SAE 100R1AT vs R2AT hydraulic hose — a selection guide
A technical comparison of the two most widely used wire-braided hydraulic hose grades under SAE J517, to help you choose correctly for your project's working pressure.
Why are these two grades so often confused?
The hoses SAE 100R1AT and SAE 100R2AT are very similar in appearance and general duty — carrying hydraulic oil, fuel and water under pressure — and both are made to SAE J517 . The main difference between them is the number of wire reinforcement layers, which directly determines the hose's permissible working pressure. Choosing wrongly between the two grades on an industrial project either adds unnecessary cost (using R2AT where R1AT would do) or creates a safety risk (using R1AT above its permissible pressure).
Difference in construction
| Property | SAE 100R1AT (one wire braid) | SAE 100R2AT (two wire braid) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of wire reinforcement layers | One layer of steel wire braid | Two layers of steel wire braid |
| Equivalent standard | ISO 1436-1 / EN 853 1SN | ISO 1436-1 / EN 853 2SN |
| Wall thickness and outside diameter | Less (lighter and more flexible) | Greater (stiffer, larger bend radius) |
| Temperature range | −40 °C to +100 °C (up to +125 °C short term) | −40 °C to +100 °C (up to +125 °C short term) |
Difference in working pressure (a real catalogue example)
The practical difference between the two grades shows up in the working-pressure table for each size. In the 1/2 inch size, for example:
| Size | Class | Working pressure WP (bar) | Burst pressure BP (bar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch (DN12) | R1AT | 160 | 640 |
| 1/2 inch (DN12) | R2AT | 276 | 1100 |
As the figures show, at the same size the permissible working pressure of R2AT is around 70 per cent higher than that of R1AT. The complete table for every size is on each product's own page: One-wire braid hose SAE 100R1AT and Two-wire braid hose SAE 100R2AT.
Selection criteria for the buyer
- System working pressure: The starting point is always the actual working pressure of the hydraulic line, not the hose size. If the system pressure is close to or above the permissible working pressure of R1AT, R2AT is the safer choice.
- Project safety factor: On static equipment with little pressure fluctuation, R1AT with the standard safety factor is usually sufficient. On mobile equipment, or where pressure surges occur, R2AT is preferred.
- Weight and flexibility: If the hose route involves tight bends, or the weight of the assembly matters (on moving arms, for instance), R1AT is the more flexible option.
- Cost: Because it uses less steel wire, R1AT is generally cheaper than R2AT at the same size. Specifying a higher grade than the duty actually requires adds unnecessary cost.
Need technical advice on choosing the right hose grade?
Send us the working pressure, size and duty of your line and we will recommend the correct grade from the technical catalogue.