For how long should the hose pressure be maintained during testing?

• A. 1 Minute
• B. 3 Minutes
• C. 5 Minutes
• D. 10 Minutes

Answer: (B)

The test checks how the hose behaves under sustained pressure, not just a quick pop of air. Holding the pressure for three minutes gives enough time for any slow leaks, weakened fabric, or failed couplings to reveal themselves. If the hose maintains pressure with no leaks or excessive swelling during that span, it’s considered serviceable under load. Shorter durations, like one minute, can miss gradual leaks or creeping that show up later, while much longer times aren’t typically required and can add unnecessary wear. Three minutes is a common standard used in testing protocols to reliably verify hose integrity.