Camlock Couplings (A-A-59326 / EN 14420-7)
Direct Answer
Camlock (Cam and Groove) couplings are heavy-duty industrial quick-connect fittings standardized under Commercial Item Description A-A-59326 (formerly MIL-C-27487) and EN 14420-7. Classified into Types A through F, male adapters insert into female couplers and lock via twin rotating cam lever arms against an elastomeric gasket for leak-free fluid transfer.
Source: A-A-59326D / EN 14420-7 (MIL-C-27487)
Specs
| Governing Standards | A-A-59326D / EN 14420-7 / DIN 2828 / MIL-C-27487 |
| Type A | Male Adapter × Female NPT / BSPP thread |
| Type B | Female Coupler (with cam arms) × Male NPT / BSPP thread |
| Type C | Female Coupler × Hose Shank (for hose barbs) |
| Type D | Female Coupler × Female NPT / BSPP thread |
| Type E | Male Adapter × Hose Shank |
| Type F | Male Adapter × Male NPT / BSPP thread |
| Standard Diameters | 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 2", 2-1/2", 3", 4", 6" |
| Body Materials | 316 Stainless Steel (250 PSI) | Aluminum (150–250 PSI) | Brass | Polypropylene (100 PSI) |
Types A Through F Identification Matrix
Camlock fittings are classified by adapter vs. coupler and the opposing termination style:
- Type A: Male groove adapter with female NPT/BSPP pipe thread.
- Type B: Female coupler with twin cam arms and male NPT/BSPP pipe thread.
- Type C: Female coupler with twin cam arms and a ribbed hose barb shank.
- Type D: Female coupler with twin cam arms and female NPT/BSPP pipe thread.
- Type E: Male groove adapter with a ribbed hose barb shank.
- Type F: Male groove adapter with male NPT/BSPP pipe thread.
- Dust Cap (DC) & Dust Plug (DP): Protective end closures to prevent contamination when disconnected.
Mechanical Locking Action and Gasket Materials
To connect, the male groove adapter is pushed straight into the female coupler. Folding both cam levers downward forces the curved cam lugs into the adapter's machined circumferential groove, pulling the male face firmly against an internal elastomeric gasket:
- Buna-N (Nitrile): Standard for water, diesel fuel, and hydraulic oil ($-40^\circ\text{F to } 250^\circ\text{F}$).
- EPDM: High resistance to steam, acids, alkalis, and hot water.
- Viton (FKM): High-temperature aggressive chemicals, aromatic hydrocarbons, and gasoline.