How Do Camlock Fittings Work?

In our last post in which we laid out the Camlock Fitting Types Chart, we defined a camlock fitting as a two-part assembly consisting of a male adapter and female coupler which form a "cam and groove coupling". The couplers contain handles/arms and a rubber gasket that couple the adapter when inserted for a water-proof fit. The assembly works by inserting both ends of the fittings into hoses, pumps or pipes & the source of the medium being transferred.

Camlock hose fittings are commonly made of brass, stainless steel, aluminum or polypropylene (to name a few materials). Action offers both aluminum and polypropylene cam and groove fittings as those are the two materials our customers need most for their jobs. Here at Action we carry 1.5" to 6" diameter camlocks, but they can exceed those dimensions.

To quickly connect and disconnect camlocks without tools:

  • Twist on the coupler and adapter to their respective hose, pump or pipe with the NPT threading (if attaching to hose, place the clamp on the hose first, then slide in the hose shank adapter and tighten the clamp down on the hose connection
  • Open the handles of the female coupler and confirm the rubber gasket is placed correctly
  • Place the correct sized male adapter into the coupler
  • Close both handles simultaneously until the two fittings are securely fixed together
  • Closing both handles simultaneously, ensures that the adapter is pulled down evenly onto the seal, allowing for a leak proof assembly when transferring of the medium
  • To disconnect, reverse this process, making sure before doing so that the hose assembly has been de-pressurized.

Connecting cam & groove coupling Connecting cam & groove coupling

▶ Gene, our Product Specialist, demonstrates how to properly assemble camlock fittings.

How to choose the right camlock fitting?

Here is a breakdown of some factors to consider according to your needs and budget. The acronym for this is STAMPED, which stands for:

S – Size
T – Temperature
A – Application
M – Material (or medium being used)
P – Pressure rating required
E – End fittings & connections (thread type)
D – Delivery (extras such as material certifications)

How do camlock fittings seal to hoses?

In certain instances, we need to be reassured that the fluid control is streamlined in the connection. To make this possible, Action offers additional accessories such as nitrile rubber gaskets, safety pins, worm gear hose clamps, safety cables and center punch clamps.

Rubber Gaskets

These are a manufacturer-provided accessory in all female camlock fittings, and are popular in many industries, providing additional assurance of leak-proof solutions. The basic role & function of the gasket is to maintain a leak-free seal during transfers between hoses or pipes and is snuggly fit inside the female camlock.

Safety Pins (Hitch Pin Clips)

To ensure a tight, secure grip between the cam and groove, and prevent unwanted disconnections, we use the additional pins and clips between Camlock fittings.  Action offers these pins in stainless steel to prevent erosion while transferring the medium between hoses or pipes.

Clamps

To ensure a secure connection between the hose and camlock, we use clamps (pre-formed band clamps & worm gear clamps). The band clamps are fastened using clamp banding tools, which are manually operated and is also available for purchase here at Action. The clamps are slid unto the hose, then the barbed end of the camlock is inserted into the hose and tightened until secure to prevent shearing.

Safety Cables (Whip Check)

These cables are used as restraints on pressurized hoses to reduce the impact of a blowout in the event of a failure with the camlock or hose. Ultimately to prevent injury and property damage. The Whip Check safety cable is a spring-loaded apparatus which is slipped over the hose and attached to the pressure source.

How are camlock fittings measured?

How to measure camlock fittings- Camlocks are measured in inches using the National Pipe Thread (NPT), British Standard Pipe Taper (BSPT) or British Standard Parallel Pipe (BSPP) seals. The type of thread is determined by factors such as the type of pressure system, or the geographical location. Typically, the NPT is preferred in North America, and is what we offer here at Action Hose & Fittings.

Male camlocks are measured by their outside diameter and female camlocks are measured by their inside diameter. However, there are camlock adaptors that connect one size hose to a different size hose or vessel but are measured in the same manner. Camlock fittings with male ends are specifically sized to slip in the Inside Diameter (ID) of a hose. Example: A hose with a 2-inch Inside Diameter (ID) can be paired with a 2-inch camlock fitting. If you are going to join two 2-inch hoses, you would use a 2-inch part C for one hose and a 2-inch part E for the other hose.

Note: Every camlock fitting is stamped with its global type/part letter and size. Example: C200 means it is a 2-inch Part C or C300 means it is a 3-inch Part C.

Where to buy camlock fittings?

Action Hose & Fittings is a leading equipment & supply company that’s been servicing the manufacturing, chemical, agricultural, municipal, and oil & gas industries since the mid 1980s. We specialize in Camlock fittings, hose clamps, pump fittings, industrial PVC hoses, etc.

We also accept orders for customized hose kits and pump kits per our clients’ requirements. Most stock items will ship within 1-2 business days, and assembled hoses will ship within 2-3 business days within the CONUS. If you are interested in our products, please click the following links below to order through our online store at Action Hose & Fittings.

Resource Links:

Cam & Groove Couplings

Camlock Fittings | Camlock Accessories | Camlock Reducers

Air Compressors

Crowfoot Fittings | Compressor Air Hose Accessories | Compressor Air Hose Kits

Pumps

Trash & Water Pumps | Pump Accessories | Trash & Water Pump Kits

 

Action Hose & Fittings

31411 Farm to Market 2920
Suite 2,

Waller, TX 77484

Phone: 936-372-8101

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