Standard 5100-190c

December 2005
Superseding 5100-190b
September 1996

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

STANDARD FOR

THREADS, GASKETS, ROCKER LUGS,

CONNECTIONS AND FITTINGS, FIRE HOSE

1. SCOPE.

1.1. Scope. This document establishes a standard for threads, gaskets, and rocker lugs for fire
hose couplings, connections, and fittings used by the USDA Forest Service in wildland
firefighting. Thread series designations described in this standard are 3/4 inch 11-1/2 NH, 1
inch 11-1/2 NPSH, 1-1/2 inch 9 NH, 1-1/2 inch 11-1/2 NPSH, 2 inch 11-1/2 NPSH, 2-1/2 inch 7-
1/2 NH, 2-1/2 inch 8 NPSH, and 4 inch 4 NH.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS.

2.1. Government Documents. The following specifications, standards, and handbooks form a
part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of
these documents are those in effect on the date of the invitation for bids or request for
proposals.

Military Specification

MIL-A-8625 -Anodic Coatings for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloys

Copies of military specifications are available from the Department of Defense Single Stock
Point (DODSSP), Building 4/Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094

2.2. Non-Government Publications. The following documents form a part of this document to the
extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those in
effect on the date of the invitation for bids or request for proposals.

Beneficial comments, recommendations, additions, deletions and any pertinent data that may
be used in improving this document should be addressed to: USDA Forest Service, San
Dimas Technology and Development Center, 444 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773-
3198 by using the Specification Comment Sheet at the end of this document or by letter.
 5100-190c

American Society for Quality (ASQ)

Z 1.4 -Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

Address requests for copies to the American Society for Quality, P.O. Box 3005, Milwaukee, WI
53201-3005

ASTM International

D 412 -Test Method for Rubber Properties in Tension

D 2240 -Test Method of Test for Rubber Property - Durometer Hardness

Address requests for copies to ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

Aluminum Companies of America (ALCOA) Specifications

226 -Aluminite Hard Coating

726 -Aluminite Hard Coating

Address requests for copies to ALCOA Technical Department, P.O. Box 132, Sidney, OH
45365.

2.3. Order of Precedence. In the event of conflict between the text of this document and the
references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document,
however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been
obtained.

3. REQUIREMENTS.

3.1. Construction.

3.1.1. Threads. Thread configuration shall be as shown in figure 1. Thread form dimensions shall
be as indicated in table 1. Internal and external thread dimensions shall be as indicated in table
2. Dimensions of aluminum couplings, connections and fittings shall be measured after anodic
hardcoating has been applied and finished.

3.1.1.1. Go-Not Go Gauges. “Go” and “Not Go” gauges shall be in conformance with the
tolerances shown in Tables 3 and 4 and shall be used to verify conformity of fire hose
connection and fitting threads to this standard. “Speed handles” or any device which provides
mechanical advantage shall not be used on the thread gauges. Gauges shall not be forced
once resistance is encountered.

3.1.1.1.1. Go Gauges. For “Go” gauges, the gauge shall rotate completely through the full thread
length without any resistance being felt.

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3.1.1.1.2. Not Go Gauges. For “Not Go” gauges, thread engagement shall not exceed 1.75
turns.

3.1.1.2. Blunt Start or Higbee. The outer ends of internal and external threads shall be
terminated with the blunt or “Higbee Cut” on the full thread to avoid cross-threading and
mutilation of threads. The minimum length of the blunt start shall not be less than the radius
formed by a cutter with a radius not less than the height of the thread. The maximum length
of the blunt start shall not be greater than 10 degrees of arc.

3.1.2. Gasket Recess. All internally threaded sections shall be provided with a gasket
recess as shown in figure 1 and the dimensions shall be as indicated in table 1.

3.1.3. Gasket. All internally threaded couplings, connections and fittings shall be supplied
with properly fitted gaskets meeting the dimensional requirements of table 5 and material
requirements of 3.2.1. All leakage requirements of referencing documents shall be met
without repositioning or replacing the gasket.

3.1.4. Rocker Lug. Rocker lug construction shall be as shown in Figure 3 and shall have
dimensions as indicated in table 6. The rocker lug shall be an integral part of the internally
threaded section and optional on the externally threaded section of a connection or fitting.
No rocker lug is required on 3/4 inch 11-1/2 NH coupling, connection or fitting.

3.1.4.1. Higbee Indicator. The blunt start or Higbee cut on the rocker lug of an internally
threaded connection or fitting shall be indicated by an indentation, Higbee indicator obvious
to sight and touch, on the top of the rocker lug. A Higbee indicator of an externally threaded
connection or fitting is optional.

3.1.5 Fasteners. All threaded fasteners shall have a minimum of four threads fully engaged.

3.1.6 Thread relief. External threads shall have a thread relief. The thread relief diameter
shall be the thread minor diameter and the width shall be as specified in table 1.

