CAMLOCK FITTINGS

General Information

What is a Camlock Fitting?

A camlock fitting is also often referred to as a cam and groove coupling or camlock coupling. These terms are used interchangeably. The camlock fitting type were designed for ease of use and quick connection and disconnection without requiring tools. No tools are required to make the connection. The risk of cross threading is avoided. Due to their ease of use and cost effectiveness they have replaced the traditional methods of hose and pipe connection. Traditional methods being more time consuming, often requiring tools and hence less productive. The camlock coupling is one of the most popular coupling types in the world.

Camlock Coupling terminology

  • Adaptor – the grooved end. Also referred to as the Male Adaptor.
  • Coupling – receiving part with the arms. Also referred to as the Female Coupler.

How the Cam and Groove system works

  • Line pressure which would tend to move the Coupler and the Adaptor apart increases pressure on the face of the cam insuring increased locking leverage.
  • A recess holds the gaskets in place ready for positive sealing action.
  • The Adaptor and Coupler are specifically designed to minimise turbulence in flows, from fluids or gases, at the point of connection. Abrasion from dry products moving through the system is also minimised.

The Different Camlock Types

  • The actual camlock connection comprises 2 separate parts - an Adaptor/ grooved part inserting into a Coupler/ receiving part.
  • There is also a ‘thread’ requirement to bear in mind. Each Adaptor and Coupler end be either male threaded, female threaded or a hose shank depending on your set-up requirement.
  • Cross referencing on the points 1 and 2 above will define the Camlock Type (see table below) – Types A-F.
  • Types DC and DP are named after their function requirement.

TYPE A – Adaptor with Female Thread

TYPE B – Coupler with Male Thread

TYPE C – Coupler with Hose Tail

TYPE D– Coupler with Female Thread

TYPE E – Adaptor with Hose Tail

TYPE F – Adaptor with Male Thread

TYPE DC – Dust Cap (Coupler)

TYPE DP – Dust Plug (Adaptor)

Making the Camlock Connections

  • To connect, simply extend arms out and slip the camlock adaptor smoothly into the camlock coupler.
  • Press the handles down with normal hand pressure.

Note: A recess holds gaskets in place ready for positive sealing action.

How to size a Camlock

Your hose-tail, male or female thread will determine the size of the Camlock. For instance, if you have a 1’’ (25mm) hose tail, male or female thread then the Camlock size will be 1”. Note, it is the Inside Diameter (ID) that is being referred to and not the OD of the thread or hose shank.

How to identify the size of a threaded fitting given the Outside Diameter (OD)

A quick note on thread sizing – a fitting is generally referred to by its nominal size. A 1” (25mm) BSP thread is the nominal sizing. This refers to the INSIDE diameter. The OD for a 1” (25mm) is not 1” or 25mm but is actually 33.2mm at its widest point - the Actual Major Diameter.

Once you have your Actual Major Diameter, reference the chart below for the nominal size and applicable camlock size code.

Camlock SizingMetric NameImperial NameActual Major Diameter (mm)Actual Major Diameter (inches)
-6mm1/8"9.728mm0.383
-8mm1/4”13.157mm0.518
-10mm3/8”16.662mm0.656
05015mm1/2”20.995mm0.825
07520mm3/4"26.441mm1.041
10025mm1”33.249mm1.309
12532mm1-1/4”41.910mm1.650
15040mm1-1/2”47.803mm1.882
20050mm2”59.614mm2.347
25065mm2-1/2”75.184mm2.960
30080mm3”87.884mm3.460
400100mm4”113.030mm4.450
500125mm5”138.430mm5.450
600150mm6”163.830mm6.450

Accessories & spares

We have a full range of spares available including gaskets, handles, rings and pins.

  • All Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Polypropylene and Nyglass camlocks come standard with 304 Stainless Steel handles.
  • Handles are also available in Brass if preferred and can be purchased separately.
  • Pins, Pull Rings and R Clips are in Zinc Plated Mild Steel for Aluminium, Polypropylene and Nyglass camlocks
  • For Stainless Steel Camlocks Pins, Pull Rings and R Clips are SS304.

Gaskets & Seals

Buna Nitrile (Buna N) also known as Nitrile rubber and NBR. It is the most widely used elastomer for gaskets and seals. This is the standard gasket material for all metal couplings. Our Polypropylene camlocks are supplied standard with EPDM. Various other materials are also available including Viton, Silicone and Teflon coated options.

