How to Match 4SH Hose Size to Working and Burst Pressure

Author: knightzhao

Oct. 21, 2026

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How to Match 4SH Hose Size to Working and Burst Pressure

To match an EN 856 4SH hose to a hydraulic system, first identify the system’s maximum operating pressure, including pressure surges, and choose a hose whose documented working-pressure rating meets or exceeds that value. Then select the inside diameter required for the flow rate and connection size, and confirm that the hose’s burst-pressure rating, temperature range, bend radius, and end fittings suit the application. A 4SH designation identifies a four-spiral-wire hose construction; it does not mean every size has the same pressure rating. I recommend checking the exact manufacturer’s technical data for the selected diameter and hose assembly before ordering.

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Quick Selection Summary

  • Pressure: Compare the system’s maximum pressure, including foreseeable peaks, with the hose’s rated working pressure—not its burst pressure.
  • Size: Choose the inside diameter based on flow requirements and verify that it matches the ports and fittings.
  • Burst rating: Confirm the stated burst pressure and applicable safety ratio in the product documentation; do not use burst pressure as a normal operating limit.
  • Assembly: Verify the hose, fittings, crimp dimensions, and installation conditions as a complete assembly.

Understand 4SH Working and Burst Pressure

What the 4SH designation tells you

EN 856 4SH hydraulic hose is a high-pressure hose construction that uses four spiral layers of steel wire reinforcement. It is commonly considered for demanding hydraulic circuits where pressure and mechanical conditions require a robust hose design. The construction alone, however, does not determine the working pressure of every hose size or product. The specific rating must come from the applicable manufacturer’s data for the exact hose.

Working pressure is the operating limit

Working pressure is the maximum pressure specified for normal service under the conditions stated by the manufacturer. When selecting a hose, compare this rating with the highest pressure the circuit can experience, rather than only its usual or average pressure. Account for pressure spikes caused by valves, actuators, or rapid changes in operation where these are relevant to the system. If the system’s pressure profile is unknown, obtain measurements or consult the equipment designer before finalizing the hose.

Burst pressure is not an operating target

Burst pressure describes a destructive test limit or a specified minimum resistance to rupture; it is not a permissible pressure for continuous operation. Some hydraulic hose specifications use a 4:1 burst-to-working-pressure ratio, but buyers should verify the applicable requirement and the actual product documentation rather than assume the ratio applies to every hose or assembly. For example, a hose rated at 250 bar working pressure would require a 1,000 bar burst value to meet a 4:1 ratio. That calculation does not make 1,000 bar a safe working pressure.

How to Match Hose Size to Pressure: Step by Step

1. Establish the system pressure requirement

Record the system’s normal pressure, maximum relief-valve setting, and any known transient peaks. Use the highest relevant value for selection, and compare it with the hose’s working-pressure rating at the actual operating temperature and service conditions. Do not select a hose by relying on a pump’s nominal pressure alone if downstream components or operating cycles can create higher pressure. When pressure peaks are uncertain, ask the equipment manufacturer or a qualified hydraulic engineer to assess them.

2. Select the inside diameter for flow

Hose size is generally identified by nominal inside diameter, often shown as a dash size, and should be matched to required flow and system connections. A hose that is too small for the intended flow can increase fluid velocity and pressure loss, while an unnecessarily large hose may create fitment, routing, or cost issues. Use the equipment design data or a suitable hydraulic sizing method to determine the required diameter. Then check that the selected hose can be routed without violating its minimum bend radius.

Link to Hengshui Xinchi Hose Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

3. Check the pressure rating for that exact size

Pressure capability can vary with hose diameter, construction, and product design. Find the working-pressure value for the exact 4SH size in the current datasheet, and confirm that it meets the system requirement. Do not transfer a pressure rating from a smaller diameter to a larger one, or from a different hose family, even if both products are described as spiral-wire hoses. If the required pressure exceeds the listed rating, select an appropriate product or redesign the circuit rather than relying on the burst figure.

4. Verify fittings and assembly details

A hose assembly includes the hose, compatible fittings, and the specified crimp or attachment method. Confirm that the fitting series and material suit the hose construction, port type, fluid, and operating conditions. Ask the supplier to confirm the recommended assembly procedure and any assembly pressure limitations for the chosen combination. A hose’s standalone rating should not be treated as proof that an unverified assembly has the same rating.

5. Check operating environment and routing

Pressure and size are only part of the selection. Confirm compatibility with the hydraulic fluid, minimum and maximum temperatures, abrasion exposure, vibration, and external conditions. Review the manufacturer’s minimum bend radius and avoid twisting, kinking, or forcing the hose into a tight route. These checks help ensure the selected hose is suitable for the installation rather than merely matching a pressure number.

Key Selection Checks

Selection item What to verify Why it matters
Working pressure Rated value for the exact hose diameter and product Must meet or exceed the maximum system pressure in service
Burst pressure Documented value and applicable standard or safety ratio Confirms the specified rupture-resistance requirement; it is not the operating limit
Inside diameter Required flow, port size, and connection compatibility Supports suitable flow and practical installation
Environment Fluid, temperature, abrasion, and routing conditions These conditions can affect product suitability and service life
Assembly Fitting compatibility and specified assembly method The complete assembly must be appropriate for the application

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using burst pressure as working pressure: Burst pressure is not a routine operating allowance. Select against the documented working-pressure rating.
  • Choosing diameter by pressure alone: Diameter must also suit flow, ports, and routing. A pressure-compliant hose can still be a poor fit if its bore is unsuitable.
  • Ignoring pressure peaks: A circuit that usually operates below the hose rating may still exceed it during transient events.
  • Assuming all 4SH hoses share one rating: Confirm the product-specific value for each selected size and construction.
  • Overlooking fittings and bend radius: Incompatible fittings or an installation that violates routing requirements can undermine an otherwise appropriate selection.

How to Prepare a Supplier Inquiry

To get a useful selection recommendation, provide the nominal hose size or required inside diameter, maximum operating pressure, fluid type, operating temperature, and connection details. Include flow rate if available, along with the installation environment, required length, and any relevant bend or routing constraints. If the existing hose is being replaced, share its markings and fitting specifications, but do not assume that an old part number is adequate without checking the current application. These details help a supplier verify the hose and assembly requirements more accurately.

At Hengshui Xinchi Hose Manufacturing Co., Ltd., we support B2B buyers sourcing rubber hydraulic products by reviewing application details and confirming the relevant product specifications for inquiry. We recommend that buyers request the current technical data for the exact EN 856 4SH diameter and intended assembly before placing an order. Product availability, customization, order quantity, and lead time should be confirmed against the specific project requirements. This approach helps keep the selection based on documented specifications rather than assumptions.

Conclusion: Match the Rating, Diameter, and Assembly

To match 4SH hose size to working and burst pressure, identify the circuit’s maximum pressure first, select a diameter that meets flow and connection needs, and verify both pressure values in the datasheet for the exact hose. Use working pressure as the operating selection limit and treat burst pressure only as a documented safety or test parameter. Then check fluid compatibility, temperature, bend radius, fittings, and assembly requirements before purchase. For a project-specific recommendation, send Hengshui Xinchi Hose Manufacturing Co., Ltd. your pressure, size, fluid, temperature, and fitting details so we can help review the relevant product specifications.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website How to Match 4SH Hose Size to Working and Burst Pressure.

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