SAE 100R1 and SAE 100R2 (also sold as EN853 1SN and 2SN) are the two most widely specified hydraulic hoses in the world. They look similar, share the same size range and often appear in the same catalog page - but they are not interchangeable. This article compares them technically so buyers can specify the correct hose.
Construction: One Wire vs Two Wire Braid
The difference is in the reinforcement. SAE 100R1 / EN853 1SN has a single high-tensile steel wire braid over an oil-resistant NBR tube. SAE 100R2 / EN853 2SN has two braids. The additional braid in R2 increases pressure capacity and burst safety margin.
Both hoses use the same NBR inner tube and the same abrasion-resistant synthetic rubber cover. From the outside they look nearly identical - the difference is visible only in cross-section or by reading the layline printed on the cover.
Pressure Comparison
The practical difference is in working pressure. At every size, 2SN has a higher working pressure than 1SN:
| Size (ID) | SAE 100R1 / 1SN WP | SAE 100R2 / 2SN WP |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 25 MPa (3,625 psi) | 41 MPa (5,950 psi) |
| 3/8" | 21 MPa (3,000 psi) | 32 MPa (4,650 psi) |
| 1/2" | 18 MPa (2,600 psi) | 28 MPa (4,000 psi) |
| 3/4" | 13 MPa (1,875 psi) | 21 MPa (3,000 psi) |
| 1" | 9 MPa (1,300 psi) | 16 MPa (2,300 psi) |
| 2" | 7 MPa (1,000 psi) | 14 MPa (2,000 psi) |
Both hoses share the same minimum burst pressure ratio: at least 3× working pressure per SAE J517 and EN 853.
When to Specify SAE 100R1 / 1SN
- Medium-pressure hydraulic systems (return lines, drain lines, low-pressure supply)
- Agricultural equipment (tractors, sprayers, implements)
- Material handling equipment (forklifts, low-pressure lift circuits)
- Industrial hydraulic systems below 20 MPa
- Applications where tighter bend radius is more important than maximum pressure
When to Specify SAE 100R2 / 2SN
- High-pressure hydraulic systems (boom, arm, bucket circuits)
- Excavators, loaders, cranes, mobile hydraulics
- Press machines and hydraulic power units
- Any circuit with pressure spikes above 25 MPa
- When a single SKU must cover multiple pressure circuits
Can 2SN Replace 1SN?
Yes, mechanically. 2SN has an equal or higher pressure rating at every size. The trade-offs are slightly larger bend radius (slightly less flexible routing) and a small cost premium. Many OEMs standardize on 2SN across all circuits to reduce SKU count and assembly-line complexity.
The reverse is NOT safe: substituting 1SN for 2SN reduces pressure capacity and may cause hose failure in high-pressure service.
Fitting Compatibility
Both 1SN and 2SN use standard SAE J516 / DIN EN ISO 12163 crimp and reusable fittings. Because the outside diameters differ slightly, always crimp to the fitting manufacturer's recommended crimp diameter for the exact hose part number - never assume a "one size fits all" crimp setting.
Standards Cross Reference
- SAE 100R1AT = EN 853 1SN (one wire braid)
- SAE 100R2AT = EN 853 2SN (two wire braid)
- The "AT" suffix indicates "non-skive" cover (the cover is not removed before crimping)
- "S" suffix (1ST, 2ST) indicates skive-type, less common in modern assemblies
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