A gas welding hose, oxy-acetylene hose or rubber twin welding hose is built to work primarily with oxygen and acetylene gases. Sometimes, gas welding involves other types of gas, such as propane or natural gas. For instance, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) use inert gases such as helium and argon.
When purchasing a gas welding hose, you must ensure the hose material is built for the gas you plan to use. Learn about hose compatibility for welding to achieve a safe, quality weld.
Types of Welding Hoses
Differences in welding hoses are seen in their grades, connection sizes, material build and rigidity or flexibility. The right hose will depend on your use case. For instance, some welding hoses are designed for oxygen tanks, while others are built for acetylene tanks.
Welding Hose Grades
Gas welding hoses come in two grades:
Grade R hoses are used for oxygen and acetylene gases. This grade isn’t advised for gases like natural gas, propane, liquefied petroleum and propylene.
Grade T hoses can work with many gas types, including oxygen, acetylene, propane, propylene and natural gas. These hoses can also withstand oils and are typically pricier than Grade R hoses. Grade T hoses are often preferred due to their greater versatility and resistance to degradation.
Welding Hose Fittings and Connections
Gas welding hoses generally come in three connection sizes. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact dimensions and intended use of each connection size.
Size A: This connection is typically used for small regulators and torches, usually for welding automobile and heating and cooling system parts. Size A is appropriate for a low volume of gas.
Size B: Size B is one of the most common sizes used for oxygen, acetylene, oxy-acetylene and propane hoses. It’s available in 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch and 3/8 inch nipple sizes. You can use it for gases with medium volume. Keep in mind that size B for inert gases specifically is different and is slightly larger. These fittings are typically used with MIG and TIG welding.
Size C: High volume gases require a size C connection, which is suited for heavy-duty work. These hoses are typically used in industrial settings.
Welding hoses come with standard fittings suitable for most tanks and machines. Common end fittings are sized 9/16-18 RH (right-hand) and 9/16-18 LH (left-hand) threads.
Welding Hose Materials
The hose’s material greatly influences its compatibility for welding. Common materials include:
Rubber: Rubber is lightweight and long-lasting, making it the most popular hose material. It makes the hose flexible and offers penetration resistance. Rubber welding hoses can be used for welding with oxygen and acetylene.
Plastic: Compared to rubber, plastic (PTFE and ETFE) is lighter and more flexible. However, it’s less durable, making it more susceptible to damage. That said, it’s the most affordable option. Plastic welding hoses can be used for cutting and brazing, transferring gases, and providing air supplies.
Metal: Metal is the most durable by nature and can withstand extreme temperatures. For instance, if the hose will be exposed to aggressive chemicals, metal can be a good choice. Metal options include stainless steel, Monel and brass.
Flexible vs. Rigid Hoses
Choosing the flexibility of a welding hose depends on its use. Flexible hoses are beneficial for welders because they’re easier to maneuver. Flexibility also doesn’t sacrifice a material’s durability and pressure capacity. For instance, an oxy-acetylene hose is highly flexible and durable, with an inner core layer that carries the gas, a reinforcement layer above the inner core layer, and an outer layer to protect the hose from external damage.
As you look into the type of welding hose you need, you’ll want to consider a few technical factors. Your first assessment should be the type of gas you’re welding with and how that corresponds with different hoses. Here are some examples:
Acetylene: Grade T hose
Carbon dioxide: Grade R or Grade T hose
Inert gases (Argon, Helium, Nitrogen): Grade R or Grade T hose
Oxygen: Grade T hose
Propane: Grade T hose
Additionally, check the hose’s capacity for pressure and extreme temperatures, diameter, length, and potential lifespan.
Pressure rating: A welding hose can have tolerances of up to ±0.3 mm. Most hoses can handle 200 PSI of working pressure and 600 PSI of burst pressure.
Temperature tolerance: A welding hose temperature rating can range from -25 degrees Celsius (-13 degrees Fahrenheit) to 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit).
Hose diameter: The inner diameter of a welding hose can range from 4.8 mm to 9.5 mm. The outer diameter can be 11.5 mm to 17 mm. You’ll need a larger diameter for higher flow rates.
Hose length: A gas hose length for welding can be as long as 1 foot to 100 feet. Common lengths range from 10 to 25 feet. Note that longer hose lengths will result in a pressure drop.
Durability: Flexible welding hoses can be highly durable, as you can move them around without worrying about bends. The more reinforced the hose, the more it can resist wear and tear. Grade T hoses are typically best suited for extreme environments. Properly storing your welding hose can also ensure a longer lifespan.
Any hose that shows defects like burns or cuts with leaks should be repaired or replaced. This helps ensure worker safety and reduces the risk of fire hazards.
Gas welding hoses also need to comply with the following standards:
Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers’ Specification for Rubber Welding Hose
Compressed Gas Association’s Standard Hose Connection Specifications
Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published related standards regarding gas welding, cutting and brazing. These standards involve instructions for handling the gases, preparation of the welding environment, communicating with welders and more.
Practical Tips for Welding Hose Maintenance
To make sure your welding hose remains in proper working condition, you can take the following maintenance steps:
Clean the hose regularly: Check that the hose doesn’t contain any dirt and chemicals before and after you use it. Contaminants can be a hazard depending on the gas you use.
Avoid storage with sharp edges: Abrasive surfaces or sharp edges can cut the hose, which could lead to leaks and combustion.
Protect your hose from sunlight: Ultraviolet radiation can degrade some hose materials over time. A cool, dry storage area is ideal. If possible, use hose hangers. These tools ensure the hose doesn’t touch the ground, which could lead to abrasion.
Carry your hose when you move it: Welding hoses are portable, especially lightweight ones. Carrying them when transporting them is better than dragging them across the floor, which can cause cuts and abrasions.
Regularly inspect your hose: Regularly check for damage, especially before you use your hose. Repair or replace your welding hose as needed. Ensure you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations when cleaning the hose.
Find Welding Hoses From Meritus Gas Partners
Selecting the right welding hose involves many factors. Meritus Gas Partners can ensure you receive high-quality gas hoses for your welding needs. We partner with many leading distributors in the gas and welding industry, offering a range of welding gases and equipment for multiple types of businesses. We’ll help you find a suitable option based on your unique requirements. Contact us today to learn more, or find a retail location near you.