Safety Pins

Also known as R Clips. All our camlock couplers are supplied complete with safety locking pins. They are designed to be used with the camlock couplers to prevent an accidental disconnection of the camlock assembly. Safety pins are not needed under normal working conditions.

Certification

Stainless Steel Camlocks can be supplied with a 3.1 Material Certificate. Please notify us at the point of order. See sample certificate below.

Common Applications for Cam and Groove Fittings:

Camlocks are used across most industries where liquids, powders or granules might need to be transferred. Wherever pipe, tubes or hoses are involved in the transference of product.

Agriculture

Polypropylene camlock fittings are resistant to most acids and are ideal as camlock hose connectors on agricultural sprayers. Here they save time during refilling tanks and other applications

Diesel and Fuel

Camlock couplings are the standard connection for hoses used on fuel tankers to service fuel stations and connect lines. Companies that dispense fuel will have a fuel pump and often connect the plumbing with camlock fittings.

Food and Beverage

Dairy farms and Wineries also readily use these fittings. ½” Stainless Camlocks are used in home brew setups.

Water

Water purification and conditioning plants use the larger sized camlock couplings to make the connection to the large sized pipes in the system.

Cleaning

Many industrial cleaning products work with hoses. Hoses with camlock fittings can easily be disconnected for storage to facilitate transport. Ease of disconnection facilitates removal in the event of a blockage occurring.

Pump Connections

Cam and groove fittings are often used threaded into the inlet & outlet connections of pumps. This allows for quick release of the transfer hose. Depending on the camlock used, use of a dust plug or cap will prevent spillage and/ or dust and insects from entering the set-up.

Military

Per the US military spec MIL-C-27487 (now A-A-59326), camlock couplings are widely used by NATO forces throughout the world to facilitate rapid tactical deployment. Anodised aluminium cam and groove fittings can be supplied to the full spec.

Paints, Inks and Dyes

Camlock fittings assist in the manufacture of paints, inks & dyes which require frequent hose changes to find the correct mix. The couplings can also tolerate the collection of coatings without detriment to the seal. Stainless and Poly couplers are often employed here. couplers and Polyproylene Cam

Petrochemical process plant

Camlock couplings are particularly effective in the rapid changing of lines e.g. in mixing vessesls. This saves time compared with flanged or threaded pipe fittings.

Liquid Storage and Dispensing

Camlock couplings are a standard option on IBC containers to allow rapid filling and emptying. Aggressive chemicals can also be handled. Stainless Steel and polypropylene camlock fittings are resistant to most acids and corrosive solvents.

Military application

Made to the A-A-59326 specification, formally the MIL-C-27487, the fittings are used by the US military nationwide. Anodised Aluminium couplings made to the MIL spec can be special ordered.

Camlock Manufacture

There are different casting methods and terminology to be aware of.

  • Gravity casting – Is a repeatable casting process used for non-ferrous alloy parts, typically aluminium, zinc and copper base alloys. The process differs from Pressure Die casting in that gravity rather than high pressure is used to fill the void. Here the process is not automated. Advantages – good dimensional accuracy/ smoother cast surface finish than pressure die and sand casting. Quality product. Gravity casting costs more than Pressure Die casting.
  • Pressure Die casting – this process is a way to produce high volumes of identical, low temperature metallic components with a great degree of precision and repeatability. Molten metals or alloys are injected under high force into a metal die. Automated process. Blowhole is noticeable on dissection.
  • Investment casting – allows for un-machinable parts to be cast near final shape. Ideal for low volume production. Provides excellent dimensional accuracy.
  • Sand casting – uses non-reusable sand moulds to from metal castings. Versatile in the size of products it can accommodate. Can also create complex and detailed castings. Can be used to cast nearly any metal alloy. Inexpensive, easily recycled and can withstand extremely high temperatures.

Technical Specifications

Specifications

Historically the standard for cam action couplings has been based on the US Military Specification MIL-C-27487 (Coupling Halves, Quick-Disconnect, Cam-Locking Type). The specification laid down the casting method, materials, dimensions, tolerances, pressure ratings and inspection procedures. The MIL-C-27487 specification guaranteed inter-changeability of products. MIL-C-27487 has now been superseded by a new US Federal standard A-A-59326. All our metallic couplings are manufactured in accordance with the dimensions and tolerances of MIL-C-27487/ A-A-59326 specification and pressure-tested.

