There’s one question we never get tired of answering at Wolf Creek Portable Piping Products: What’s the difference between A-type and B-type fittings?
At first glance, different types of fittings may look pretty similar. Both are made from durable steel. Both work to quickly connect pipes or hoses in tough field conditions.
However, A-type and B-type fittings have distinct differences you should know about. Trying to use incompatible or improper fittings for the job can lead to leaky connections, broken or damaged materials, and even injuries in the field.
How to Know If You Have A-Type Fittings
On an A-type (or Anfor) fitting, the lever arms are welded directly to the socket (female) end of the connector. To create the connection, a separate “floating” ring is slipped over the ball (male) end.
A-type is by far the most common configuration for larger-diameter 10-inch and 12-inch sizes of pipe and hose, which make up the majority of setups in the field today. Because it’s so widely used, many crews assume everything they’re working with is A-type. But that’s not always the case.
How to Know If You Have B-Type Fittings
Unlike A-type fittings, B-type fittings have levers that are welded onto a separate ring that slips over the ball (male) end of the fitting. This attaches to the socket side to pull the two ends together for a tight connection.
All ‘B’ type fittings are based on the industry’s best fitting — the true Genuine Bauer Quick Coupler. At Wolf Creek, we stock both A-type and B-type fittings in 10-inch and 12-inch diameter versions. But for smaller fittings of 8-inches and less, we offer true Genuine Bauer, because there’s just no substitute for the industry’s best fitting!
Have Incompatible Fittings? We’ve Got You Covered.
If you happen to have two different styles of fittings on hand, don’t worry—we can help! Our adapter fittings make it possible to connect different fittings. Whether you need a cam-loc, a Victaulic, or an A-type-to-B-type adapter, we have the fitting you need available.
Navigating a tricky installation? The portable piping experts at Wolf Creek are always just an email or phone call away. We can even build custom configurations to match your exact requirements when needed. If you’re ever unsure about a fitting or setup, just send us a photo, and we’ll help you get it sorted.
Pro Tip: If you work with both A-type and B-type fittings, our double-ended Warhammer multi-closing tool is a game-changer. We developed this innovative tool to make it faster, safer, and easier for your team to open and close both A-type and B-type fittings right in the field, even in the dark! Safety directors love the Warhammer because it helps prevent the risk of back, shoulder, finger, and hand injuries. It’s a great way to help keep your job site safe and your projects on track.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Fit!
Whether you’re looking for A-type fittings, B-type fittings or true Genuine Bauer fittings for your next project, we’re here to make your life easier. We stock the portable piping products and support tools you need to tackle the toughest jobs, with fast turnaround and shipping to keep you moving.
Get in touch with us today, and let’s make sure you have the right fittings, right when you need them.