A gas hose is one of the key elements for the safe connection of gas stoves, boilers, columns and other equipment. However, there are still products of dubious origin on the market that do not have proper confirmation of compliance with safety requirements. Therefore, before purchasing, it is important to make sure that the hose has passed the necessary conformity assessment procedures and has the appropriate documents.
What documents should a gas hose have?
1. Declaration of conformity
In Ukraine, products subject to technical regulations must be accompanied by a declaration of conformity (or certificate of conformity). This document is issued by the manufacturer or its authorized representative and confirms that the product meets the established safety requirements.
The declaration must include:
- product name;
- manufacturer and his address;
- normative documents according to which the product was manufactured;
- conformity assessment results;
- date of document issuance.
If the seller cannot provide a declaration of conformity, this is a serious reason to think about the origin of the goods.
2. Conformity marking
The gas hose and its packaging must contain the appropriate manufacturer’s marking and a mark of conformity with technical regulations, if its application is provided for by the conformity assessment procedure.
Pay attention to the presence of:
- the manufacturer’s name;
- the model or article number;
- the date of manufacture;
- the working pressure;
- the maximum permissible temperature;
- the length and diameter of the hose.
3. Compliance with the EN 14800 standard
For corrugated stainless steel gas hoses, one of the main ones is the EN 14800 standard, which is adopted in Ukraine as DSTU EN 14800:2019. It establishes requirements for design, materials, corrosion resistance, joint strength and other safety characteristics.
If the manufacturer declares compliance with EN 14800, this indicates that it has passed tests according to strict European requirements. Such hoses are the safest for use in gas networks. Our products include the Eco-Flex Gas EN14800 gas hose, which complies with this European standard.
What characteristics should be checked additionally?
Even if you have documents, it is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:
1. Hose material.
For gas systems, the optimal solution is corrugated stainless steel hoses with the following parameters:
- corrosion resistant;
- withstand high pressure;
- do not age as quickly as rubber counterparts;
- have a long service life.
2. Type and quality of connections.
Threaded connections must be made of high quality without burrs, cracks and traces of mechanical damage.
3. Integrity of the protective coating.
If there is a polymer coating, it should be checked for cuts, swelling and other defects.
4. Signs of a questionable product.
You should refuse to buy if there is:
- no declaration of conformity;
- no information about the manufacturer;
- no technical specifications on the packaging;
- the hose is sold without marking;
- the price is significantly lower than the average market price for no apparent reason.
Such products may not pass the necessary tests and pose a risk to the safe operation of gas equipment.
Conclusion
When choosing a gas hose, it is important to focus not only on price or appearance. Check for a declaration of conformity, manufacturer’s marking and compliance with the DSTU EN 14800:2019 standard for corrugated stainless steel hoses. This will help to avoid purchasing uncertified products and ensure uninterrupted operation of gas equipment for many years.
