Camlock Fittings Guide: Types A–F, Materials & Sizing
Cam and groove couplings — camlocks — are the fastest way to connect and break hose lines without tools, which is why they're everywhere from tank trucks and frac sites to chemical transfer and plant washdown. The catch is the lettering system: order the wrong type and nothing mates. Here's the whole system in one place.
The Six Types (Plus Dust Caps)
| Type | Configuration |
|---|---|
| A | Male adapter × female NPT thread |
| B | Female coupler × male NPT thread |
| C | Female coupler × hose shank |
| D | Female coupler × female NPT thread |
| E | Male adapter × hose shank |
| F | Male adapter × male NPT thread |
| DC | Dust cap (covers male adapter) |
| DP | Dust plug (plugs female coupler) |
A typical hose assembly runs Type C on one end and Type E on the other; the tank or pump side gets the matching threaded half (A, B, D, or F).
Material Selection
Aluminum is the economy default for water, fuels, and dry bulk. Stainless 316 handles chemicals, food-grade, and marine service. Polypropylene is the budget chemical answer for acids and caustics at low pressure. Brass suits fuel and marine, and nylon/glass-filled versions serve agricultural chemicals. Match the gasket too: Buna-N for petroleum, EPDM for water and mild chemicals, Viton for aggressive media, PTFE-encapsulated for the nasty stuff.
Pressure & Safety Notes
Camlocks are a low-to-medium pressure connection — typical ratings run 75–250 psi depending on size and material, and ratings drop as size increases. They are not rated for compressed air or steam service, and cam arms should be secured with pins or safety clips in transfer service. For steam, use boss ground joint couplings; for high-pressure oilfield transfer, use hammer unions.
Sizing
Size refers to the nominal coupling size, 1/2" through 6". Couplers mate with same-size adapters regardless of brand — the interface is standardized (A-A-59326, formerly MIL-C-27487) — so mixing manufacturers is fine; mixing sizes is not.
Camlocks In Stock
We stock cam and groove fittings in aluminum, stainless, poly, and brass, plus the hose to go with them — assembled, crimped, and tested in-house. Tell us type, size, material, and quantity in the quote form above, or call (979) 233-6223 — quotes back in 1–2 business hours.