Multi FastenersCamlock coupling types A, B, C, D, E, F, DC and DP explained
Camlock couplings connect and disconnect hose and pipe lines by hand, without tools. The letter codes describe what is on each end — knowing them is the difference between ordering a part that fits and one that does not.
How camlocks pair
Every camlock connection is made of two halves: an adapter (the male grooved end) and a coupler (the female end with two cam arms). The arms swing down over the adapter groove and lock it in place. Adapters are types A, E and F; couplers are types B, C and D. Any coupler mates with any adapter of the same size, so the type letters only describe the other end of each half — the threaded or hose connection.
The eight types
| Type | Half | Other end | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Adapter | Female thread | Male groove into a coupler, female thread onto a pipe or valve |
| B | Coupler | Male thread | Coupler onto an adapter, male thread into a tank or pump port |
| C | Coupler | Hose shank | The common hose end — clamp a hose onto the shank |
| D | Coupler | Female thread | Coupler onto an adapter, female thread onto male pipe |
| E | Adapter | Hose shank | Hose end that plugs into any coupler |
| F | Adapter | Male thread | Male groove plus male thread, for screwing into female ports |
| DC | Dust cap | Blanking cap | Closes an adapter when disconnected |
| DP | Dust plug | Blanking plug | Closes a coupler when disconnected |
Choosing the right pair
Work from the two things you are joining. A tanker discharge hose feeding a threaded pipe inlet needs a Type C on the hose and a Type A or F on the pipe, depending on whether the pipe end is male or female. Two hoses joined together need a Type C and a Type E.
Order the DC and DP caps alongside the couplings. Open camlock ends collect grit on site, and a damaged seat leaks under pressure.
Material: stainless steel or aluminium
Aluminium camlocks are lighter and cost less, which suits water, air and general transfer work where the line is moved often by hand. Stainless steel 316 is the choice for seawater, chemicals and food-grade lines, and on deck where salt spray would pit aluminium quickly. In marine service the extra cost of 316 is usually repaid in service life.
Check the gasket too. Standard camlock gaskets are nitrile; chemical and high-temperature duties may need a different compound.
Sizes
Camlocks are sized by the nominal bore of the connection, commonly from 1/2 inch to 6 inch. The size must match on both halves — a 2 inch coupler will not accept a 3 inch adapter. When ordering, give the size, the type letter and the material, for example "2 inch Type C, SS 316".
Camlock couplings in stock in Dubai
Multi Fasteners stocks camlock couplings in types A, B, C, D, E, F, DC and DP in stainless steel and aluminium, plus API adapters, gaskets, handles, rings and safety clips.