The Complete Guide to French Hose Clamp Standards (NF, Automotive & Viticulture)

Quality and Compliance in the Hexagon

In France, industrial fastening is governed by a mix of strict national standards (AFNOR) and specific industry requirements that differ significantly from its neighbors. Whether you are retrofitting a vineyard in Bordeaux, supplying parts to a Renault assembly line in Flins, or maintaining aerospace components in Toulouse, "standard" is a relative term.

For professionals operating in the French market, understanding the nuance between a "Collier Serflex" (a genericized trademark) and a "Collier à tourillon" is vital. This glossary breaks down the regulatory landscape, material requirements, and specific applications that define the French "Savoir-Faire" in fluid management.

The National Standard: NF E 27-851

While Germany uses DIN 3017, France relies on NF E 27-851 as the primary standard for worm-drive hose clamps (colliers à vis sans fin).

What is NF E 27-851? This standard defines the dimensions, materials, and testing protocols for clamps used in general industrial applications. It ensures that the clamp can withstand specific torque loads without the band shearing or the screw mechanism slipping (le saut de vis).

Key Differences from International Standards:

• Band Design: French preference often leans towards bands with raised edges (bords relevés) to prevent cutting into the hose, a feature rigorously tested under NF protocols.
• Markings: Compliant clamps must often carry specific markings indicating their material grade (e.g., "Inox" or "ACIER") and clamping range in millimeters.

Automotive Giants: Renault & PSA (Stellantis)

France’s automotive sector does not rely solely on general norms. The two historical giants, Renault and PSA (now part of Stellantis), have their own internal "B-Standards" that suppliers must meet.

Renault Group Standards

• Standard B9: A common internal reference for cooling system clamps. Renault specifications often prioritize W2 (Stainless band, zinc-plated screw) for engine bay applications to balance cost and corrosion resistance.
• Specific Parts: You will often see references to part numbers like 77 01 xxx xxx. Replacement clamps must match the exact bandwidth (typically 12mm for radiator hoses) to fit the molded rubber indentations on OEM hoses.

PSA (Peugeot / Citroën / Stellantis)

• PSA B20 0250: This is the rigorous standard for "Regulated Substances," ensuring all clamps are free of heavy metals like hexavalent chromium (Cr6-free).
• PSA C30 2101: Defines the mechanical characteristics for clips and clamps. It specifies the "pull-off force" (force d'arrachement) required to ensure a fuel line stays connected during a crash.
• Pre-Positioned Clamps: French assembly lines heavily favor "glued" or pre-positioned clamps that come attached to the hose, often requiring specific removal tools (like "Pince à colliers Clic-R").

The Wine Industry: Raccord Mâcon vs. SMS

France is the world’s vineyard, and the wine industry (Viniculture) uses specialized connection systems found nowhere else. A standard industrial clamp will often fail to seal these unique fittings properly.

Raccord Mâcon (The French Standard) Originating from the Burgundy region, the "Mâcon" connection is the standard for French wine transfer.

• The Connection: Unlike flat-faced fittings, the Mâcon uses a conical seal mechanism.
• The Clamp: The hose is typically secured to the barbed tail (douille annelée) of the fitting using heavy-duty safety clamps (colliers de sécurité) or bolted clamps (colliers à tourillon).
• Identification: You can identify a Mâcon nut by its 4 notches (crans).

SMS 1145 (Swedish Manufacturing Standard) Widely used in the French food and dairy sectors (Danone, Lactalis).

• The Difference: SMS fittings use a flat seal and a round thread. The nut typically has 6 notches.
• Clamp Requirement: Because these are often used for food products, the clamps securing the hoses must be Inox 316 (W5) to withstand caustic cleaning agents (CIP - Cleaning In Place).

[Image: Side-by-side comparison of a Mâcon Nut (4 notches) vs. SMS Nut (6 notches)]

Aerospace & Defense: The "AIR" and "NFL" Standards

With Airbus headquartered in Toulouse, France is a hub for aerospace. Standard automotive clamps are strictly forbidden in this sector.

• NF EN 4234: The aerospace standard for worm-drive clamps. These clamps differ from standard industrial versions by using higher-grade stainless steel (often A4/316 or specialized alloys) and undergoing 100% X-ray inspection for stress fractures.
• NF L (Norme Française Aéronautique): You may encounter older "NFL" part numbers. These refer to legacy French military aviation standards, often requiring cadmium plating (now being phased out for environmental reasons) or specific passivation layers.

A-Z Glossary of French Hose Clamp Terminology

Acier Zingué (Zinc-Plated Steel) The material corresponding to W1. Used for general purpose, dry environment applications.

Collier à Griffe (Claw Clamp) A clamp specific to "Raccord Express" (also known as Tête de Chat or Raccord Pompier). These are used in public works (Travaux Publics) for air compressors and water lines. The clamp has two "claws" that lock into the coupling.

Collier à Oreille (Ear Clamp) Single-use clamps crimped with pliers. Widely used in French automotive manufacturing for CV joints (soufflets de cardan) because they are tamper-proof and low profile.

Collier à Tourillon (Bolt Clamp) The French term for a heavy-duty T-Bolt clamp. "Tourillon" refers to the trunnion/pivot point that allows the bolt to achieve extremely high torque without bending. Essential for agricultural spraying machinery.

Collier de Serrage (Hose Clamp) The generic umbrella term for any hose clamp.

Douille Annelée (Hose Tail/Barb) The barbed end of a fitting that goes inside the hose. The clamp must be positioned behind the first barb (cannele) to ensure a proper seal.

Inox (Stainless Steel) Short for Inoxydable.

• Inox A2 (304): Standard outdoor/industrial grade (W4).
• Inox A4 (316): Marine/Chemical grade (W5). Required for coastal areas (Brittany, Côte d'Azur).

Serflex Technically a brand name, but used generically in France to mean "worm drive clamp" (similar to "Jubilee" in the UK). If a customer asks for a "Serflex," they want a standard worm-drive clamp.

FAQ: Selling to the French Market

Q: Do I need metric sizes for France? A: Absolutely. Imperial sizes are virtually non-existent outside of American vintage car restoration. Always list clamping ranges in millimeters (e.g., 16-27 mm).

Q: What is the "Raccord Pompier"? A: This is the Guillemin coupling (NF E 29-572). It is the standard symmetrical coupling for firefighting and liquid delivery in France. It requires a specific locking ring, and the hose is usually secured with a heavy-duty bolted clamp or a wire binding system (ligature).

Q: Are "perforated" bands accepted in France? A: While sold, they are considered lower quality than embossed (non-perforated) bands. French engineers generally prefer embossed bands (NF E 27-851 type) because they do not damage the hose during tightening.

Conclusion

Succeeding in the French market means speaking the language of its industries. It means offering W5 Inox for a dairy plant in Brittany, Raccord Mâcon compatible clamps for a winery in Bordeaux, and PSA-compliant clips for an auto repair shop in Lyon. By adhering to NF standards and understanding these specific niches, you ensure your products are viewed as professional, compliant, and reliable.

Equipping a winery or maintaining a French vehicle? Browse our specialized range of NF-compliant hose clamps.