Fire Hose Reels (AS/NZS 1221 & AS 2441)

Fire hose reels provide a virtually limitless supply of water for the suppression of Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles).Because they are hard-plumbed into the building’s mains or a dedicated fire tank, they provide a level of protection that extinguishers cannot match for deep-seated fires.

Standard Australian Reel Lengths

Under AS/NZS 1221, fire hose reels in Australia are manufactured in two primary lengths to ensure full building coverage as required by AS 2441:

1. The 36m Fire Hose Reel (Standard Industrial)

This is the “workhorse” of the Australian fire industry and the most common installation for Fireshift clients.

  • Length: 36 metres of 19mm non-kink hose.
  • System Coverage: Under AS 2441, the total reach is calculated as the Hose Length (36m) + Water Stream (4m),providing a total of 40 metres of coverage.
  • Primary Use: Large warehouses, open-plan offices, and shopping centres where extensive reach is needed from a single point.

2. The 18m Fire Hose Reel (Compact/Small Tenancy)

Often utilised in smaller retail units or areas with limited floor space where a 36m hose would be excessive or difficult to manage.

  • Length: 18 metres of 19mm non-kink hose.
  • System Coverage: Calculated as Hose Length (18m) + Water Stream (4m), providing a total of 22 metres of coverage.
  • Primary Use: Mezzanine levels, small workshops, and specialised enclosures where the 18m length is sufficient to reach all corners of the hazard.

Performance & Hydraulic Standards

For a fire hose reel to be certified by the Fire Protection Association (FPA) Australia, it must meet the following metrics during commissioning and maintenance:

  • Flow Rate: Must deliver a minimum of 0.33 Litres per second (L/s).
  • Discharge Pressure: Measured at a minimum of 220 kPa.
  • Propellant: Connected to a reliable water source with a 25mm isolation ball valve.

Installation Requirements (AS 2441)

Proper placement by Fireshift ensures the building remains compliant with the National Construction Code (NCC):

  • Location: Reels must be located within 4 metres of an exit or a path of travel to an exit.
  • Mounting Height: The spindle (centre of the reel) must be between 1400mm and 2400mm from the floor.
  • Signage: An AS 2700 “Signal Red” sign must be installed at a minimum height of 2000mm.

Maintenance Schedule (AS 1851)

All fire hose reels must be serviced according to AS 1851 to ensure they do not fail during an emergency:

  • Six-Monthly: A “partial” service including checking for leaks, verifying the nozzle is not blocked, and ensuring the hose unwinds freely.
  • Annual: A “full” service including a flow test to verify the 0.33 L/s discharge rate and an inspection of all mounting bolts and internal waterways.
  • Five-Yearly: A more intensive check of the hose for UV degradation and replacement of internal seals if required.

Comparison: 18m vs 36m Fire Hose Reels

Feature18m Fire Hose Reel36m Fire Hose Reel
Australian StandardAS/NZS 1221AS/NZS 1221
Hose Length18 Metres36 Metres
Total Coverage (with 4m stream)22 Metres40 Metres
Common ApplicationRetail & Small OfficesWarehouses & Large Floors
Maintenance StandardAS 1851AS 1851