How to read the markings on a hydraulic hose
Standard, size, working pressure and production date - what the print on a hydraulic hose means and what you cannot read from it.
Every hydraulic hose carries a print or an embossing with a few abbreviations. It is the line's "nameplate" - it is worth knowing how to read it before you order a replacement or judge whether an old hose is still fit for use.
What the marking usually contains
The layout and order depend on the manufacturer, but the typical elements are:
| Element | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer / brand | name or logo | who made the hose; important for crimping and complaints |
| Standard and type | EN 853 2SN | the standard it is made to and the reinforcement construction (more in the article on choosing a hose) |
| Size | DN10, 3/8", -6 | nominal diameter, in inches or as the "dash" designation |
| Working pressure | WP 330 BAR | the maximum working pressure of the hose |
| Production date | 3Q/2026 or 09/2026 | quarter or month and year of manufacture - the format depends on the manufacturer |
| Country of origin | MADE IN EU | country of manufacture |
An illustrative example (the text is made up for this article): MANUFACTURER EN 853 2SN DN10 WP 330 BAR 3Q/2026 MADE IN EU.
What to pay attention to
The pressure in the print is the pressure of the hose, not of the whole assembly. A crimped assembly can take only as much as its weakest element - the hose, the ferrule or the fitting. Always compare the hose pressure with the pressure rating of the fittings.
The same size can be described in three ways. DN10, 3/8" and -6 are usually the same hose. In practice nominal sizes and inside diameters can differ slightly between manufacturers, so when substituting check the outside diameter and the crimp dimensions.
The standard is not everything. The print does not say which fluids the hose is compatible with or what temperature it can work at - you will find that in the manufacturer's datasheet. The cover colour and texture (smooth, wrapped) do not indicate parameters.
Production date and replacing hoses
The date on the hose lets you judge its age. A rubber hose ages even when it sits on a shelf (ozone, light, temperature), and in service pressure, movement and the environment add to it. Rules for inspection, storage and replacement are described, among others, in ISO 17165-2. We do not give a single replacement interval because it depends on the working conditions and the manufacturer's recommendations - but replace a damaged hose (cracked cover, exposed braid, bulges, leaks at the fitting) immediately, regardless of age.
What to do when the print is illegible
If the marking has worn off, do not guess. Measure the inside and outside diameter, establish the system pressure, the type of medium and the fittings, and select a new line on that basis - or send us a photo of the old one and we will help identify it.
See in our range
Check our hydraulic hoses and the list of manufacturers we work with - for each product you will find the parameters and, if the manufacturer provides it, the type of marking.
This article is for information only. When selecting for a specific system, follow the manufacturer's documentation.