PTFE For Fuel Line - Conductive vs Non-conductive

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mopowers

mopowers

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For those of you who use PTFE hose for fuel line, which type did you go with, conductive or non-conductive? Where did you purchase your hose and hose ends? And how happy are you with them.

I thought all PTFE hose was created equal and just came across an article about the potential dangers of non-conductive hose. Is that a thing, or just a scare tactic?
 
Based on that article above, conductive is the way to go for fuel lines since it allows a path of discharge for any buildup of static electricity.
 
A static charge can build in the unlined hose away from the metal end fittings. Sufficient charge can arc through the hose wall to the braid that is the same potential as the fittings. A conductive liner prevents the static build up at a different rate than the fittings and braid, so there is little to no difference in voltage to cause arc through the hose wall. A minimal length of unlined ptfe hose with a carb and reasonable size pump with little to no bypass/return flow should minimize the potential charge. Black hose and nylon line have carbon which provides some conductivity. I prefer steel brake line with as little barricade hose as necessary to make connections and allow for engine movement and some slack for stress relief.
 
I worked at a hydraulic shop for many years we were a Parker Hannafin distributor. I built lots of fuel lines for myself and many customers. I always used the 919B static dissipating PTFE stainless Hoses.

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Thanks guys. I just called several hose manufacturers, including Fragola, and what they told me was pretty interesting. All of the tech guys I talked to said they've never heard of a specific incident where non-conductive hose caused a static discharge or an issue otherwise. According to them, it's a bit of a non-issue. And this was coming from hose companies who sell the stuff. I know I've run non-conductive ptfe for years in various cars and have never had an issue.

ocdart said:
Conductive vs Nonconductive PTFE Hose in Automotive Use - Phenix Industries.
Click to expand...

j_anderson said:
Based on that article above, conductive is the way to go for fuel lines since it allows a path of discharge for any buildup of static electricity.
Click to expand...
Do you guys use conductive ptfe? If so, from which manufacturer?
 
mopowers said:
Thanks guys. I just called several hose manufacturers, including Fragola, and what they told me was pretty interesting. All of the tech guys I talked to said they've never heard of a specific incident where non-conductive hose caused a static discharge or an issue otherwise. According to them, it's a bit of a non-issue. And this was coming from hose companies who sell the stuff. I know I've run non-conductive ptfe for years in various cars and have never had an issue.




Do you guys use conductive ptfe? If so, from which manufacturer?
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I havent
 
I used this stuff years ago when I did mine. Didn’t even know about it the static issue, but looks like they already had it covered.

Super-Flex Braided PTFE Fuel / Oil Hose & AN Hose Ends | Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

Goodridge 811 and 910 hose are super-flexible, lightweight hoses developed for professional racing teams. The PTFE liner is compatible with all fluids and is resistant to fuel vapor penetration.
www.pegasusautoracing.com www.pegasusautoracing.com
 
I have not read everything in this thread, but I'm gonna assume (you know what happens then) that the difference is whether cloth wrapped ptfe, or stainless wrapped.
I had several leaks through the walls of old rubber braided line, so I've used teflon exclusively each time a leaker is replaced. I've always used stainless wrap, and had a local tubing company supply the fittings and make the line to my specifications. They aren't cheap, but I hate fuel leaks, and buying rubber lines. I think I paid about $140 for three lines and fittings, about four feet total. But that was in AZ, my source in california is cheaper, I think.
 
33IMP said:
I have not read everything in this thread, but I'm gonna assume (you know what happens then) that the difference is whether cloth wrapped ptfe, or stainless wrapped.
I had several leaks through the walls of old rubber braided line, so I've used teflon exclusively each time a leaker is replaced. I've always used stainless wrap, and had a local tubing company supply the fittings and make the line to my specifications. They aren't cheap, but I hate fuel leaks, and buying rubber lines. I think I paid about $140 for three lines and fittings, about four feet total. But that was in AZ, my source in california is cheaper, I think.
Click to expand...
No, mine is cloth wrapped, I think they impregnate the Teflon with a conductive material.
 
33IMP said:
I have not read everything in this thread, but I'm gonna assume (you know what happens then) that the difference is whether cloth wrapped ptfe, or stainless wrapped.
Click to expand...
The difference is actually in the liner itself. The conductive ptfe has a carbon impregnated ptfe liner which is typically black or dark blue. The non-conductive stuff has a clear/white-ish tubing as the liner.

The funny thing about conductive vs non-conductive is that ethanol itself is conductive, though gasoline isn't. But since my pump gas is up to 15% EtOH, logic would say this is a non-issue, but who knows...

Most of the ptfe line on the market is not conductive and I've yet to see or even read about a car fire started by an arcing fuel line caused by use of non-conductive ptfe. Hell, rubber is non-conductive and how many millions of feet of that stuff has been used for fuel line over the years.
 
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