The Dormont Blue® Hose FAQ

1. What other products include an antimicrobial coating?
2. How long does the antimicrobial coating last?
3. What is the active agent in the antimicrobial coating?
4. What testing was done on the construction?
5. What is the maximum working temperature for a hose with Stress Guard® Technology and antimicrobial coating?
6. What is the service life of the ‘new’ hose?
7. How does the Stress Guard® Technology differ from the flared design?
8. Why Male x Male connection?
9. Do the O-rings in Stress Guard® Technology degrade over time?
10. Why isn’t Stress Guard® on the stationary products?
11. Is the Dormont Blue® Hose made in the USA?
12. How do I choose the right diameter?
13. How do I choose the right length?
14. What is the most popular size gas connector for the foodservice industry?
15. How do I select the gas connector that will perform best with my appliance?
16. What is the advantage to putting an appliance on casters?
17. Why is a restraining cable required?
18. What is a thermal shut-off?
19. What are the applicable standards for Dormont exclusive gas connection fittings?

1. What other products include an antimicrobial coating?

Antimicrobial additives have become common in many product categories. Foodservice applications include meat slicers, knives, cutting boards, hand soaps and racking in dishwashers. Antimicrobial coatings and additives are also commonplace in household applications. In fact, some appliance manufacturers are beginning to make products from antimicrobial-coated stainless steel.

2. How long does the antimicrobial coating last?

The active agent is added to the coating in the manufacturing process and is integral to the coating. This means that it does not wear off like paint would. The antimicrobial protection will last for the life of the connector.

3. What is the active agent in the antimicrobial coating?

The active ingredient in the Dormont antimicrobial protective coating is zinc pyrithione. It is an FDA-approved active ingredient.

4. What testing was done on the construction?

We passed all agency requirements, performed laboratory life testing and performed field-testing for 5 to 6 months in the Pittsburgh area prior to launch.

5. What is the maximum working temperature for a hose with Stress Guard® Technology and antimicrobial coating?

The hose is designed to handle the high temperatures encountered in commercial cooking applications and has been CSA tested to 400°F (204°C).

6. What is the service life of the ‘new’ hose?

Hoses with Stress Guard® Technology are designed to last for the life of the commercial equipment they serve and are backed by a limited-lifetime warranty. Most commercial cooking equipment is designed for a 5-8-year service life. Please note that once the equipment is taken out of service, CSA Gas Connector Safety Regulations do not allow the reuse of gas connectors.

7. How does the Stress Guard® Technology differ from the flared design?

In the earlier flare design, the flare-to-pipe adapter was used to connect the hose ends to the gas supply and the gas equipment piping. Now, with the Stress Guard® Technology, the extra adapters on each end are no longer needed and the 360° integral swivel makes installation even easier. The hose is of the same high-quality Dormont construction with 304 stainless steel tubing. The Stress Guard® design is also a male-by-male connection.

8. Why Male x Male connection?

Every connection port (SnapFast®, Ball Valve, Safety Quik®, Swivel MAX®, Supply Line) terminates into a female port.

9. Do the O-rings in Stress Guard® Technology degrade over time?

We have simulated more than 10 years of service life at 250°F (121°C) with no adverse effect on performance. There is no quantifiable degradation in the O-rings.

10. Why isn’t Stress Guard® on the stationary products?

Dealers told us that they needed to create a larger difference between the Blue Hose and the stationary hose in order to give end-users a reason to step-up into the moveable Blue Hose. This helps accomplish that goal. As a result, the connection of stationary hoses will remain a male by female, flared connection.

11. Is the Dormont Blue® Hose made in the USA?

Dormont’s Blue Hose with Stress Guard® Technology and antimicrobial coating, is manufactured in the USA. We produce these high quality products in our state-of-the-art factory in Export, PA, just east of Pittsburgh.

12. How do I choose the right diameter?

The inside diameter of the gas connector should match the gas inlet (stub-out) on the back of the equipment (½”, ¾”, 1” or 1¼”) and the gas connector MUST deliver the BTU requirement needed to operate the appliance at peak efficiency.

13. How do I choose the right length?

Once the connector is installed, the correct length will allow the appliance to be moved from the wall for adequate cleaning, servicing or installation access. The standard, ANSI Z21.24, permits connectors up to 72 inches in length.

14. What is the most popular size gas connector for the foodservice industry?

The most popular size gas connector for the commercial kitchen is ¾” diameter and 48” long. Most commercial cooking equipment is 36” deep and the extra 12” allows adequate room to access the space behind the appliance for cleaning or servicing.

15. How do I select the gas connector that will perform best with my appliance?

For an appliance to operate at its peak performance it needs to have ample fuel. The fuel rating is indicated in BTU’s necessary to operate the equipment. To select the correct gas connector for your appliance, verify the diameter of the gas inlet on the back of the appliance and the BTU requirements of the appliance. Check the Dormont gas connector BTU chart to verify that the gas connector you select provides the required BTU’s for the appliance. If you select a gas connector that is too small or does not provide the BTU requirements of the appliance, you will “starve” the equipment. It will heat, but at a slower rate and may never achieve its maximum operating temperature.

16. What is the advantage to putting an appliance on casters?

Casters allow the appliance to be easily moved for cleaning, servicing and/or relocating. When used in conjunction with a design-certified moveable gas connector, the appliance can be quickly and easily removed from its normal operating position. Gas equipment mounted on casters must utilize a design certified quick disconnect gas connector – incorporating a braided, stainless steel gas connector and quick disconnect coupling.

17. Why is a restraining cable required?

A restraining cable connects the moveable gas appliance to the wall. It is designed to be shorter than the gas connector used on the same piece of equipment. The cable prevents any excessive force from being applied to the gas connector when the appliance is first moved away from the wall.

18. What is a thermal shut-off?

The thermal shut-off is a component within a quick disconnect that is designed to melt in the event of a fire. When it melts at a high temperature, the quick disconnect closes and shuts off the gas supply.

19. What are the applicable standards for Dormont exclusive gas connection fittings?

The applicable standard for moveable gas connector installations is ANSI Z21.69 titled "CONNECTORS FOR MOVEABLE GAS APPLIANCES". The applicable standard for the Snapfast® QD device is ANSI Z21.41 titled "QUICK-DISCONNECT DEVICES FOR USE WITH GAS FUEL". Safety Quik’s® are certified to ANSI Z21.15, ANSI Z21.41, and AGA #7-90 Swivel MAX products® are certified to UL567.