The Benefits of Safety Couplers
When it comes to compressed air systems, safety is of the highest importance. This is where air safety couplers come into play. That’s because they offer a range of benefits that make them different from standard air couplings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between air safety couplings and standard air couplings, the advantages they bring, and the various types available.
What are Safety Couplings?
Air safety couplers do the same job as standard air couplings, but with one major difference. Even though they can look very similar to standard couplings, safety couplings have a 2-stage release system. The first step is to release the air pressure from the coupling and the second stage is to disconnect the coupling. What this does is ensure your air hose does not whip around with the built up air pressure and cause an injury to you or others around you. Additionally, it prevents damage to nearby equipment or the hose of fitting itself.
Standard Air Couplings Vs Safety Couplings
To get a better understanding of air safety couplings, we need to see how they differ from regular air couplings. Air safety couplings make safety a priority, whereas standard air couplings are primarily designed to perform tasks efficiently. In addition, when using air safety couplers you are eliminating the risk of hose whip which can cause accidents.
There are a few different types of safety couplers, here are a few of them:
Safety Sleeve Couplings
Sleeve couplings work by pulling back the sleeve of the coupling once to release the air between the air hose and coupling, and then pulling the sleeve back again to release the coupling from the hose. Take a look at the video below to demonstrate this.
Explore Safety Sleeve Couplings from PCL and Parker
Both PCL and Parker have a fantastic range of sleeve design safety couplings. For example, PCL’s Safeflow couplings are available in many different sizes in male, female and hosetail variations. Click the image below to view the range.
Parker Rectus Safety Sleeve Couplers:
Parker Rectus 26KE Tema Safety Couplings
Rectus 26KE Series Male BSPP Safety Coupling with a Self-Venting System
Parker Rectus 26KE Tema Safety Couplings
Rectus 26KE Series Female BSPP Safety Coupling with a Self-Venting System
Parker Rectus 26KE Tema Safety Couplings
Rectus 26KE Series Safety Hosetail Coupling with a Self-Venting System
Push Button Couplings
Push button safety couplings work with 2 clicks of a button. The first click releases built up air from within the airline hose and then the second press safely releases the coupling from the hose. As a demonstration, this short video from our partner PCL, shows exactly how this works with their new range of push button safety couplings (which you can purchase here).
Push Button Couplers from Prevost, PCL and Parker
Push button safety couplers are provides by some of the world’s leading pneumatic manufacturers including Prevost, PCL and Parker.
There are generally 2 types of push button couplers: T19 which is the standard UK size for couplings & adaptors, or T25 which is the Euro flow size (often used with air compressors as more air flow can move through the larger bore size of the coupling).
T19 Standard Safety Button Couplings
PCL Push Button Safety Couplings:
** New Products **
** New Products **
** New Products **
PCL Hose Tail Push Button Safety Coupling | 6-13mm Hose Fitting
Prevost T19 Safety Button Range:
Prevost 19 BSI Safety Couplings
Prevost 19 BSI Safety Couplings
Prevost 19 BSI Safety Couplings
T25 Euro Flow Safety Button Couplings
Parker Rectus Tema Safety Button Couplers:
Parker Rectus T25 Safety Couplings
Parker Rectus T25 Safety Couplings
Parker Rectus T25 Safety Couplings
Prevost T25 Safety Button Couplers:
Prevost 25 ESI Safety Couplings
Prevost 25 ESI Safety Couplings
Prevost 25 ESI Safety Couplings
Twist and Lock Safety Couplings
Twist and lock safety couplings work by simply twisting the coupling one way to release the pressure from the coupling, and then twisting the other way to disconnect it from the hose.
Our twist and lock couplings are available in T25, T24 and T30 ranges from Parker Legris.
Advantages of Air Safety Couplers
Two-stage safety air couplings offer several advantages compared to standard air couplings, making them a valuable choice in various applications. Here are the key advantages of the safety couplings:
- Enhanced Safety: As mentioned previously, the primary advantage of safety air couplings is in the name itself – safety. They incorporate a two-step disconnection process, which significantly reduces the risk of accidental hose whipping and the sudden release of compressed air. This design helps protect both equipment and personnel, reducing the risk of injuries and accidents in the workplace.
- Minimised Air Loss: Safety couplings reduce the amount of air that escapes when disconnecting the coupling. In standard air couplings, air pressure can be released suddenly, causing inefficiency and energy wastage. Therefore, it’s the safety coupling’s job to allow a controlled release, saving energy and keeping the system running well.
- Versatility: Most safety couplings are available in a range of styles and configurations to suit various applications, from low pressure to high pressure systems and in various different types and sizes.
Summary: Air Safety Couplings
In a nutshell, air safety couplings are a key part of any compressed air system. They really focus on safety and efficiency. They offer a bunch of benefits, like automatic shut-off, ease of use, and compatibility features that regular air couplings don’t have. You’ve got plenty of choices to pick from, so you can find the air safety couplings that fit your needs perfectly. This means your workspace will be safer and work more efficiently.
If you need any help or advice about air couplings, please don’t hesitate to give us a call: 01932 348777
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Ready to read more? Read our ultimate guide to air fittings (couplings & adaptors)