
What is the difference between male and female thread?
Threads have a gender—either male or female. The threads are on the outside of a male fitting and on the inside of a female fitting. The outer diameter is smaller on a male thread than a female thread because the male end compresses into the female end. 3. Are the threads tapered or straight?
What are threaded fittings used for?
The majority of threaded fittings are used in the plumbing industry. The American Standard ASME B1.20.1 serves as the dimensional standards for taper pipe threads providing a number of threads per inch, pitch diameter, and normal engagement lengths for all pipe diameters. Threaded steel fittings are made by forging.
What is a female iron pipe thread called?
FIPT denotes Female Iron Pipe Thread. A short length of pipe having an MIP thread at both ends is sometimes called a nipple. A short pipe fitting having an FIP thread at both ends is sometimes called a coupling.
What is thread fit and how is It measured?
Thread fit measures the looseness of fit between male and female threads. For external threads the three fit classes are 1A/2A/3A and for internal thread (for example in hex nuts) 1B/2B/3B.

How can you tell if a thread is male or female?
Male threads are on the outside, like a bolt. Female threads are on the inside, like a nut. The male threads screw into the female threads. This sometimes leads to confusion when dealing with hard brake lines and other rigid tubing. These pipes usually have a male-threaded nut at the end.
What is the difference between male and female fittings?
A male connector is commonly referred to as a plug and has a solid pin for a center conductor. A female connector is commonly referred to as a jack and has a center conductor with a hole in it to accept the male pin.
What is a female threaded pipe?
FPT Female Pipe Thread (interchangeable with NPT) FPT is a term for pipe fittings that MIP (male iron pipe) or MNPT (male national pipe thread) fittings fit into. Female threads are internal located inside of the pipe or fitting.
What is a thread fitting?
The AN thread (also A-N) is a particular type of fitting used to connect flexible hoses and rigid metal tubing that carry fluid. It is a US military-derived specification that dates back to World War II and stems from a joint standard agreed upon by the Army and Navy, hence AN.
Why is it called male to female?
The assignment is a direct analogy with genitalia and sexual intercourse, the part bearing one or more protrusions or which fits inside the other being designated male, in contrast to the part containing the corresponding indentations, or fitting outside the other, being designated female.
What is female and male?
A person with XX chromosomes usually has female sex and reproductive organs, and is therefore usually assigned biologically female. A person with XY chromosomes usually has male sex and reproductive organs, and is therefore usually assigned biologically male.
Are female pipe threads tapered?
NPT, National Pipe Taper (American) and BSPT (British standard Pipe Taper) are tapered pipe thread standards. Male and female tapered pipe threads wedge themselves together but need a sealant for a completely leak-free connection.
Is NPT male or female?
NPT has a tapered male and female thread which seals with Teflon tape or jointing compound. Pipe threads used in hydraulic circuits can be divided into two types: Jointing threads are pipe threads for joints made pressure tight by sealing on the threads and are taper external and parallel or taper internal threads.
What are the different types of pipe thread?
However, threads and connections are divided into six main types:UN/UNF.NPT/NPTF.BSPP (BSP, parallel)BSPT (BSP, tapered)metric parallel.metric tapered.
What are the 3 basic types of threads?
There are three standard thread series in the Unified screw thread system that are highly important for fasteners: UNC (coarse), UNF (fine), and 8-UN (8 thread).
How do you identify fittings?
0:371:49Fittings 101: Identifying Fittings in 90 Seconds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst determine if the threads are parallel or tapered tapered threads get smaller toward theMoreFirst determine if the threads are parallel or tapered tapered threads get smaller toward the fitting end measure the diameter on the tops of the threads.
How are female NPT threads measured?
Despite the variation, you can still measure an NPT fitting. For the male end, measure across the bottom O.D. of the threads. For the female end, measure across the top I.D. of the threads. Your measurement may be different than what is listed in the table.
What does a female coupling look like on a hose?
The gender of a hose coupling is easy to determine by looking at its threads. Male coupling has threads on its outside and female coupling has threads on the inside.
What is a female screw?
Female-screw definition The definition of a female screw is the internal, spiral thread of a nut. An example of a female screw is a nut in a nut and bolt combination. noun.
What is threaded pipe?
