Cam lever couplings, or cam and groove couplings, are essential plumbing fittings used widely in agricultural and industrial liquid handling. These couplings provide an efficient means of quickly connecting and disconnecting hoses from tanks, tanker trailers, sprayers, pumps, and more.
While manufacturers typically refer to these fittings as cam-lever or cam and groove couplings, they are also known by other names such as cam locks (couplers), cam levers, quick couplers, and lever locks.
Despite the varied terminology, these terms generally refer to the same type of fitting – though not every camlock coupler works for every application. In this article, we’ll detail the key features and differences of various cam and groove couplings to help you decide which style of fitting works best for your unique needs.
Types of Cam-Lock Couplers
Nomenclature is important when discussing cam-lock couplers (or any coupling device for that matter). Understanding the different jargon used to refer to specific fittings ensures that you identify the correct item you need.
There are six main types of cam-lever couplings, each made from different combinations of male adapters (male ends) and female couplers (female ends) with either male pipe thread (MPT), female pipe thread (FPT), or hose shank connections. The types are labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F depending on the end connection type they feature and generally range in sizes from ¾ to 6 inches. There are also dust caps (DC) and dust plugs (DP) available for each size.
Part A
Male adapter with female pipe thread, typically National pipe thread (NPT).
Part B
Female coupler with male pipe thread (MPT).
Part C
Female coupler with a hose shank.
Part D
Female coupler with female pipe thread.
Part E
Male adapter with a hose shank.
Part F
Male adapter with male pipe thread.
Dust Plug (DP)
Fits into the female coupler to prevent dust and debris entry.
Dust Cap, Female Coupler (DC)
Fits onto the male adapter to prevent dust and debris entry.
Non-Standard Cam Lever Fittings
Beyond these standard fittings, there are additional non-standard types available for specific applications.
- Jump Sizes, for transitioning between two sizes of cam couplings
- Elbows
- Flange Ends
- Couplers with Gauge Ports
- Locking couplers
- Swivels
Even these specialty camlock fittings aren’t the last of the available options. You can shop all our cam lever couplings and accessories , and if you are looking for something specific, please let us know.
Materials and Compatibility
Cam and groove couplings are manufactured in a variety of materials including stainless steel, aluminum, polypropylene, nylon, and more.
The couplers (female) have a rubber gasket inside to seal up the connection. There are different gasket materials available as well to offer compatibility with different types of liquids:
- EPDM: Agrochemicals, fertilizers, salt brines, DEF, acetone, acetic acid
- Viton: Acids, bleach, agrochemicals, fertilizers, salt brine, DEF, xylene, biofuels
- Buna: Fuels, oil, hydraulic fluid
*These are general guidelines. Always check compatibility before selecting materials.
Common Cam-Lock Coupler Applications
A cam-lock coupling offers users a way to couple and uncouple hoses from tanks, trailers, pumps, etc., while still providing a secure seal. The couplers are suitable for a variety of applications including but not limited to:
- Agriculture
- De-icing
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
- Petroleum
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- General Water Transfer
- Waste Management
- Brewing & Distilling
- Industrial Cleaning
Connecting and Disconnecting Cam-Lock Fittings
Connecting cam-lock fittings is straightforward but a little difficult to describe in words alone. This video provides a live look at the simple process:
- Insert the Adapter: The adapter is the “male” end. You insert this end into the coupler side (“female”) with the cams/levers in the open position or levers “up”.
- Lock the Levers: Push the levers down to the closed position to lock the connection.
- Disconnect: Lift the cam arms/levers to the open position and pull the adapter out.
Are Cam-Lock Couplings Interchangeable?
One key advantage of cam-lock couplings is their standardized sizing. Cam-lever couplings are manufactured according to a standard, so regardless of the manufacturer or material, they will connect seamlessly. For instance, a polypropylene male end will fit a stainless-steel female coupler so long as they are both the same size.
Preventing Leaks and Ensuring Security
Cam-lock couplings are designed to seal completely when the levers are properly closed. If there are leaks, it may be due to improper connection, worn-out gaskets, or damage to the coupling itself.
Installing cam couplings vertically or at a 45-degree angle can help reduce wear on the gasket. This takes the weight off the fitting, so it is not pinching the gasket on the bottom of the coupler. If needed, though, replacement gaskets and shims are available.
Camlock Coupler Accessories
- Safety Bumps: These “bumps” replace standard cam-lock dust plugs and caps. They feature a handle for convenience, and they provide protection to the cam-lock coupler in case it is dropped.
- Safety Locks: To prevent accidental opening of the levers, you can use safety locks. These accessories help secure the levers and prevent spills or leaks in demanding industrial environments. Another option is to use locking-style lever couplings which feature a locking mechanism built into the camlock arm.
- Extra Thick Gaskets: These cam-lock coupler gaskets are thicker than the standard gaskets and provide a tighter seal and extend the life of your gaskets.
- Shims: A shim can be installed under the cam-lock gasket. This helps create a seal when the couplers or gaskets get worn.
Recommended Cam-lock/Lever-Coupling Brands
- Banjo Corporation is a leading manufacturer of cam-lock couplers. They specialize in injection molded glass filled polypropylene fittings and manufacture extremely durable cam-lock couplings in the USA.
- Dixon has an extensive selection of cam-lever couplings. They offer different styles, accessories, sizes, materials, and other features.
- Kuriyama is a leading manufacturer of industrial and agricultural hose. They also offer a wide array of quality stainless-steel and aluminum couplers.
- Green Leaf cam-lever couplings feature an innovative locking design. The levers are locked in place automatically and you simply push the buttons on each lever to release.
Before You Go
Cam-lock fittings follow industry standards, ensuring compatibility across different sizes and materials. They offer a versatile and reliable solution for fluid transfer in various industries. By selecting the right type and material for your application, you can maintain a secure and efficient connection, prolonging the life of your fittings.
For more information or to purchase cam-lock couplers, contact our sales team.
