Can the same hoses be used for R32 and R410A, or do I need dedicated ones?

What matters is the pressure rating and the fitting, not the refrigerant itself. For R410A/R32 use hoses rated to at least 800 psi working / 4000 psi burst with a 5/16" SAE fitting (or a 1/4"-to-5/16" adapter). R32 is flammable (A2L) - make sure the seals are HNBR and the joints are leak-free. Keeping a separate hose set for A2L is good practice to avoid cross-contaminating refrigerants and the POE oil.

What hose bore and length is best for evacuation?

Bore is the flow restriction during evacuation, so a short 3/8" hose connected straight to the pump (or via a shut-off valve, bypassing the manifold) performs best. A standard 1/4" hose significantly lengthens the time to reach deep vacuum (below 500 microns). Keep the run as short as possible - the longer and narrower the hose, the slower the evacuation and the higher the risk of missing moisture in the system.

What are the shut-off valves on the hose end for, and are they worth the extra cost?

A shut-off (ball) valve at the service end lets you disconnect the hose without venting the refrigerant trapped inside - reducing F-gas loss, emissions and giving cleaner disconnects during recovery and charging. For routine R32/R410A work and F-gas reporting the surcharge pays back quickly through lower refrigerant loss and faster, cleaner service.

Valves and service hoses

Service hoses — pressure lines connecting your manifold to the system, refrigerant cylinder, vacuum pump, and nitrogen bottle, for charging, recovery, and evacuation.

Genuine brands

About this category: Valves and service hoses

A service hose carries refrigerant, oil and nitrogen (OFN) between the manifold and the system, and connects the vacuum pump during evacuation. They are typically supplied as a three-colour set (blue - low side, red - high side, yellow - service/common). Key ratings are working pressure and burst pressure (commonly 800/4000 psi), 1/4" SAE or 5/16" SAE fittings (for R32/R410A), shut-off valves on the service end, and hose material compatible with modern refrigerants and POE oil.

When selecting, check fitting compatibility with the system ports: most new R410A/R32 units use a 5/16" SAE port, so you need a 5/16" hose or an adapter. Choose hoses rated for the refrigerant's pressure - R410A and R32 run at higher pressures than R134a, so a minimum of 800 psi working / 4000 psi burst. For evacuation, a larger-bore (3/8") hose with a straight end shortens the time to reach deep vacuum. Pay attention to ball/shut-off valves that limit refrigerant loss, and to the seals - for A2L and higher pressures use HNBR gaskets rather than standard NBR.

Frequently asked questions