Threaded Connections are widely used for small bore piping having nominal diameters NPS 2 or smaller. This is the oldest pipe joining method and still highly popular. Threaded pipe fittings are used for non-critical applications with lower temperatures and pressure services. The majority of threaded fittings are used in the plumbing industry. The American Standard ASME B1.20.1 serves as the dimensional standards for taper pipe threads providing a number of threads per inch, pitch diameter, and normal engagement lengths for all pipe diameters. Threaded steel fittings are made by forging. They are available in various thread types like NPT, BSPP, BSPT, PF, PT, MPT. Even though threaded fittings are mostly used for small bore piping connection, threaded fittings are available up to 4” (NPS 4) sizes and sometimes used.
What is the shape of a threaded round head plug?
Threaded Round Head Plug: The shape of the head is circular (Fig. 5).
What is a threaded 90 degree elbow?
Threaded 90° Elbow: These Elbows are used for a 90° changes of direction in the run of pipe.
Why should threaded joints be avoided?
Threaded joints should be avoided in corrosive and erosive environments or where cyclic loading may occur . The layout of piping employing threaded joints should minimize stress on joints, giving special consideration to stresses due to thermal expansion and operation of valves.
How many inlet and outlet connections are there in a threaded cross?
Threaded Cross: Threaded crosses or cross tees are also known as four-way fittings. It has one inlet and three outlet connections. So the flow in pipe crosses (Fig. 3) is distributed in three directions. Threaded crosses make two 90° branches from the main run pipe direction.
What are threaded components of a specialty nature that are not subject to external moment loading?
Threaded components of a specialty nature that are not subject to external moment loading, such as thermometer wells, may be used under severe cyclic conditions.
Is threaded piping bad for high pressure?
However, there are few disadvantages of threaded piping connections as listed below: Not suitable for high temperature-pressure applications. Threads may suffer from corrosion in a corrosive environment. Temperature changes may cause leakage problems.
What is tapered thread?
Tapered verses Parallel Threads. The first step in thread identification is to determine whether the thread is tapered or parallel. Tapered means the thread walls , if continued lengthwise, would eventually meet. Parallel means the thread walls are straight. A seal must be used for parallel fittings in PORT applications.
How many threads per inch is 3.5 thread crest?
Example: If you count 3.5 thread crest over a ¼” and now multiple the 3.5 by 4, your pitch is 14 threads per inch.
What is a male connector?
Sealing – The male connector has metric thread and a 60° (included angle) recessed chamfer. The female has a straight thread and a tapered ball or cone seal seat. The seal takes place between the chamfer of the male and ball or cone of the tapered seal flareless swivel. The threads hold the connection mechanically.
What is a flared seat?
Flared seats refer to the protruding “nose cone” on the male thread or the internal flare on the female thread. Ball or Cone seats refer to the “nose cone” inside the female swivel thread that seals with the chamfer on the inside of a male thread.
What is the tube nut on Kobelco threads?
To achieve a tube connection, a tube nut is tightened over the metric threads forcing a ferrule or cutting ring to grip the tube. When the nut is securely fastened, the ferrule squeezes the tube which holds the tube in place.
How to find the pitch of a thread?
The easiest way is to follow the following steps. Multiply that number by 4 to get the number of threads per inch. Example: If you count 3.5 thread crest over a ¼” and now multiple the 3.5 by 4, your pitch is 14 threads per inch.
What is a thread call out?
Metric thread call out is the OD in millimeters followed by the pitch. Example: M22 x1.5 or 22mm x 1.5.
What is a female connector?
The female connector is generally a receptacle that receives and holds the male connector. Sometimes the terms plug and socket or jack are used, ...
Why do we use gender changer fittings?
In the absence of genderless connectors, gender changer fittings might be used to enable certain connections. The designer of a connection system may use one or both schemes to allow arbitrary connectivity, or even combine both schemes into a single system.
Why are electrical connectors hermaphroditic?
Some electrical connectors are hermaphroditic because they include both male and female elements in a single unit intended to interconnect freely, without regard for gender. See the discussion of Genderless connectors elsewhere in this article for more detailed information.
What is a hermaphroditic connection?
Hermaphroditic connections, which include both male and female elements in a single unit, are used for some specialized tubing fittings, such as Storz fire hose connectors. A picture of such fittings appears in § Genderless (hermaphroditic), below.
