the coloring, the jacket is impregnated with dye. The difference between a jacketed and double jacketed fire hose is the number of polyester jackets.
Although double jacketed hoses are thicker than single jackets, the extra layer protects them from burns, abrasions, and other damage. Therefore it has a longer service life than the single jacket fire hose.
However, if you do not use the hose for heavy-duty applications or for temporary needs, you can choose the economical single jacket hose. It is also lighter, which is important in situations where you carry the hose. Therefore, the single jacket hose is often used in forestry and wildfires.