What is the duration for which the hose must be tested at maximum pressure?

The correct duration for which the hose must be tested at maximum pressure is five minutes. This duration is crucial for ensuring that the hose can withstand the operational pressures without any leaks or weaknesses. Testing for this length of time allows for a thorough evaluation of the hose's integrity and performance under pressure conditions that it may encounter during actual firefighting operations.

Five minutes is typically considered sufficient to identify any potential issues, such as leaks or material fatigue, that could compromise safety during use. By adhering to this standardized testing duration, engineers and firefighters can confidently rely on the equipment's performance, which is vital given the critical nature of firefighting tasks.

In contrast, longer durations, such as 10 or 15 minutes, might lead to unnecessary wear or stress on the hose materials during testing. Similarly, a shorter duration, like 3 minutes, may not provide adequate assurance of the hose's capability to handle operational pressures effectively. Thus, the five-minute test serves as a balanced approach to ensure safety without compromising the equipment.