Fire hose fittings

What are the types of STORZ couplings?

STORZ couplings are available in two versions:

• forged (according to DIN standard), 
• cast.

The cast version of STORZ coupling has a much lower material strength and is more susceptible to casting defects. This translates into the fact that they are only suitable for low working pressures (up to 6 bar) and undemanding applications.

As for the forged version, on the other hand, it is much more resistant. Therefore, these types of fire hose fittings can withstand pressures of up to 16 bar. Their only disadvantage is the slightly higher price.

However, the division by production method is not exhaustive. Fire hose fittings are also differentiated according to the material they are made of.

From which material are STORZ couplings manufactured?

The STORZ coupling is manufactured from three materials. These include:

• aluminium - the most common version, which has a white NBR rubber seal as standard; 
• copper - in this case, a black NBR rubber seal is standard; 
• stainless steel - here you get a Viton seal as standard.

However, you will also select the type of seal yourself based on your own needs. You can choose from materials such as NBR rubber, viton, EPDM rubber and silicone. The type of seal determines the permissible operating temperature range, the possibility of use in contact with foodstuffs and resistance to oils of the STORZ coupling.

Finally, it is worth adding that, depending on their design, STORZ couplings can be designed either for suction hoses or for discharge hoses only. In the second case, their standard seal will not be vacuum-resistant.

Also check out our range of fire hoses to find the right hoses for your set!

In which dimensions are STORZ couplings available?

STORZ couplings are available in dimensions between 31mm and 160mm when it comes to internal spacing. When it comes to STORZ couplings, sizes are defined either by the traditional designation referring to the nominal diameter of the hose or by the internal spacing of the STOR couplings.

When selecting the right fittings, take into account that the hook spacing between the two ends must be identical. Otherwise, you will not connect them (unless you use a STORZ reducer).

How is the STORZ coupling assembled?

How STORZ couplings are assembled depends primarily on the type of connection you choose. You can choose between:

• Fire hose fitting with male or female thread - As the name suggests, the second connection point will have a male or female thread to be screwed into the component. 
• Hosetail - STORZ couplings with hose ends are most often used in static fire situations. Because the hoses do not move as much, they do not get entangled. 
• Rotary coupling - Thanks to the rotary function, the risk of the hose becoming entangled disappears. For this reason, this STORZ coupling is particularly popular for very active hose use. 
• Flange connection - This is one of the most popular connections. It involves bolting the flanges together with a seal between them. 
• Reducer - As you may have guessed, a reducer is used to connect hoses, pipes, and fittings of different sizes.

What are the advantages of STORZ couplings?

The biggest advantages of STORZ couplings are their capability to withstand high pressure up to 16 bar and their easy assemble. Fire hose fittings have many advantages that contribute to their popularity in firefighting and beyond. These are the most important of them:

• Standard STORZ couplings can withstand operating pressures of up to 16 bar. However, it may be higher or lower depending on the specific model. 
• Available in several material versions (aluminium, brass, and stainless steel), it is much easier to select a product to suit your needs.
• The same applies to the seals, which are made of NBR, silicone, EPDM, and Viton. 
• Fire hose fittings are easy to assemble and disassemble. However, the couplings can become jammed after working under high pressure. This is when a special STORZ clutch key comes in handy. 
• All STORZ couplings of the same size have the same hook spacing, making them compatible with each other.