Fire Protection and Mechanical Equipment

Sprinkler Connection Hose: Advantages and Installation Rules

Learn the advantages of stainless steel hoses that flexibly connect sprinkler heads to the branch line, compared with rigid drops, and the correct installation rules.

ORFA Technical TeamUpdated: Oct 30, 20263 min read

Sprinkler connection hose – flexible sprinkler drop in a suspended ceiling

In automatic sprinkler systems, water is carried from the branch lines to the sprinkler heads. In rooms with suspended ceilings, making this final connection with rigid pipe means measuring, cutting, threading and re-adjusting to the ceiling layout. A sprinkler connection hose makes this connection with a flexible stainless steel hose, speeding up installation and accommodating movement in the building.

This article explains what a sprinkler connection hose is, its advantages over rigid drops, the installation rules to follow and typical applications.

What Is a Sprinkler Connection Hose?

A sprinkler connection hose is a flexible connector made of a corrugated stainless steel inner hose and a stainless steel braid. One end connects to the branch line (usually with a 1″ nipple) and the other to the sprinkler head (with a 1/2″ sprinkler adapter). The sprinkler end is fixed to the suspended ceiling grid with a bracket so that the sprinkler stays in the correct position relative to the ceiling surface.

Advantages over Rigid Drops

Aspect	Rigid pipe drop	Flexible sprinkler hose
Installation	Measuring, cutting, threading and sealing work	Fast connection with ready-made ends
Position adjustment	Pipe must be re-made if the ceiling layout changes	Sprinkler is repositioned by bending the hose
Building movement	Relative movement between ceiling and piping loads the pipe and ceiling	The flexible design absorbs relative movement

Seismic compatibility: During an earthquake the suspended ceiling and the piping move differently. The flexible hose accommodates this difference, reducing the risk of damage to the sprinkler head and the ceiling.
Time and labour savings: Less pipe cutting, threading and sealing; a major advantage during refurbishments and layout changes.
Corrosion resistance: The stainless steel hose and braid offer a long service life in contact with system water.

Installation Notes

Do not bend the hose more tightly than the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius (200 mm for the Ayvaz hoses supplied by ORFA).
Fix the sprinkler end to the ceiling grid with the approved ceiling bracket; never leave the hose to carry the sprinkler unsupported.
Include the hose pressure loss in the hydraulic calculation using the equivalent pipe length given by the manufacturer.
If approved products are required, check that the hose is a model with the relevant approval (FM, UL or VdS) and of an approved length. FM and UL standards limit flexible hose length to a maximum of 1.8 m.
Route the hose without kinks or tension and keep it clear of sharp edges.

Tip: Choosing a hose much longer than necessary leads to excessive bending and higher pressure loss. Select the shortest length that suits the distance between the branch line and the sprinkler.

Applications

Shopping centres, hotels and office buildings
Hospitals and schools
Theatres and concert halls
Industrial facilities and warehouses (suspended ceiling or duct applications)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the working pressure of a sprinkler connection hose?

The Ayvaz sprinkler connection hoses supplied by ORFA are rated for 16 bar (232 psi) working pressure. For approved installations, the values in the relevant approval listing apply.

How does a flexible hose protect during an earthquake?

During an earthquake the suspended ceiling and the piping move with different amplitudes. With a rigid drop this difference can push the sprinkler head against the ceiling or strain the connection; a flexible hose absorbs the relative movement.

How do I choose the hose length?

Choose the shortest length that respects the minimum bend radius, based on the distance between the branch line outlet and the sprinkler position in the ceiling and the bends required.

Conclusion

Sprinkler connection hoses speed up sprinkler installation in buildings with suspended ceilings and accommodate ceiling changes and seismic movement. With attention to length, bend radius and fixing, they provide many years of trouble-free service. Explore all options in our Sprinkler Hoses and Connection Sets product group.

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