By William C. Peters
When this requirement is discussed with most apparatus purchasers, the first thing that comes to mind is the “two 200-foot, 13/4-inch crosslays.” While it is true that most apparatus satisfy this requirement by installing crosslays over the pump, there are many variations to compliance.
Bear in mind that NFPA 1901 is a minimum standard. The 3.5 cubic feet required will, in most cases, hold 200 feet of double-jacketed, 13/4-inch attack hose. If your department needs longer lengths, larger hose, or more than two preconnects, you need to clearly state it in the specifications. n
There are several variations of compliant preconnects.
 Typical 1 3/4 inch preconnected crosslays. |
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 Three 13/4-inch and one 21/2-inch preconnects. Notice that the discharge handles are color coordinated with the hose jacket. |
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 This apparatus is equipped with four 13/4-inch crosslays of various lengths and one 21/2-inch. |
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 “Speedlays” mounted under a top-mounted pump control station. |
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 Front bumper-mounted crosslay. (Photos by Ron Jeffers.) |
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William C. Peters is a 25-year veteran of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department and has served the past 13 years as apparatus supervisor, with responsibility for purchasing and maintaining the apparatus fleet. He is a voting member of the NFPA 1901 Apparatus Committee, representing apparatus users. Peters is the author of Fire Apparatus Purchasing Handbook (Fire Engineering Books, 1994); two chapters on apparatus in The Fire Chief’s Handbook, Fifth Edition (Fire Engineering Books, 1995); the instructional video Factory Inspections of New Fire Apparatus (Fire Engineering, 1998); and numerous apparatus-related articles. He is an advisory board member of Fire Engineering and the FDIC and lectures extensively on apparatus purchase and safety issues.