Interchangeable

Every camlock is made to industry standard which ensures that the complete range is interchangeable with other camlocks made to the same standard. This means you don’t have to worry about compatibility. Nor do you need to replace all your camlock parts when a single-fitting needs replacing.

Pacific Fittings Camlock couplers are fully interchangeable with Dixon camlock fittings, PT Couplings, Banjo and OPW camlock fittings.

Working Pressure - PSI

Cam locks are medium pressure couplings.

Material½”
15mm
¾” – 2”
20-50mm
2 ½”
65mm
3”
80mm
4”
100mm
5”
125mm
6”
150mm
Stainless Steel 31615025022520010010075
Aluminium1502501501251007575
Brass15025015012510075-
Nyglass1251251007575--
Polypropylene75100505050--

Threads

Threads available: Male BSP taper, Female BSP parallel. Threads are designed to seal when threaded onto the pipe.

Non-thread ends

These are the hose shanked camlocks, the Type C and E’s. These are supplied in various options, either:

  • Double ribbed. Our double ribbed Aluminium hose tails have also been machined for easier application.
  • Multi-ribbed hose barbs. These are supplied as part of our crimp collar range of Type C’s and E’s.
Hose Barb Configurations
 Dual BarbMulti-barbed with Crimp Collar option
 Machined shank
Stainless Steel 316-
Aluminium
Brass---
Nyglass--
Polypropylene--

Materials and Sizes

Materials and Sizes
Coupling Body Material½”
15mm
¾”
20mm
1”
25mm
11/4”
32mm
11/2”
40mm
2”
50mm
2 ½”
65mm
3”
80mm
4”
100mm
5”
125mm
6”
150m
Aluminium-
Brass-----------
Nyglass-----
Polypropylene--
Stainless Steel 316-

Aluminium camlock Couplings

Gravity die cast. It is possible to anodise as is typical for military contracts.

Stainless Steel 316 couplings

Investment cast. Can be electro-polished for sanitary applications.

Polypropylene camlock fittings

Manufactured from glass-reinforced polypropylene. Good chemical and corrosion resistance. Resists most acids, chemicals and fertilisers.

Nyglass or Nylon cam and groove fittings

Made of strong nylon and glass fibres. Extremely lightweight couplings that are resistant to various chemicals, solvents and salt water. Stronger than polypropylene. Excellent dimensional stability.

Brass couplings

These are either sand cast or forged (currently not supplied).

Handle Materials
 ½”
15mm
¾”
20mm
1”
25mm
1 ¼”
32mm
1 ½”
40mm
2”
50mm
2 ½”
65mm
3”
80mm
4”
100mm
5”
125mm
6”
150mm
SS304 (Standard)-
Brass--

 

Camlock Gasket Summary

 

Camlock Gaskets supplied as standard
 Aluminium CamlocksStainless Steel CamlocksPolypropylene CamlocksNyglass Camlocks
Gasket MaterialBuna NBuna NEPDMBuna N

 

Camlock Gasket Materials Sold as Replacement Parts
 ½”
15mm
¾”
20mm
1”
25mm
1”
25mm
1 ½”
40mm
2”
50mm
2 ½”
65mm
3”
80mm
4”
100mm
5”
125mm
6”
150mm
Buna N-
EPDM--
Silicone-
Viton-

 

Temperature Rating
Gasket MaterialMin TempMax Temp
Buna N-20°C100°C
EPDM-20°C150°C
Viton-20°C200°C
Silicone-20°C220°C

 

Gasket Dimensions
Nominal SizeDimension (mm)
inchmmOD x ID x Thickness
½”15mm26*12.5*3.5
¾”20mm35*22*5.5
1"25mm40*27*6.4
1-¼"32mm50*35*6.4
1-½"40mm56*41*6.4
2"50mm67*51*6.4
2-½"65mm80*64*6.4
3"80mm95*76*6.4
4"100mm124*124*6.4
6"125mm180*152*6.4

Chemical Compatibility

Disclaimer The information provided here is to be used as a guide only. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure the compatibility of the coupling body and the gasket material for the application.

Buna-N - provide excellent resistance to oils, solvents, gasoline, and petroleum-based fluids. Supplied as standard with all metallic couplings.

EPDM - ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber. This is a specially designed synthetic rubber for water applications. An elastomer characterised by a wide range of applications. Supplied as standard in polypropylene camlocks since poly is widely used in agriculture with chemicals.

