Working in demanding and dynamic environments means that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. When a challenge arises in the field, workers often need to problem solve on the spot so that productivity doesn’t come to a complete halt. While this is simply the nature of working in certain industries, safety should never be compromised in order to move the project forward. That being said, safety problems can just as easily arise accidentally.

Recently, we had a customer visit our Eaton Aeroquip custom hose center with some questions about their Enerpac pump. They wanted to make some changes to the plumbing. It didn’t take long for our sales team to examine the setup and notice that the hoses had been connected to the pump using low-pressure fittings and adapters. These needed to be high-pressure components installed in this application.

This is certainly an easy mistake to make, but the consequences of using the wrong fittings can be dangerous and far-reaching. First and foremost, inadequate fittings pose a serious safety risk to workers. The pressure from the pump could have easily turned the fittings into metal projectiles with the potential to seriously injure employees and cause damage to the facility and surrounding equipment.

A failure in this situation could also result in equipment failure and hydraulic oil leaks or spills. Making sure that your pumps, hoses and other equipment are using the properly rated fittings and adapters will not only protect you and your workers, but prolong the life of your equipment.

If you aren’t completely confident that you are using the correct hose, fittings and adapters with your Enerpac high-pressure pumps or other brand name pumps, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. Our experienced sales team will be able to examine your equipment, identify potential problems and make suggestions for improvements. Ultimately, making sure that you are using the right pressure fittings can be well worth the investment of both time and money.