Hydraulic Hose Size and Pressure Chart — R1AT, R2AT, 4SH and R15
Working pressure of the four most common wire-reinforced hose grades for every size, in one table, based on the supplier’s official technical catalogue.
Quick answer
3/8 inch: one-wire (R1AT / 1SN) 180 bar, two-wire (R2AT / 2SN) 330 bar, R15 420 bar.
1/2 inch: R1AT 160 bar, R2AT 276 bar, R15 420 bar.
1 inch: R1AT 88 bar, R2AT 165 bar, 4SH 380 bar, R15 420 bar.
Working pressure by size — comparison table
Figures are the rated working pressure (WP) in bar. A dash (—) means the grade is not offered in that size in the catalogue. Click a grade name to see its full table, including test and burst pressure.
| Size (inch) | Dash size | DN (mm) | R1AT / 1SN one-wire braid | R2AT / 2SN two-wire braid | 4SH four-spiral | R15 six-spiral |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | -4 | 6 | 225 | 400 | — | — |
| 5/16 | -5 | 8 | 215 | 350 | — | — |
| 3/8 | -6 | 10 | 180 | 330 | — | 420 |
| 1/2 | -8 | 12 | 160 | 276 | — | 420 |
| 5/8 | -10 | 16 | 130 | 250 | — | — |
| 3/4 | -12 | 19 | 105 | 215 | 420 | 420 |
| 1 | -16 | 25 | 88 | 165 | 380 | 420 |
| 1-1/4 | -20 | 32 | 63 | 125 | 325 | 420 |
| 1-1/2 | -24 | 38 | 50 | 90 | 290 | 420 |
| 2 | -32 | 51 | 40 | 80 | 250 | 420 |
Test pressure and burst pressure
For all of these grades, test pressure (TP) is twice the working pressure and burst pressure (BP) is about four times the working pressure — the 4:1 design factor set by SAE J517 and EN 853/856 for hydraulic hose. For example, R2AT 1/2 inch: 276 bar working, 550 bar test and 1,100 bar burst.
Burst pressure is not a design figure. Always select hose on working pressure.
How to read hose size
- The inch size (e.g. 1/2) is the nominal inside diameter, not the outside diameter.
- DN is the same nominal bore in millimetres (1/2 inch ≈ DN 12).
- The dash size (e.g. -8) counts sixteenths of an inch: -8 = 8/16 = 1/2 inch. It appears on many invoices, catalogues and fitting part numbers.
- Fittings must match both the hose size and its grade. Choose the thread type with our guide to JIC, BSP and metric fittings.
Choosing the grade in three steps
- Know the maximum system pressure, including pressure spikes, not just normal operating pressure.
- Size the hose for the flow. An undersized hose increases pressure drop and oil temperature.
- Take the lightest grade whose working pressure at that size is equal to or above the system pressure. Example: a 200 bar system with 1/2 inch hose — R1AT (160 bar) is not enough; R2AT (276 bar) is suitable.
For a quick selection use our online hose finder, and to convert PSI to bar use the pressure unit converter.
When do you need 4SH or R15?
When the system pressure is beyond R2AT or the line sees frequent pressure impulses and flexing — large excavators, mining equipment, drilling rigs and heavy presses. 4SH is offered from 3/4 inch, and R15 holds a constant 420 bar working pressure in every size. Hose for underground mines must carry a flame-resistant, antistatic certification; please confirm before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the working pressure of 3/8 inch two-wire hydraulic hose?
Per the catalogue, R2AT / 2SN hose in 3/8 inch (DN 10) has a working pressure of 330 bar, a test pressure of 660 bar and a burst pressure of 1,320 bar.
What is the working pressure of 1 inch one-wire hydraulic hose?
R1AT / 1SN hose in 1 inch (DN 25) is rated at 88 bar. If your system runs higher, R2AT in the same size is rated at 165 bar.
What is the working pressure of 1/2 inch two-wire hose?
R2AT / 2SN hose in 1/2 inch (DN 12) is rated at 276 bar.
What is the difference between 2SN and R2AT?
R2AT is the American designation (SAE J517) and 2SN the European one (EN 853) for two-wire braided hose. The construction is the same, and the hose we supply covers both standards. The same applies to R1AT and 1SN.
How do I convert bar to PSI?
One bar is about 14.5 PSI, so 276 bar is roughly 4,000 PSI. For exact figures use the site’s pressure unit converter.
Know your line size and pressure?
Send the size, working pressure, fluid and fitting type, and we will propose the right grade with a price.