Do we have a national standard fitting/coupling that all fire authorities use? Previously the simple answer to this is no. However, recently as a nation we have realised that it would be beneficial if we did.
What do we need to know about the national rural fire authorities standard fittings/couplings?
This is a relatively new initiative. The equipment is being rolled out as old equipment is being replaced, meaning many brigades still have older styles of fittings which are different all around the country. It may be worth while contacting your local brigade to check compatibility, however, most now have adaptors on board to suit the new national standards.
What is the national standard for fittings/couplings?
- 25mm and 38mm lay flat hoses use forestry couplings
- Also known as wajax or external lug couplings
- These couplings are the same size and are the same both ends (no male/female ends)
- 64mm lay flat hoses use Storz 65
- The connections are the same both ends
- Can require a bit of turning force to connect them so it’s a good idea to have a Storz spanner to tighten these up.
- 64mm hard suction lines use Storz 65.
- Some smaller appliances (trucks) use a 38mm hard suction line with Storz 38 connector (the same as our FC-7 portable fire protection system) but would have 38 to 65 adaptors
