**WARNING: Steam is the most dangerous application for any hose.** A steam hose failure is violent and can cause catastrophic, life-threatening injuries from severe burns. There is no room for error. A steam hose is not just a high-temperature hose; it is a critical safety system engineered to handle the unique combination of high pressure AND high temperature.
This guide from Glory Engineering Supplies is a **safety-first** technical reference. It is designed to help engineers and safety managers understand the materials (EPDM), critical features (pin-pricked), and **mandatory safety fittings (Boss Clamps)** required for any steam application.
Our hoses use a high-grade EPDM rubber tube, specifically formulated to resist the "popcorning" and degradation caused by high-temperature steam.
Our hoses feature high-tensile steel wire reinforcement (not textile) and **pin-pricked covers** to safely vent diffused steam and prevent cover blisters.
We ONLY sell steam hose assemblies with the correct, safety-rated fittings: heavy-duty crimps or **interlocking Boss clamps**. We will never supply a steam hose with a standard clamp.
We understand the risks. Our team will ensure you have the correct hose and fitting rated for your specific steam pressure and temperature.
A steam hose has three critical components that differ from a standard hose.
| Component | Material | Safety Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Tube (Inner Liner) | EPDM or Chlorobutyl Rubber |
|
| 2. Reinforcement | 1 or 2 Layers of High-Tensile Steel Wire |
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| 3. Cover (Pin-Pricked) | EPDM Rubber (Heat & Weather Resistant) |
|
**CRITICAL:** The pressure and temperature of saturated steam are directly related. A hose must be rated for *both* simultaneously. Our hoses are rated for a **10:1 safety factor** (e.g., 250 PSI working pressure = 2500 PSI burst pressure).
| Hose Size (ID) | Heavy Duty Steam (Max WP) | Max. Rated Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 250 PSI | 208°C / 406°F |
| 3/4" | 250 PSI | 208°C / 406°F |
| 1" | 250 PSI | 208°C / 406°F |
| 1-1/2" | 250 PSI | 208°C / 406°F |
| 2" | 250 PSI | 208°C / 406°F |
Standard worm-gear or T-bolt clamps are **NOT RATED FOR STEAM** and will fail, causing a violent blow-off. Only interlocking, mechanically attached fittings are safe.
The standard for steam safety. The clamp fingers lock into the fitting's collar, creating a positive mechanical bond that cannot slip or blow off.
A permanent, professional solution. A heavy-duty steel ferrule is hydraulically crimped onto the hose, providing a full 360-degree grip.
The fitting itself (shank) is typically made of heat-resistant Brass or 316L Stainless Steel with NPT threads or Flanges for connection.
Never, ever use a standard worm-gear or T-bolt clamp on a steam hose. It is not designed for the heat or pressure and will lead to failure.
Failure to follow these rules can result in severe injury or death. **Treat steam with extreme respect.**
Problem: This is the #1 cause of failure. Standard clamps are not rated for steam, will expand with heat, lose their grip, and blow off.
This is a life-threatening risk.
Problem: Hot condensate (water) left in a hose will flash into steam ("popcorning") when pressurized again, tearing the inner tube from the inside out.
Solution: Hang the hose vertically to drain completely after every use. This is the best way to extend its life and prevent "popcorning."
Solution: Check for blisters, cracks, or coupling slippage. If you see a **blister**, the tube has failed or the pin-pricks are clogged. **Remove it from service immediately.**
Steam particles can slowly diffuse through the hose tube. A "Pin-Pricked" cover has tiny, unnoticeable holes that allow this diffused steam to escape. Without these holes, the steam gets trapped, heats up, expands, and forms a **blister** or bubble, which will eventually explode and cause the hose to fail.
Because it is **extremely dangerous**. A worm-gear clamp is not designed for the high heat, pressure, and thermal expansion of steam. The metal will expand, the clamp will lose its grip, and the fitting will violently blow off, releasing high-pressure steam. You MUST use interlocking fittings like Boss Clamps.
Saturated Steam is "wet" steam. Its temperature is directly linked to its pressure (e.g., 250 PSI is *always* 208°C). This is the most common type. Superheated Steam is "dry" steam. It is heated *above* its saturation point. It is much hotter and more aggressive, requiring a specialized hose (often Chlorobutyl).
NO. REMOVE IT FROM SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. A blister means the inner tube has failed or the pin-pricks are clogged. The hose is compromised and is at high risk of bursting.
Do not risk safety. Steam is the most dangerous application, and "good enough" is never acceptable. Contact the Glory team to build a certified, safe, and reliable assembly with the correct hose and fittings.
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