Camlock and Storz couplings both connect hose in seconds without tools, but they work differently and suit different jobs. This guide explains each Camlock type, how Storz sizes work, and which to choose.
Camlock (cam and groove) couplings
A Camlock joint has two halves: a male adapter (grooved) and a female coupler with two cam arms. Push them together and pull the arms down to lock. The other end of each fitting is a thread or a hose tail, which gives the eight standard types below.
| Type | Half | Other end | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Male adapter | Female thread | Screws onto a male-threaded pump outlet or pipe |
| B | Female coupler | Male thread | Screws into a female-threaded port |
| C | Female coupler | Hose tail | Fits on the end of a hose |
| D | Female coupler | Female thread | Connects to male-threaded pipe |
| E | Male adapter | Hose tail | Fits on the end of a hose (pairs with C) |
| F | Male adapter | Male thread | Screws into a female-threaded tank or valve |
| DC | Female dust cap | — | Seals a male adapter when not in use |
| DP | Male dust plug | — | Seals a female coupler when not in use |
Quick rule: a hose made up with a Type C on one end and a Type E on the other will join to any other C/E hose, so lines can be extended length by length.
Brass or aluminium?
- Brass resists corrosion and wear; suits fuel, diesel and long service life.
- Aluminium is lighter and cheaper; suits water, dewatering and hose that is moved often.
Typical working pressure for brass Camlocks is about 17 bar at 2″, 7 bar at 4″ and 5 bar at 6″. Always check the rating of the hose too; the lower of the two applies.
Storz couplings
Storz couplings are symmetrical: both halves are identical, so there is no male or female. Two lugs on each head lock together with a quarter turn. That makes Storz fast to connect in the dark, in mud, or under pressure to get water moving, which is why it is the standard for fire hose and popular for layflat dewatering lines.
Storz size chart
Storz sizes are identified by the distance between the lugs, not by the hose size alone. Two couplings only fit if the lug distance matches.
| Storz size | Nominal hose size | Lug distance |
|---|---|---|
| D (25) | 25mm (1″) | 31mm |
| C (52) | 52mm (2″) | 66mm |
| B (75) | 75mm (3″) | 89mm |
| A (110) | 110mm (4″) | 133mm |
Larger Storz heads (150mm and up) are used on high-volume dewatering lines. Measure the lug distance of your existing coupling if you are unsure which size you have.
Camlock or Storz: which should I use?
| Choose | When |
|---|---|
| Camlock | Pumps, tankers, fuel and chemical transfer, and anywhere connections are made at the same fixed points |
| Storz | Layflat and fire hose, long dewatering runs, and anywhere hose lengths are swapped around often |
Not sure what you have? Send a photo of your fitting to info@syre.co.za or WhatsApp us and we will match it. Same-day delivery in Gauteng and Mpumalanga on orders placed before 12pm, and delivery to other provinces across South Africa.
