Quality Hose Fittings

Exert from AS2419.4:2021

Introduction 

Australian fire brigade hose couplings evolved independently in each state and territory according to  local needs. The various regional connections are subsequently referenced in the appendices of the  AS 2419 suite of standards. To facilitate better interagency cooperation, the Australasian Fire and  Emergency Services Authorities Council designated the Storz type connection as one of the common  Australia-wide fittings for firefighting hoses, equipment, vehicles and fire hydrant installations. 

Carl August Guido Storz first patented a quarter turn internal lug two-way hose coupling in Germany  in 1881. German fire brigades adopted Storz after a single fire destroyed 203 homes in 1933. The  German Institute for Standardization (DIN) describes 25, 52, 75 and 110 mm Storz fittings. The  Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN) also describes 65 mm Storz fittings. Other diameters of  Storz connection are variously described by the National Fire Protection Association (USA) and the  Standards Council of Canada. 

Storz fittings that do not conform to established Standards are not fully compatible with fire brigade  equipment and operations. Cast aluminium fittings which are specifically prohibited for firefighting  purposes in Australia by AS 2419.2 and AS 2419.3 have been used in place of forged aluminium fittings  and have failed. Non-conforming Storz fittings are a safety risk to firefighters and building occupants,  especially if connection failure occurs during firefighting and emergency response operations. To address poor conformance and facilitate reliability, this Standard consolidates and specifies the  requirements for the standard sizes of Storz fittings used for firefighting purposes in Australia