What is the minimum testing duration for hose leads of 300 feet during annual inspection?

The minimum testing duration for hose leads of 300 feet during annual inspection is five minutes. This duration is established to ensure that the hose can maintain pressure and integrity over an extended period, allowing for a thorough check of any potential leaks or weaknesses in the hose material or fittings. By testing for this specified amount of time, firefighters can be confident that the hose will perform effectively under real firefighting conditions, which is paramount for safety and effectiveness during emergency responses.

The five-minute duration reflects industry standards and practices for annual inspections, where thorough testing is mandatory to maintain equipment reliability. Longer testing periods, such as the ten-minute option, might be appropriate for larger or more complex systems but are not required for standard hose leads of this length based on inspection protocols.