What must be avoided during the installation of flexible hoses to prevent stress on fittings?

During the installation of flexible hoses, avoiding excessive bending and twisting is crucial to prevent stress on the fittings. Excessive bending and twisting can lead to kinks or sharp angles in the hose, which may cause undue strain on the fittings attached to the hose. This strain can weaken the connection, potentially leading to leaks or hose failure over time. Flexible hoses are designed to accommodate some movement, but maintaining a gentle, smooth path is essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of both the hose and the fittings.

In contrast, while overtightening the fittings, using incorrect clamps, and leaving long excess hose can also lead to issues, they do not directly pertain to the significant stress caused by bending and twisting. Overtightening can damage the fittings and hose but is more related to the amount of torque applied during installation rather than physical manipulation of the hose. Similarly, using incorrect clamps might lead to insecure connections, and leaving excess hose can create a cluttered installation but does not inherently cause stress through physical distortion. Thus, managing the physical orientation and positioning of the hose during installation is vital to preventing stress on fittings.