3.2. Materials. Where more than one type of material is used in various components, there
shall be no incompatibility between materials which may cause corrosion.

3.2.1. Gasket Material. Gasket material shall be rubber or other type elastomer intended for
use in fire hose couplings, connections, and fittings and shall meet the following physical
property requirements.

a. Gasket material shall meet the requirements of ASTM D 2000 AA 720 Z, Z = 1,250 psi
modulus at 300 percent elongation minimum.

b. The change in tensile strength shall not be more than +/- 30 percent, change in
elongation shall not be more than -50 percent, and change in hardness shall not be more
than +/- 15 points after heat aging for 70 hours at 70° C in accordance with ASTM D 573.

c. Shore A durometer hardness shall be 70 +/-5 when tested per ASTM D 2240.

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d. Minimum tensile strength shall be 1,250 psi at 300 percent elongation when tested per
ASTM D 412.

e. Gasket material age on delivery shall be a maximum of 6 months.

3.2.2. Tailpiece Gasket Material. Tailpiece gasket material shall be rubber or other type
elastomer intended for use in fire hose couplings, connections and fittings and shall meet the
hardness requirement of 60 ± 5 durometer, using a Shore Type A durometer.

3.2.3. Recovered Materials. The contractor is encouraged to use recovered materials to the
maximum extent practicable, in accordance with paragraph 23.403 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR), provided all performance requirements of this specification are
met.

3.3. Certificate of Conformance. Where certificates of conformance are required, the

Government reserves the right to determine the validity of certification.

3.3.1. Certification. The contractor shall provide the following information on certificates of
conformance:

a. Material description, i.e., Aluminum 6061 T6; rubber gasket ASTM D 2000 AA 720 Z.

b. Specification, standard, or test method (include type, class, and form where
applicable).

c. Test company name, address, and telephone number.

d. All characteristic test values.

e. Authorized responsible technician/manager name and title.

f. Lot or batch number.

g. Test date.

3.3.2. Test Results. The contractor shall maintain complete records, including test results.
At the request of the Government, the contractor shall provide test results and other
records, as described in the certificates of conformance, for all materials used in the
manufacture of an item.

3.3.3. Gasket Material Conformance. For all first article testing, quality products list (QPL)
testing, and on the first shipment of all lot-by-lot tested and QPL items, the contractor shall
supply certificates of conformance for the gasket material based on testing from the sheet
material from which the gasket was formed.

3.4. Markings. The fire hose connection or fitting shall be permanently and legibly marked,
on the outside surface of the product, with the manufacturer’s name or trademark, and the
letters “FSS.” The minimum letter height shall be 0.12 inch. In addition, each threaded
opening shall be similarly marked with the opening size and thread (for example: “1-1/2
NH”). Each threaded opening designation shall plainly indicate which opening is being

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referred to by its proximity or by other clearly understood means. Numerals such as 1/2
are to be considered three letters, “1,” “/,” and “2.”

3.4.1. Marking Order. Markings on multiple threaded couplings shall be indicated with the
internal thread first, then the external thread. Markings for a double internal or a double
external threaded single piece shall be indicated with the smaller thread first, then the
larger thread.

3.5. Thread Surface Treatment. Aluminum-alloy thread surfaces, except still threads, shall
be hard-coated to 0.002 inch thick and not vary more than ± 10 percent in accordance with
MIL-A-8625, Type III, Class 1, unless otherwise specified. ALCOA Aluminite Hard-Coating
No. 226 or equal for forged or extruded (rod) alloy or ALCOA Aluminite Hard-Coating No.
726 or equal for cast aluminum-alloy shall be applied.

3.5.1. Expanded Sections. If in the process of producing aluminum-alloy connections and

fittings, it is necessary to expand an attaching body section onto a swivel, the bowl section
need not be hardcoated; however, the entire swivel section, including still and screw
threads, shall be hardcoated. After hardcoating, the threads may be coated with a
permanent type lubricant to prevent galling of the threads.

3.6. Surface Finish. The finish shall be equal to the best commercial practices consistent
with the highest engineering standards in the industry and shall be free from any finish
defect which may impair serviceability or detract from the items appearance.

3.6.1. Cast Surface Finish. Exterior surfaces shall be smooth and cleaned by
sandblasting, tumbling, or other accepted standard commercial process.

3.6.2. Forged and Extruded Surface Finish. Die-formed and machined surfaces, except
threads, shall be smooth and have a roughness of not more than 125 µin.

3.6.3. Plastic Surface Finish. Excessive material on edges shall not be allowed. All surfaces
shall be free from laps, sharp die marks, cracks, flash, burrs, and sharp edges. The
surface of the finished product shall be smooth and tack free.

