Mobile heating systems cannot function without heating hoses. In this article, you will learn what they are used for and what types of heating hoses there are.
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What Is a Heating Hose?
A heating hose is a flexible, usually tubular hollow body specifically designed for transporting hot liquids or gases in heating systems. They are tailored to the special requirements of heat transfer systems. A heating hose typically offers special resistance to high temperatures and high pressure. It is a crucial component in systems that need to conduct heat from one place to another.
What Are Heating Hoses Used For?
Heating hoses are used wherever the transport of thermal energy in liquid or gaseous form is required. Their flexibility allows for bridging distances, accommodating component movement, and damping vibrations, which rigid pipelines cannot do.
Motor Vehicles (Automotive)
In the automotive sector, heating hoses are essential for the vehicle’s heating system. They transport hot coolant from the engine to the heater core (heat exchanger) in the vehicle’s interior. There, the heat is transferred to the air, which is then used to heat the passenger compartment. The hoses must withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and the pressure of the cooling system. Typical materials include EPDM rubber, often reinforced with textile fabric inlays.
Industry
In industrial applications, heating hoses are used to transport hot water, steam, oils, or other heated media. Examples include production processes where specific temperatures must be maintained, or the heating of industrial plants and halls. Hoses with higher pressure and temperature resistance are often used here, made from special rubber compounds (e.g., EPDM, NBR) or even PTFE, often reinforced with steel wire spirals or textile braids to withstand aggressive media and high pressure.
Building Heating and Plumbing
In building heating, heating hoses are used to connect radiators, underfloor heating manifolds, or for filling and draining heating systems. They offer the advantage of easy installation and allow for a flexible connection. These hoses are typically designed for the temperatures and pressures of hot water heating systems and often consist of EPDM with a stainless steel braid casing.
What Different Heating Hoses and Sizes Are There?
Heating hoses differ in material, construction, temperature resistance, pressure resistance, and their associated applications. Sizes are usually specified in millimeters (inner diameter) or inches.
Materials and Properties
The choice of material is crucial for the performance and longevity of the heating hose:
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber): This is the most commonly used material for heating hoses, especially in the automotive sector and for hot water applications. EPDM offers excellent resistance to heat, ozone, weathering, and many chemicals. Temperature ranges are typically between -40 °C and +120 °C, and briefly higher.
- Silicone: Silicone hoses are known for their high-temperature resistance (often over +200 °C) and flexibility. They are frequently used in high-performance automotive applications or in industry where aggressive media or steam are transported.
- NBR (Nitrile Rubber): Although NBR is primarily known for oil and fuel applications, there are also NBR compounds suitable for certain hot water or steam applications, especially when resistance to oils or greases is also required.
Construction and Reinforcement
To ensure the necessary pressure resistance and dimensional stability, heating hoses are often reinforced with:
- Textile Inlays: One or more layers of textile fibers (e.g., polyester, aramid) are embedded in the rubber layer to give the hose stability and pressure resistance. This is typical for automotive heating hoses.
- Wire Spirals: Metal spirals (often steel) are integrated into the hose to prevent collapse under vacuum or kinking and to increase dimensional stability. This is particularly common for suction hoses or flexible warm air hoses.
- Stainless Steel Braid: An outer casing of stainless steel braid protects the hose and increases its pressure resistance. This is characteristic of armored hoses in the plumbing and heating sector.
Common Sizes
The sizes of heating hoses are usually specified by their inner diameter (ID), either in millimeters (mm) or inches. The choice of size depends on the required flow rate and system requirements. Here are some common sizes and their conversions:
| Inch | Inner Diameter (approx. mm) | Storz Size (DN) | Application Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 6-7 | Smaller connections, measurement lines | |
| 3/8 | 9-10 | Smaller heating circuits, return lines | |
| 1/2 | 12-13 | Standard radiator connections, smaller hot water lines | |
| 5/8 | 15-16 | Automotive heating hoses, larger radiator connections | |
| 3/4 | 19-20 | D (25) | Main lines, filling hoses for heating systems |
| 1 | 25-26 | C (52) | Larger heating circuits, industrial applications |
| 1 1/4 | 32 | Mobile heating units | |
| 1 1/2 | 38 | Mobile heating units | |
| 75 | B (75) | Fire department, industry | |
| 110 | A (110) | Fire department, industry |
It is important to note that the exact inner diameters for inch specifications can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and standard. For connections to fittings or pipes, thread sizes are also often given in inches, which refer to the nominal pipe size and do not directly correspond to the outer diameter of the thread.
Lengths
Heating hoses are available in various lengths, from short connection pieces (e.g., 30 cm for automotive applications) to by-the-meter or rolls for industrial or building technology installations, where lengths from several meters to dozens of meters may be required. Special filling hoses for heating systems are often available in lengths of 2.5 to 5 meters.
What Role Do Heating Hoses Play in Connection with Mobile Heaters?
Heating hoses play a crucial role in the field of mobile heating solutions, such as those used on construction sites, at events, in emergency shelters, or for the temporary heating of buildings. These mobile heating systems, often called mobile heaters, mobile heating centers, or construction heaters, require flexible and robust hose connections to transport the generated heat efficiently and safely to the desired locations.
Requirements for Heating Hoses in Mobile Applications
- Robustness and Abrasion Resistance: Since they are often used under harsh conditions outdoors or on construction sites, the hoses must be resistant to mechanical damage, abrasion, and weathering.
- Flexibility and Kink Resistance: High flexibility is essential for easy transport, quick installation and dismantling, and adaptation to different on-site conditions. At the same time, the hoses must not kink to avoid obstructing the flow of the heating medium.
- Temperature and Pressure Resistance: Mobile heating systems often operate at high temperatures (e.g., up to 90 °C) and high pressure. The hoses must be able to withstand these conditions.
- Easy Coupling Systems: To ensure a quick and secure connection of the hoses to the heating devices and consumers, quick-coupling systems such as Storz or GEKA couplings are frequently used. These allow for rapid setup and takedown of the heating circuits.
Typical Applications for Heating Hoses in the Context of Mobile Heating
- Connecting Heating Units: They connect the mobile heating center to heat consumers, such as air heaters, fan heaters, or direct connections to the building’s heating system.
- Transporting Warm Air: Special warm air hoses transport the warm air generated by mobile heating fans into tents, halls, or construction site areas. These often have a large diameter and are very flexible.
- Temporary Bridging: In case of failure or maintenance of fixed heating systems, mobile heaters with appropriate hoses can quickly provide a temporary heat supply.
The selection of the right heating hose for mobile applications is crucial for the efficiency and safety of the entire system.
References:
Schlauchprofi. (seen on 09.10.2025). Hilfe zu Maßeinheiten.
Bauheizung und Bautrocknung Schwemm. (seen on 09.10.2025). Warmluftschläuche.
Geka. PDF. GEKA Schnellkupplungen.