Why are male and female connectors used?
In low-voltage use such as for data communications, electrical shock hazard is not an issue, and male or female connectors are used based on other engineering factors such as convenience of use, cost, or ease of manufacturing. For example, the common "patch cables" used for Ethernet (and the similar cords used for telephones) typically have male modular plugs on both ends, to connect to jacks on equipment or mounted in walls.
Why do electronic designers select female connectors?
This is usually done because female connectors are more resistant to damage or contamination, by virtue of their concealed or recessed electrical contacts.
Why are connectors gendered?
In some cases (notably electrical power connectors), the gender of connectors is selected according to rigid rules, to enforce a sense of one-way directionality (e.g. a flow of power from one device to another).
Why is the outer diameter of a male thread smaller than a female thread?
The outer diameter is smaller on a male thread than a female thread because the male end compresses into the female end. 3.
How to measure pipe thread size?
Use a caliper, measuring tape, or ruler to measure the thread diameter of a male thread or female thread. Measure the inner diameter (ID) of the female thread and the outer diameter (OD) of the male thread. This number will help determine the thread dimension.
What are the parts of a pipe thread?
Threads come on a variety of fittings, from PVC pipe fittings to quick-connect adapters. Here's how a thread is constructed:
What does NPT mean on a pipe?
NPS stands for national pipe straight, and NPT stands for national pipe tapered. Tapered threads become narrower as they extend outward, while straight threads retain the same diameter. Straight fittings have no taper to the body and are sealed to another fitting with an O-ring or gasket.
What is the most common thread type for pipe?
Common pipe thread types: NPT or NPS ( national pipe tapered or straight): Most common in North America. MIP or FIP (male or female iron pipe): Same thread dimensions as NPT. BSP (T) or BSP (S) (British standard pipe tapered or straight): Most common in Europe.
What are the different types of pipe threads?
Common pipe thread types: 1 NPT or NPS (national pipe tapered or straight): Most common in North America 2 MIP or FIP (male or female iron pipe): Same thread dimensions as NPT 3 BSP (T) or BSP (S) (British standard pipe tapered or straight): Most common in Europe 4 Compression: A unique threaded fitting that does not mate with other thread types 5 UNS (National Unified Special): Some compatible with compression fittings
What is pipe fitting?
Choosing what pipe fitting you need is like selecting the proper Lego when constructing a Lego set. Your project will determine the arrangement of your fittings. If you’re going around the back of a cabinet to get to the ice maker or trying to hide tubing, you'll want to avoid creating leak points. Where you need the water, fluid, or air to go—around a corner or up a pipe—determines what shape or style of pipe fitting to use.
What is leak free straight thread?
Leak-free straight thread connections require the use of O-rings, washers, bonded seal rings or gaskets. In both cases, the best leak-proof seals use thread types that also match, i.e., NPT to NPT, NPS to NPS, BSPT to BSPT (BS EN 10226), etc.
What is a taper thread?
NPT, National Pipe Taper (American) and BSPT (British standard Pipe Taper) are tapered pipe thread standards. Male and female tapered pipe threads wedge themselves together but need a sealant for a completely leak-free connection. Sealants fill any voids between the threads that could travel along the thread spiral.
What does Rc mean on a pipe?
Rc = internal tapered pipe thread for connections where the seal is made on the treads per ISO-7 and BS-21. Per the standard, Rc (internal tapered pipe threads) will mate with R (external tapered pipe threads).
What is the standard for BSPT pipe threads?
British BSPT and BSPP pipe thread standards have been superseded and replaced by R-Series ( ISO-7) and G-Series ( ISO-228) standards. BSPT, BSPP, R-Series and G-Series threads use the same British Standard Whitworth thread form and thread pitch. The tapered versions use the same thread taper or angle.
Why do you need a sealant for a tapered pipe?
They also function as lubricants between the male and female threads. Assembling parts and pipe made of dissimilar materials need special care. This is because sealants make it easier to over tighten fittings. Over tightening fittings can lead to damage and leaks.
What is NPTF pipe?
There are parallel and tapered pipe threads for all pipe standards. NPS, National Pipe Straight, is the American standard for parallel or straight pipe threads. NPS threaded connections need gaskets or O-rings to seal them.
