What is Barrier Hose?

[1974carrera]

Periodically I see mention of folks using barrier hose when replacing the hoses in their A/C systems. Is this the original type of hose that is wire reinforced with a red braided cloth covering on the outside, or is it something different?

[JWest]

The original hoses had small pores, but the R-12 molecules were too large to seep out.

R-134A has small molecules and can leak out of the pores in the hose. Barrier hose has a liner that does not allow this.

[Jim Sims]

Barrrier hose has an additional layer of material (nylon like compounds are best) to reduce the permeation of the refrigerant and is recommended for the newer R-134a refrigerant. If one's A/C hoses have been in use and are not leaking and one converts to R-134a due to a compressor failure or upgrade it is not necessary to replace the hoses. Apparently the mineral oil used in the R-12 systems has internally coated the hoses and stays in place since it is not miscible with R-134a refrigerant. This oil coating keeps the permeation of the R-134a within reasonable bounds. However, if a hose goes bad one should replace it with one made with the new barrier hose even if one is staying with R-12.

[1974carrera]

Thanks for the education! Is "barrier hose" a generic term that a hose supplier would recognize or is there a specific place that I need to source it? What does it look like? Thanks again for the help.

[old_skul]

It's the hose sitting in the box in my basement. I removed the A/C from my car. It's 100lb of dead weight I no longer have to cart around.

[Jim Sims]

Barrier hose is a generic term; many different manufacturers produce it. I know of an online source which sells it in small length coils. One has to have access to a bubble crimp tool (not cheap) to install the recommended bead lock type fittings on the barrier hose. Jim

[Jim Sims]

Originally posted by old_skul
It's the hose sitting in the box in my basement. I removed the A/C from my car. It's 100lb of dead weight I no longer have to cart around.

Removing the A/C also provides the additional weight reduction of between 100 and 150 lbs by eliminating the female passenger. Jim

[old_skul]

Well, Jim, she can still ride. She just has to wear less clothing. Or none at all!