Picture this: It’s a windy day and the smell of smoke drifts across your street. Maybe you’re at home with the kids or running a business, or perhaps you’re the first to a callout with your crew. The difference between staying safe and being caught off guard often comes down to having the right gear—ready, working, and easy to use.

Fire hose reels—like the Protege Fire Hose Reel 36m x 19mm—aren’t just for big buildings or fire trucks. They’re a practical, lifesaving tool for households, schools, sheds, farms, workplaces, and emergency teams. But choosing the right one (and knowing how to use it) can feel confusing, especially if you haven’t faced a real emergency before.

This guide unpacks everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and using a fire hose reel. Whether you’re protecting a family home, managing a busy site, or prepping your team for the next season, you’ll find step-by-step support, real-world advice, and lessons learned from both households and the fireground. Plus, we’ll walk through mistakes to avoid and tips that could save time—or lives—when it matters most.

For those ready to upgrade or equip their property, you can check out the
Protege Fire Hose Reel 36m x 19mm with delivery Australia-wide—a proven pick for homes, businesses, and crews.

Fires move quickly. Most of us underestimate how fast things escalate—from a dropped cigarette, a grassfire outside, or an electrical fault inside. Water from a garden hose can help, but a dedicated fire hose reel is designed for fast, controlled response. It lets you reach hot spots, keeps you at a safer distance, and delivers a steady stream when seconds count.

In homes, hose reels bridge the gap between a fire extinguisher and the arrival of emergency services. For schools, farms, and worksites, they’re a frontline tool for containing small fires or stopping them before they spread. And for firefighters? It’s a familiar, reliable piece of kit that’s easy to deploy and maintain, with proven results across all sorts of incidents.

The 36m x 19mm Protege model is a popular choice because it’s long enough for big areas, sturdy enough for rough handling, and easy for most people to operate—even under pressure. But not every hose reel is made equal, and there are real risks if you buy the wrong size, skip on maintenance, or don’t practice with your crew or family.

Let’s break it down. The Protege 36m x 19mm fire hose reel is a wall-mounted (or cabinet-mounted) unit with 36 metres of durable, flexible hose and a nozzle for directing water onto flames. The hose diameter (19mm) is designed for a balance of water flow and ease of handling—wide enough for strong output, light enough for most adults and older teens to use.

Key features:

• Length: 36 metres covers most family homes, large sheds, or small businesses without needing extensions
• Diameter: 19mm gives a powerful, consistent stream (better than thin garden hoses)
• Materials: Rust-resistant steel reel and fittings, UV-stable hose, robust brass nozzle
• Operation: Simple on/off valve, smooth winding, easy to see and grab in an emergency
• Suitability: Indoor/outdoor use, for homes, offices, warehouses, schools, farms, and fire trucks

Not sure if the 36m x 19mm Protege reel is right for you? Here’s what to consider:

Tip from experience: “After years on the fireground and helping families set up at home, I’ve seen how a poorly placed reel or tangled hose can waste precious seconds. Walk through your plan and check visibility from common rooms or workstations.”

For families, the main goal is early detection, a clear exit plan, and gear that anyone can use under pressure. Practising as a household—even just rolling out the hose, aiming the nozzle, and switching the valve—makes a world of difference when nerves are high.

On the fireground or at large sites, hose reels are often backed up by other equipment: extinguishers, standpipes, hydrants, or truck hoses. But they still play a crucial role, especially for mop-up or quick knockdowns while heavier lines are rigged. Every member of the team should know where reels are, how they connect, and what to do if something jams or leaks.

1. Plan Your Location

Stand in your most-used exit (or muster point) and picture where a fire might start. Pick a wall that gives you the broadest reach—ideally close to water supply and away from obstructions.

2. Secure the Bracket

Use sturdy wall anchors (for brick, concrete, or timber). The bracket should be at a comfortable height—about chest level for most adults, but low enough for teens or elderly users to reach.

3. Connect to Water

Use the supplied hose fitting or a certified plumber for mains connection. Double-check for leaks, and if connecting to a tank, ensure the pump can deliver enough pressure for 36 metres.

