Hose Barb Fitting Adapter

Hose barb adapters for connecting flexible hose to an NPT connection

A hose barb adapter connects flexible hose to equipment with a female NPT threaded connection. One end is inserted into the hose, while the other end has a male NPT thread that screws into the corresponding connection.

Our hose barb adapters are made of glass-reinforced polypropylene and are available in sizes from 1/2" to 4". They can be used in assemblies involving a plastic tank, a ball valve, a bulkhead fitting or other equipment with a female NPT connection.

The principle is simple, but before ordering, check the hose, thread, liquid being transferred and actual operating conditions.

Hose barb on one end, male NPT thread on the other

The hose barb end is designed to be inserted into compatible hose and secured with an appropriate hose clamp.

The other end has a male NPT thread and must therefore connect to a female NPT connection of the same size. For the adapters in this category, the hose barb and male NPT thread are the same size. For example, a 2" adapter has a 2" hose barb and a 2" male NPT thread.

If you need to connect two threaded components instead, see our other tank fittings and accessories. For a quick, removable connection, Camlock fittings are another option.

Check both sides before choosing your adapter

A common mistake is choosing the adapter based only on the size of the tank or equipment connection. Both sides need to be checked.

On the equipment side, confirm both the connection size and thread type. A 2" connection is not necessarily NPT simply because its size appears to match.

On the hose side, verify that the hose size and construction are suitable for use with a hose barb. The hose clamp must then be appropriate for the hose and fitting being used.

This is particularly important with industrial transfer and suction hoses, discharge hoses and potable water hoses, because their construction and applications can differ.

Which type of fitting should you consider?

Glass-reinforced polypropylene

These adapters are made of glass-reinforced polypropylene. The material provides rigidity to the fitting and is suitable for many liquid-transfer applications.

For chemicals, check the compatibility of the liquid with polypropylene as well as all other materials that will come into contact with the product. The fact that a fitting can be mechanically connected does not by itself confirm chemical compatibility.

For food or potable water applications, the requirements for all components in contact with the liquid should also be verified rather than assuming that the entire assembly is suitable because one component meets the required criteria.

Hose barb or Camlock: which connection should you choose?

A hose barb is a simple solution when flexible hose will be connected directly and secured with an appropriate hose clamp.

If the hose needs to be connected and disconnected regularly, a Camlock fitting may be more practical. It provides a quick connection without having to remove the hose from the barb each time the system is disconnected.

The right choice therefore depends on how the hose will be used, not only on its size.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which hose barb size to choose?

Start by checking the size of the hose you need to connect and the threaded connection on your equipment. For this category, the hose barb and male NPT thread are the same size. A 1-1/2" adapter therefore has a 1-1/2" hose barb and a 1-1/2" male NPT thread.

Can a 2" fitting be screwed into any 2" connection?

No. Size alone is not enough. You also need to verify the thread type. These adapters have male NPT threads and must connect to a compatible female NPT connection.

Can these adapters be used with chemicals?

It depends on the liquid being transferred and the operating conditions. Compatibility with polypropylene and all other materials in the system must be checked.

When should I use a Camlock instead of a hose barb?

If the hose normally remains installed, a hose barb with an appropriate clamp provides a simple solution. If the hose needs to be connected and disconnected regularly, a Camlock fitting is generally more practical.