Viton - similar to EPDM in that it is an elastomer with high yield strength for outstanding durability. It is specifically formulated for use with hydrocarbons including corrosive liquids. Not recommend for storage of organic acids.

Camlock Fittings: Dimensions

Type A Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1-¼" 32mm

1-½" 40mm

2" 50mm

2-½" 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

A

32

36.7

45.5

53.4

63

75.8

91.5

119.5

145.2

175.9

B

42

51

56

57

64

74

72

76

76

80

C

25.3

35.3

40.5

42.5

48.5

50.5

51.5

53.5

54.3

57.8

Type B Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1¼" 32mm

1½” 40mm

2" 50mm

2½” 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

B

62

62

64.5

67

74.5

84.5

88.7

95

97

103.5

C

40.1

40.1

45.8

46.1

50.2

55.2

58

59.2

60

62

E

32.4

37.3

46

54

63.8

76.5

92.2

120.2

146

176.5

Type C Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1¼" 32mm

1½” 40mm

2" 50mm

2½” 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

B

77

93

101

119.5

134

144.5

149.5

159

169

233.5

C

40.1

40.1

45.8

46.1

50.2

55.2

58

59.2

60

62

E

32.4

37.3

46

54

63.8

76.5

92.2

120.2

146

176.5

G

20

25.4

31.4

37.9

50.6

63.5

75.2

101

126.3

151

N

21.5

27.6

34.3

39.8

52.3

66.9

77.3

103.3

127.6

154.2

Type D Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1¼" 32mm

1½” 40mm

2" 50mm

2½” 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

B

54

60

71

71

76

86

92

95

96

100

C

40.1

40.1

45.8

46.1

50.2

55.2

58

59.2

60

62

E

32.4

37.3

46

54

63.8

76.5

92.2

120.2

146

176.5

Type E Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1¼" 32mm

1½" 40mm

2" 50mm

2½" 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

A

32

36.7

45.5

53.4

63

75.8

91.5

119.5

145.2

175.9

B

35

36

40

45

50

52

52

55

55

58

C

72

100

109

128

147

156

158

175

184

249

G

20

25.4

31.4

37.9

50.6

63.5

75.2

101

126.3

151

N

21.5

27.6

34.3

39.8

52.3

66.9

77.3

103.3

127.6

154.2

Type F Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1¼" 32mm

1½” 40mm

2" 50mm

2½” 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

A

32

36.7

45.5

53.4

63

75.8

91.5

119.5

145.2

175.9

B

62

72

78

81

89

99

99

107

112

115

C

25.3

35.3

40.5

42.5

48.5

50.5

51.5

53.5

54.3

57.8

Type DP Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1¼" 32mm

1½” 40mm

2" 50mm

2½” 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

A

32

36.7

45.5

53.4

63

75.8

91.5

119.5

145.2

175.9

B

31.5

37.5

42.5

44.5

50.5

52.5

54.5

58

58

68

Type DC Dimensions (mm)

Camlock Size

¾” 20mm

1" 25mm

1¼" 32mm

1½” 40mm

2" 50mm

2½” 65mm

3" 80mm

4" 100mm

5" 125mm

6" 150mm

B

34

42.5

48.5

48.5

54

58

61.5

63.5

66

68

E

32.4

37.3

46

54

63.8

76.5

92.2

120.2

146

176.5

Material Certification Sample

Common Questions

What do I need to know before purchasing a Camlock Fitting?

  • What is the TYPE of coupler or adaptor that you will be needing?
  • What is the SIZE of the coupler or adaptor required?
  • What MEDIA is being transported?
    • This will determine the coupler/ adaptor material to be chosen. The media also impacts the gasket material
  • What is the MATERIAL type you require for the coupler/ adaptor?
  • Check EXISTING COUPLINGS you may have. Are these interchangeable with ours?
    • Couplings made to the mil spec MIL-C-27487, now A-A59326A will be.
    • This spec does not cover true ½” (the standard is based on a ¾” body)
    • The 5” and 6” couplings are also not covered as these are made to individual manufacturer specifications.

Are the Camlocks interchangeable with those from other suppliers?

Yes, provided the Camlock Couplers and Adaptors have been manufactured in accordance with the MIL-C-27487, now A-A59326A specification. All our camlock fittings are fully interchangeable with Dixon, PT Couplings, Banjo and OPW camlock fittings.

Can Camlocks be used for compressed air applications?

No, cam and groove couplings should never be used for compressed air applications, nor for use with steam.