Material Strength: The Stainless Steel Advantage
Stainless steel braiding is the primary reason these hoses excel under pressure. This outer layer, typically composed of 304 or 316-grade stainless steel, provides exceptional tensile strength and resistance to bursting. Unlike lower-cost materials like basic plastic or vinyl, stainless steel braiding:
Resists Expansion: It significantly restricts the hose's tendency to expand or balloon under internal pressure, a common failure point in weaker hoses.
Prevents Bursting: The tightly woven steel strands form a robust cage around the inner tube, containing pressure far more effectively than unbraided materials.
Offers Durability: Stainless steel is inherently resistant to corrosion and degradation from common water chemistry and bathroom environments, maintaining its structural integrity over time.

Pressure Ratings: Understanding the Numbers
Quality stainless steel shower hoses are explicitly designed and tested to perform within specific pressure ranges:
Working Pressure: Represents the continuous, safe operating pressure the hose is designed for. This typically ranges from 10 bar (145 PSI) up to 15 bar (217 PSI) or higher for premium models. Most residential water systems operate between 40-80 PSI (2.8-5.5 bar), well within this range.
Burst Pressure: This is the much higher pressure point at which the hose would catastrophically fail. Reputable manufacturers test hoses to burst pressures significantly exceeding working pressure, often 3 to 5 times higher (e.g., 30-50 bar / 435-725 PSI). This substantial safety margin ensures reliability under normal and even transient high-pressure events.

Limitations and Critical Factors
While the stainless braid provides immense strength, the hose's overall pressure tolerance also depends on:

Inner Tube Integrity: The rubber or synthetic polymer core carrying the water must be high-quality and compatible with hot water temperatures. Degradation of the inner tube over time can become a weak point, even with strong outer braiding.
End Fittings: The brass or plastic connectors crimped onto each end must be robust and properly secured. Failure often occurs at these connection points if fittings are low-quality or poorly attached.
Manufacturing Quality: Consistent braid density, secure crimping, and material quality are paramount. Poorly manufactured hoses, regardless of material claims, are prone to failure.
Certifications: Look for hoses meeting recognized standards like WRAS (UK), NSF/ANSI 61 (US/Canada), or similar regional certifications, which include pressure testing protocols.
Extreme Conditions: While capable of handling typical high-pressure systems, consistently sustained pressures near the upper limit of the working pressure rating or extreme pressure surges (water hammer) can accelerate wear and potential failure.

Comparison with Alternatives
Stainless Steel Shower Flexible Hose consistently outperform hoses with plastic outer jackets or unbraided designs in pressure tolerance and longevity. Plastic hoses are far more prone to cracking, kinking, and bursting under elevated pressure.

Based on engineering principles and standardized testing, high-quality stainless steel braided shower hoses are demonstrably capable of handling the high water pressures commonly found in residential settings. Their robust construction provides a significant safety margin over typical system pressures.

However, consumers must prioritize verified quality. Choosing hoses from reputable sources, checking for relevant pressure ratings and certifications, and ensuring proper installation are essential steps.