Guide To Camlock Fittings

Aluminum Camlocks

Aluminum Camlocks
Polypropylene Camlocks

Polypropylene Camlocks
Stainless Steel Camlocks

Stainless Steel Camlocks

What is a Camlock Fitting?


A camlock fitting, also called a cam and groove coupling, is used to connect two hoses and/or pipes together so that a material from one can be transferred to the other. They’re easy to use, requiring no tools to connect and disconnect the two halves of the couplings, and they replace
traditional time-consuming methods of connecting hose or pipe. Camlock fittings are also very cost-effective.
You typically find camlocks in use in every industry, such as manufacturing, agriculture, oil, gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, and within military applications. They’re an extremely versatile product, and because there are no threads when connecting the coupling halves together, there are no issues with them becoming damaged or dirty. This means camlock couplings are very suitable for dirty environments. The system is especially well suited to a situation where frequent changes of hoses are required, such as for petroleum or industrial filtration applications.


Types of Camlock Fittings


Polypropylene shown, PRM also stocks aluminum and stainless steel camlocks.

How Do Camlock Fittings Work?


The cam and groove assembly consists of a male groove adapter and female coupler.
To connect and disconnect:

  • Extend the handles on the coupler outwards and place the correct size male adapter into the female coupler
  • Close both handles at the same time until the two halves are firmly fixed together
  • Closing both handles at the same time ensures that the grooved adapter is pulled down evenly onto the seal, making a leak-proof assembly for the safe transfer of liquids
  • Reverse the process to disconnect the fitting, making sure before doing so that the hose assembly has been de-pressurized.

How Do I Choose The Right Camlock Fitting?


When specifying a fitting, there are seven fields of information required. The acronym for this is STAMPED, which stands for:
S – Size
T – Temperature
A – Application
M – Material (or media being used)
P – Pressure rating required
E – End fittings & connections (thread type)
D – Delivery (extras such as material certifications)

These specifications differ with size and material. Please see the following cutsheets for assistance in choosing the correct fitting for your application.

Are Camlocks Interchangeable?


Between manufacturers, cam & groove couplings are interchangeable as they are built to the same standards. (The standard for cam & groove couplings is based on the US military specification Mil-C-27487 now superseded by A-A-59326D. The original specification was replaced by the new standard, but still guaranteed the interchangeability of couplings designed to the same specification. The Mil-C-27487 specified the casting methods, materials, dimensions, tolerances, pressure ratings, and inspection procedures.)
However, interchanging materials is not recommended (i.e. using aluminum with polypropylene).

Limitations with Using Camlocks in Assemblies


Under no circumstances should cam and groove couplings be used for compressed air or steam service!

Pressure rating recommendations are based on the use of mating fittings at ambient temperature 70°F with a standard seal installed.

Cam locks are suitable for transfer of water and compatible chemicals/vapors. PRM is in no way responsible for the selection, suitability of, nor the material compatibility of materials being pumped through the fittings.

PRM is expressly not responsible for all installations and any damages due to leaks, ruptures, bursts, explosions or other damages. Damages limited to only the replacement of the defective items. Final decision on warranty is at the sole discretion of PRM Management.

Hose shanks with larger serrations are not designed to be assembled with a ferrule or sleeve. If swaged, this can result in permanent damage to the hose where larger shank serrations will cut into the inner wall of the hose. This results in leakage and/or permanent hose failure.