Choosing the right fire hose is critical for effective firefighting in the UK. Whether operating in municipal fire and rescue services, marine environments, or industrial facilities, professionals require hoses that deliver reliability, durability, and performance under pressure.
At Delta Fire Ltd, four core hose types stand out for professional use: Type 1 Starflex Uncoated, Type 2 Starflex Coated, Type 3 Nova, and Type 3 Nova Ultraflex. Each is designed to meet specific operational demands while complying with British Standards such as BS 6391.
Understanding Fire Hose Types in the UK
Fire hoses in the UK are typically classified into three main categories:
- Type 1: Uncoated hoses for general use
- Type 2: Coated hoses with enhanced durability
- Type 3: Fully encapsulated hoses for high performance environments
Each type offers a balance between flexibility, weight, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme conditions.
Type 1 Starflex Uncoated – Lightweight and Versatile
The Starflex Type 1 Uncoated hose is widely used across marine and industrial sectors due to its simplicity and reliability.
Key Features
- Lightweight synthetic woven polyester construction
- Highly flexible for rapid deployment
- Resistant to mildew, bacteria, and seawater
- Manufactured to BS 6391 standards
- MED approved for marine applications up to 52 mm
Best Applications
- General firefighting
- Washdown and dust suppression
- Marine environments and port operations
This hose is ideal where ease of handling and quick deployment are priorities. Its Layflat design also makes storage and transport efficient.
Type 2 Starflex Coated – Enhanced Durability
The Starflex Type 2 Coated hose builds on the Type 1 design by adding a protective elastomeric coating.
Key Features
- Synthetic polyester jacket with outer coating
- Increased abrasion and wear resistance
- Improved lifespan in demanding environments
- Available in high visibility colours
Best Applications
- Construction and heavy industry
- Waste and recycling facilities
- Situations involving rough handling or dragging
This is the preferred option when durability and longevity are critical, offering a strong balance between flexibility and protection.
Type 3 Nova – High Performance for Harsh Environments
The Nova Type 3 fire hose is designed for more demanding operational conditions.
Key Features
- Fully encapsulated construction
- Excellent resistance to oil, chemicals, and abrasion
- Low water absorption and easy cleaning
- Meets BS 6391 Type 3 standards
Best Applications
- Oil and gas
- Petrochemical facilities
- Industrial firefighting in hazardous areas
- Rapid deployment firefighting
This hose provides maximum durability and reliability where exposure to aggressive environments is expected.
Type 3 Nova Ultraflex – Maximum Flexibility with Type 3 Protection
The Nova Ultraflex Type 3 hose takes performance further by combining full encapsulation with enhanced flexibility.
Key Features
- Fully encapsulated Type 3 construction
- Greater flexibility than standard Type 3 hoses
- Excellent kink resistance for improved handling
- High resistance to abrasion, oil, and chemicals
Best Applications
- Rapid deployment firefighting
- Complex environments requiring manoeuvrability
- Marine, offshore, and industrial use
Nova Ultraflex is ideal where you need Type 3 durability without sacrificing flexibility, making it especially effective for operational efficiency and ease of use.
Which Fire Hose Is Best?
There is no single “best” fire hose for all situations. The right choice depends on your operational requirements:
- Choose Type 1 Starflex for lightweight, everyday firefighting and marine use
- Choose Type 2 Starflex for added durability in tougher working conditions
- Choose Type 3 Nova for extreme or hazardous environments
- Choose Type 3 Nova Ultraflex when you need top level protection with superior flexibility and handling
Final Thoughts
Selecting the correct fire hose is not just about compliance. It directly impacts firefighter safety, efficiency, and operational success.
With decades of engineering expertise, Delta Fire Ltd continues to deliver hose solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern firefighting across the UK, from general applications to the most demanding industrial environments.
If you are unsure which hose is right for your application, speaking to a specialist supplier will ensure you achieve the best performance from your equipment.