4. Unwind and Test

With the nozzle closed, fully unwind the hose to check for twists, kinks, or weak spots. Turn on the water and inspect the flow, nozzle control, and valve operation. Adjust as needed.

5. Educate and Practise

Make sure every household member or staff person knows how to turn the valve, aim the nozzle, and reach the reel. Practice in daylight and, if safe, in low-light with torches.

• Forgetting regular checks: A jammed or leaky reel is no use in a crisis. Test yours at least every 3–6 months.
• Blocking access: Storing bikes, bins, or boxes in front of a reel wastes time and can trip people in a hurry.
• Not enough hose: Always check the furthest corner of your property. If your reel is too short, add a secondary hose or move the unit.
• Poor nozzle control: Not all nozzles are the same. Practise turning the spray on/off and adjusting the pattern—especially if kids or elderly might use it.
• Ignoring training: In workplaces and homes, everyone needs a hands-on run-through—not just a talk or diagram.
• No plan for pets or elderly: During a fire, helping pets or less-mobile people takes time. Make sure someone else can operate the reel if you’re assisting others.

Renters

Ask your landlord or building manager if fire reels are installed and maintained. If not, request written permission to add a portable or wall-mounted unit. Always keep walkways clear and inform flatmates or neighbours where the reel is located.

Families with Children

Teach kids what the hose reel is for—explain that it’s not a toy, but let them practise under supervision. Kids are more likely to remember how to use equipment if they’re shown, not just told.

Elderly or People with Disabilities

Ensure the reel and nozzle are within easy reach. Consider a lighter hose and check that valves and nozzles can be turned by people with arthritis or limited strength. Practise together and have a backup plan.

Pet Owners

If you have pets, include them in your fire drill. Know who’s in charge of helping pets escape, and make sure the hose reel isn’t blocked by animal beds, crates, or toys.

On the fireground, the basics matter. Before each shift or operation:

• Gear check: Walk the property or site, identify all hose reels, check water pressure, nozzle control, and hose condition.
• Buddy up: New members should practise deploying and winding up reels with a partner.
• Communication: Use radios or agreed hand signals to alert crews when reels are being used or water is turned on.
• Log and record: Note any faults, leaks, or accessibility issues in your handover or log sheets for follow-up.

Remember—most incidents are won or lost in the first five minutes. Smooth teamwork and gear that works as expected are half the battle.

• Monthly visual check: Look for damage, leaks, or blockages. Wipe off dust or cobwebs so it’s easy to spot in a hurry.
• Quarterly test run: Unwind and run water for a minute. Check pressure, nozzle spray, and valve function.
• After every use: Fully unwind, rinse, and dry the hose. Check for cracks or melted spots—heat damage can cause hidden leaks.
• Annual pro check: Have a qualified technician service your reel yearly, especially for workplaces or shared sites.
• Log your checks: Keep a simple record—date, test, result, who checked. It’s a small job, but it can save lives (and insurance hassles).

• Practise in real conditions: Try a drill at night or with the lights out—fires rarely happen when it’s convenient.
• Label your valves: In a panic, every second counts. Mark “ON/OFF” in bold, weatherproof tape, and show all householders or staff.
• Keep spare washers and nozzle parts: Tiny leaks or stuck valves are common—having a small repair kit handy can mean your reel is always ready.
• Don’t rely on one reel alone: For bigger properties, add a second unit or have a backup fire extinguisher close by.

From a fireground debrief: “One crew lost time because the hose reel was tangled behind paint tins and ladders. Another family couldn’t find the valve in the dark—so we always double-check access and practice with the kids. These little things matter.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Action Today—A Few Minutes Could Save a Lifetime

Walk through your property or workplace now and check your fire hose reel. Practise a quick drill with your family or team, and update your fire plan if needed.

Want to upgrade, replace, or set up a new hose reel? You can
order the Protege Fire Hose Reel 36m x 19mm online here—delivered across Australia.