Fittings
for every need
Technical information
ADAPTER with female thread
Technical information
ADAPTER with male thread
Technical information
BLANC CAP with chain
Technical information
REDUCER system: STORZ
Technical information
DIVIDER system: Storz
with different shutoffs
Technical information
Jet/Spray branchpipe
Technical information
Spanners for couplings
Technical information
Actuating keys for underground
Fittings
Fittings are an essential part of firefighting equipment. For the most part, fittings are made of light metals. The extinguishing water flows through them during the operations of the fire fighters. A successful connection of fittings and hoses ensures that the water supply does not run dry during a blazing firefighting operation.
Couplings from PARSCH guarantee that the hoses and the fittings interlock perfectly. These hose couplings or firefighter couplings connect the hoses to the fittings. The following section explains exactly which couplings are available.
What couplings for hoses are available?
- Storz pressure coupling system
- Storz suction coupling system
- Storz fixed coupling with female thread
- Storz fixed coupling with external thread
- Storz blind coupling with chains
- Storz to Storz transition piece
- British standard BS 336 pressure couplings
- French standard couplings NFS 61 701
- Accessories for couplings
In German-speaking countries, the Storz coupling system is widely used and is thus the standard “out of habit” and, as we explain below, also for practical reasons. The system is a symmetrical hose coupling. As synonyms, the terms C-coupling and firefighter coupling are used here.
Storz couplings offer a simple way to make an absolutely tight and safe connection between the connector and the hose. The most well-known and also particularly frequently used Storz systems are the pressure coupling, the suction coupling and the fixed coupling. A special feature is the blind coupling with chain. The chain ensures that the coupling is securely fastened and available at all times.
Systems of Storz couplings belong to the field of fittings for water conveyance. Towards the end of the 19th century, this type of coupling was invented. But it is only since the 1930s that fire departments in many parts of the world have been using this simple and effective method of connecting hoses and fittings.
Engineering and technology of a Storz coupling
The Storz coupling is also referred to as a hermaphroditic coupling. In other words, the fittings to be coupled are the same on the coupling side. Therefore, they can be connected in any way. The biggest difference between this and screw systems is that with a Storz system you do not have to pay attention to the correlation between internal and external threads. Consequently, the handling is simpler and the connections can be made more easily. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why Storz couplings have become popular with fire departments. They allow valuable moments to be gained in saving lives in the event of an emergency fire or disaster.
Within the Anglo-Saxon area of distribution, screw couplings are used even more frequently for this type of use. In the case of a coupling with Storz system, the connection is made according to the bayonet lock principle. With a bayonet coupling, a mechanical connection is established that can be quickly established and also released. In particular, this applies to two cylindrical elements in their longitudinal axis. The method of operation here is very simple and straightforward: The cylinders are plugged directly together and then rotated in opposite directions. In the reverse sequence, the cylinders are also separated again.
Whereas bolted systems can get worn out due to the ravages of time or rapid mechanical wear and thus no longer do justice to their task, this generally cannot happen with Storz couplings. Moreover, dirt cannot accumulate so easily in Storz couplings.
Not only fire fighting departments use the couplings. The predominantly forged couplings can also be found in the areas of water supply (e.g. drinking water hoses at public festivals) or plant engineering.
Our experienced PARSCH team will be happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject of fittings or Storz couplings.