Non-Threaded Gendered Coupler Types
Camlock
Main article: Cam and grove
A Camlock, also called cam and groove, is a quick connect fluid transfer hose coupling that consists of a male “adapter” and female “coupler”. The adapter has a groove on the outside that is engaged by the “cam arms” on the outside of the coupler to effect a seal against the gasket inside the “coupler”. They are commonly used for petroleum or chemical applications. Specified by Mil-C-27487 / A-A-59326A / EN 14420-7 / DIN 2828.
Perrot Cardan Coupling
Similar in appearance to Bauer couplings, but not compatible with them. Used in agricultural, irrigation, cleaning, and construction industries, but most commonly for water, mortar, bitumen, and bulk products.
British Instantaneous Coupling
Also called John Morris Coupling, BS336 Instantaneous fire couplings are similar in design to the camlock fittings, and are used by U.K. fire brigades. They are available in two sizes: 1½″ INST (FETA, only available with 38 mm hose tails) and 2½″ INST (BS336).
Hozelock
Around 1955 Hozelock Ltd in the United Kingdom invented and patented the international standard plastic, click-on style, push-fit hose end connector now used with garden hoses. The concept was developed to replace metal hose end connectors in coal mines, which were prone to cause static sparks and the possibility of methane gas explosions. Interestingly, all-metal versions of the connector (and compatible with the plastic versions) are now in common use for garden hoses. The system is now universally used by gardeners throughout the world. The Hozelock brand adapters are typically available with BSP threads, while the compatible Gardena brand, sold mostly in the U.S., uses ¾-11.5NH (Garden hose thread) threads. There are two different sizes of the connectors available, with the larger one being rare and mainly used on 3⁄4″ hoses.
Leverlock
A cam and lock-like coupler, used in the agricultural industry. Also known by the brand names of manufacturers, including Bauer, Perrot, and Miller/Ferrari. Available in sizes ranging from 2″ to 12″.
Machino
A Japanese quick connect and disconnect coupling used on fire hoses in Japan and defined by JIS B9911; available in several sizes: 25A ( 1″ ), 40A (1½″), 50A (2½″), 65A(2 ), 75A ( 3″ ).
Tankwagen Flange Couplings
a.k.a. TW couplings, or tanker couplings, these were originally defined by DIN 28450, but are now specified by EN ISO 14420-6. The couplings are widely used in the petrochemical, chemical, and food industries.
Non-Threaded Genderless Coupler Types
Many of these couplings are of the so-called “claw” type. Some of the information below has been taken from commercial product catalogs and specifications.
Air King
The “Air King” universal air hose coupling, also known as a “Chicago style” fitting, is malleable iron or brass “quarter turn” “sexless coupling” usually found on large pneumatic tools like jackhammers. The fitting is considered “universal”, because a common two-lug head is used on all sizes ranging from 0.25 to 1 inch (6 to 25 mm).
Barcelona
This coupling is used by Spanish firefighters, and is defined by Spanish Standard UNE 23400. It is a sexless coupling with three engaging lugs, and is available in several different sizes, including Barcelona 25 (25 mm hose ID), Barcelona 45 (45 mm hose ID), and Barcelona 70 (70 mm hose ID).
Suitable for delivery (pressure) only, not suction.
DSP
A French hose coupling, compatible with Guillemin couplings, but used for different purposes. Conforms to NF S61-704 and NF S61-705. Available in the following sizes:
- DSP ND 40 Suitable for delivery (pressure) only, not suction.
- DSP ND 65 Suitable for delivery (pressure) only, not suction.
- AR ND 100 Suitable for delivery (pressure) and suction.
European Air Coupling
Defined by DIN 3238, DIN 3489 (combines DIN 3481, 3482, 3483, 3484, and 3485), and DIN 11204 (with hole for safety clip), these look similar to Express and Geka couplings, but have a 42 mm distance between the claws.
Express Coupling
Very similar in appearance to GEKA couplings, but not compatible with them, because Express couplings have a 41 mm distance between the claws. These are defined by NF E 29-573. Used for both water and air.
Forestry Coupling
Developed by the Canada Metal Company for the Canadian wildfire firefighters in 1977 to overcome issues of snagging and water volume loss associated with the smaller-diameter Storz couplings, these couplings are now specified for use by Canadian, U.S., and Australian wildland fire departments. The coupling design is specified by CAN/ULC-S551-13 (25 mm and 38 mm forged couplers), CAN/ULC-S558-13 (25 mm and 38 mm non-forged couplers), and ULC/CAN-S574 (64 mm forged couplers), as well as USFDA 5100-192 (US Forest Service) and available for use with 19 mm, 25 mm, 38 mm, and 64 mm hose sizes. Note that Wajax Manufacturing submitted a competing design, but was not selected, so referring to these fittings as “Ajax couplers” is incorrect.
GEKA Steam Hose Coupling
This is a sexless quarter-turn bayonet hose coupler, originally manufactured by the Karasto company distinguishable by the gasket profile, which has a flat outer ring enclosing a domed middle section, as well as the distance between the claws being 40 mm. Sometimes called a “swift quick release coupling” or “claw coupling. This is based on the design of the Giersberg fire extinguisher coupling (predecessor to the Storz coupling), and was developed by Julius Oehler in the late 1920s, and was patented in 1932. The name GEKA is formed from the combination of Giersberg and Karasto. These couplings are used mostly for gardening and irrigation, but New Zeland uses them for some wildland fire fighting.
GOST
A sexless coupling, a.k.a. Bogdan coupler, used on fire hoses in Russia and defined by GOST R 53279-2009, available in several sizes, including DN 25, DN 40, DN 50, DN 65, DN 70, DN 80, DN 100, DN 125, and DN 150.
