It is quite reasonable to assume that most people who do not know what a hose coupling is are highly likely to have seen or used one already. Therefore, it makes us wonder what on earth a hose coupling is. Let’s first talk about this interesting issue in detail.
To begin with, a hose coupling looks like a piece of device designed to connect a hose with another hose or other equipment such as a tap, sprinkler, and pump. To be more specific, a plastic garden hose can be connected easily with your outside tap by a coupling. The hose is a common tool used to transport gas and liquid, almost everything from water to chemicals, and the hose coupling must have superior fluid resistance.
Hose couplings can also be referred to as hose fittings, hose connectors, or hose adaptors, which are made from a variety of materials such as steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or even plastic. What type of coupling should be used depends on what type of hose is to be connected to.Plastic couplings, for instance, are commonly chosen to be used with garden hoses because they are low cost and non-reactive to water, except that they resist breaking or crack poorly.
Stainless steel couplings are more expensive and with good reason. These couplings are commonly used in industrial applications due to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and high pressure. Lightweight, water-resistant aluminum fittings are particularly in demand in automotive and aircraft industries that emphasize ultra-light yet incredibly durable materials.
In general, hose couplings are durably made, but you’d better keep a couple of spares to replace the one in use that breaks unexpectedly without interrupting the water delivery.
Even for amateur users, it is also important to tell the difference between a male hose coupling and a female one. The coupling is nothing more than a pair of mating connectors.Each half of the pair is conventionally assigned as male or female with the male half fits into the female half to mate each other and then complete the coupling.
Besides, the so-called “threads” of the coupling help to make both halves connect to each other firmly. Both female and male couplings have threads on the inside and the outside respectively to ensure an easy yet tight connection.If you are tired of matching male and female couplings, “genderless” hose couplings can be your favorite for sure because these couplings connect to any type of other couplings in a quick and easy manner.
Key information about a coupling such as its gender and size of the thread are normally labeled where it can be seen and identified easily. Despite the general characteristics above mentioned, there are such a great number of different types of couplings on the market that buyers might get confused and frustrated while trying to choose the right one.
More importantly, the wrong coupling that you choose will cause major problems of water leakages and pressure loss, let alone potential health and safety risks. Couplings won’t be couplings if they can’t create a tight seal, which are ensured by a good fit of a wide variety of couplings with different sizes and angles. The liquid in a hose generates variousreaction force and pressures (measured in “bars” or “psi”), depending on what types of liquid agents are delivered.
For example, “instantaneous” couplings are specially designed for high-pressure water systems like fire hoses. This type of couplings, integrated by spring-operated catches, can withstand high pressure with the advantages of flexibility and quick connection/release.
Speaking of “quick release,” some couplings do highlight this feature, which is a successful sales pitch because it makes a big difference in the fireground if you can disconnect your gears more quickly. But this only suits the situation where quick release of the couplings can safe your life or avoid immediate danger. Contrary to what many of you might think, coupling connectors need to be firmly integrated to last long without leaking for falling apart.
Other commonly used hose couplings are bauer couplings, cam and groove, claw couplings and fire hose couplings.