Why do we need tapered threads?
Because of this, they need to have threaded connections that are gas or liquid tight. Tapered threads help make better seals. The male and female threads compress and wedge themselves together. As a result, these connections are stronger and leak resistant. The two most common standards for tapered pipe threads.
What is a female connector?
The female connector screws directly onto the hose without the need for a separate adapter. When assembled, the fitting compresses against the hose, forming a strong seal. Also known as reusable fittings, they can be unscrewed from the hose end and used on a new hose.
What is an instant fitting?
Also known as instant fittings, they connect to tubing with a push, and an internal gripping ring and O-ring hold the tubing tight. Use in applications up to 150 psi.
What is a T-shaped top?
Often used on earth movers, mining equipment, and other heavy machinery, these fittings have a T-shaped top that holds the dispensing tip in place so it won't pop off when adding grease.
What is a tube adapter?
A tube adapter sits flush against the flat face of the fitting so you can slide the steel tubing and fitting sideways to disconnect in cramped spaces. Also known as zero-clearance fittings.
What is a header manifold?
Unlike other manifolds, which have an inlet on either end, these have one inlet on the opposite side from the outlets. This design allows air or fluid to follow a straight path, improving flow through your system. Also known as headers.
What is flush face coupling?
Also known as flush-face couplings, the plugs and so ckets have a flat face, which allows them to mate close together, reducing fluid loss when connecting and disconnecting the line. They are compatible with International Standard ISO Minimal-Spill-shape plugs and sockets.
What pressure is used for flush face coupling?
Use these couplings at pressures up to 7, 200 psi. Also known as flush-face couplings, the plugs and sockets have a flat face, which allows them to mate close together, reducing fluid loss when connecting and disconnecting the line. They are compatible with International Standard ISO Minimal-Spill-shape plugs and sockets.

Overview
Plumbing
In plumbing fittings, the "M" or "F" usually comes at the beginning rather than the end of the abbreviated designation. For example:
• MIPT denotes male iron pipe thread;
• FIPT denotes female iron pipe thread.
A short length of pipe having an MIP thread at both ends is sometimes called a
Early mentions of the metaphor
• The Talmud describes arrow heads and mating shafts as potentially being either male or female, depending on their construction, i.e. a prong on a male arrow head fits into a hollowed out shaft and vice versa. This is owing to a prohibition on a female shaft, from its susceptibility as a receptacle for impurity, for use as s'chach
Mechanical fasteners
In mechanical design, the prototypical "male" component is a threaded bolt, but an alignment post, a mounting boss, or a sheet metal tab connector can also be considered as male. Correspondingly, a threaded nut, an alignment hole, a mounting recess, or sheet metal slot connector is considered to be female.
While some mechanical designs are "one-off" custom setups not intended to b…
Modular construction toys
Although this aspect is not highlighted in their promotional literature, several common construction toys embody gendered (and in some cases, genderless) mechanical interconnections. This should not be surprising, since these toys feature the nearly infinite flexibility and versatility of shape that a modular interconnect architecture can enable. Mathematicians have begun to classify …
Downspout
Downspouts (downpipes, rain conductors or leaders) are used to convey rainwater from roof gutters to the ground through hollow pipes or tubes. These tubes usually come in sections, joined by inserting the male end (often crimped with a special tool to slightly reduce its size) into the female end of the next section. These connections are usually not sealed or caulked, instead relying on gravity to move the rainwater from the male end and into the receiving female connec…
Ductwork
Sheet metal ductwork for conveying air in HVAC systems typically uses gendered connections. Typically, the airflow through a ductwork connection is from male to female. However, since one-way flow is implemented by forced-air fans or blowers, "backwards" gendered connections can be seen frequently in some systems, since all connections are typically sealed with duct sealing mastic or tape to prevent leakage anyway. The flow convention is usually loosely adhered to for …
Electrical and electronic
Although the gender of tubing and plumbing fittings is usually obvious, this may not be true of electrical connectors because of their more complex and varying constructions. Instead, connector gender is conventionalized and thus can be somewhat obscure to the uninitiated. For example, the female D-subminiature connector body projects outward from the mounting plane of the chassis, and …