3.7. Dimensional Tolerance. Unless otherwise noted, the following tolerances apply: one
place (x.x) +/- 0.1 inch; two places (x.xx) +/- 0.03 inch, and three places (x.xxx) +/- 0.010
inch.

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 5100-190c

Figure 1—Thread and gasket recess configuration.

C = Diameter of the waterway

H = Depth of the coupling
I = Length of the pilot to the start of the second thread
J = Blunt start from the face to the start of the second thread
K = Diameter of the gasket seat
L = Length of the nipple
R = Length of the thread relief
T = Length of the internal thread

Note for figure 1. See table 1 for associated dimensions.

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 5100-190c

Table 1. Thread Form and Gasket Recess Dimensions

Thread Series Diameter Length Length of Depth of Diameter of Length of Blunt Start Length of
Designation of of Pilot Coupling Gasket Internal from Face to Thread
Waterway Nipple to the Start Seat Thread Start Relief,
+.030, - Minimum of H + .016, - T of Second Maximum
.010 L Second .000 Thread
C Thread K J R
I
¾ inch 11-1/2 NH 0.75 0.56 0.13 +/- 0.53 1.04 0.38 +/- 0.13 +/- 0.016 0.20
0.016 0.016
1 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 1.00 0.56 0.16 +/- 0.53 1.44 0.38 +/- 0.16 +/- 0.016 0.20
0.016 0.016
1-1/2 inch 11-1/2 1.50 0.63 0.16 +/- 0.59 2.06 0.44 +/- 0.16 +/- 0.016 0.20
NPSH 0.016 0.031
1-1/2 inch 9 NH
2 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 2.00 0.75 0.19 +/- 0.72 2.38 0.57 +/- 0.16 +/- 0.016 0.20
0.016 0.031
2-1/2 inch 7-1/2 NH 2.50 1.00 0.25 +/- 0.94 3.19 0.69 +/- 0.25 +/- 0.031 0.20
2-1/2 inch 8 NPSH 0.031 0.031
4 inch 4 NH 4.00 1.25 0.44 +/- 1.19 5.13 0.88 +/- 0.38 +/- 0.031 0.30
0.031 0.031

Notes:
NH: American Fire Hose Coupling Threads
NPSH: American Nation Hose Coupling Thread

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 5100-190c

Table 2. Limiting Thread Dimensions and Tolerances

External Threads (Nipple)
Major Diameter Pitch Diameter
Thread Threads Pitch Height Minor
Series Per inch p of Diameter
Designation tpi Thread Maximum
H Maximum Minimum Tolerance Maximum Minimum Tolerance
3/4 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 1.0625 1.0455 0.0170 1.0060 0.9975 0.0085 0.9495
NH
1 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 1.2951 1.2781 0.0170 1.2386 1.2301 0.0085 1.1821
NPSH
1-1/2 inch 9 NH 9 0.11111 0.07217 1.9900 1.9678 0.0222 1.9178 1.9067 0.0111 1.8457
1-1/2 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 1.8788 1.8618 0.0170 1.8223 1.8138 0.0085 1.7658
NPSH
2 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 2.3528 2.3358 0.0170 2.2963 2.2878 0.0085 2.2398
NPSH
2-1/2 inch 7-1/2 7-1/2 0.13333 0.08660 3.0686 3.0366 0.0320 2.9820 2.9660 0.0160 2.8954
NH

2-1/2 inch 8 8 0.12500 0.08119 2.8434 2.8212 0.0222 2.7622 2.7511 0.0111 2.6810
NPSH
4 inch 4 NH 4 0.25000 0.16238 5.0109 4.9609 .0500 4.8485 4.8235 0.0250 4.6861

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 5100-190c

Internal Threads (Swivel)

Minor Diameter Pitch Diameter
Thread Threads Pitch Height Major
Series Per inch p of Diameter
Designation tpi Thread Minimum
H Minimum Maximum Tolerance Minimum Maximum Tolerance
3/4 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 0.9595 0.9765 0.0170 1.0160 1.0245 0.0085 1.0725
NH
1 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 1.1921 1.2091 0.0170 1.2486 1.2571 0.0085 1.3051
NPSH
1-1/2 inch 9 NH 9 0.11111 0.07217 1.8577 1.8799 0.0222 1.9298 1.9409 0.0111 2.0020
1-1/2 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 1.7758 1.7928 0.0170 1.8323 1.8408 0.0085 1.8888
NPSH
2 inch 11-1/2 11-1/2 0.08696 0.05648 2.2498 2.2668 0.0170 2.3063 2.3148 0.0085 2.3628
NPSH
2-1/2 inch 7-1/2 7-1/2 0.13333 0.08660 2.9104 2.9424 0.0320 2.9970 3.013 0.0160 3.0836
NH

2-1/2 inch 8 8 0.12500 0.08119 2.6930 2.7152 0.0222 2.7742 2.7853 0.0111 2.8554
NPSH
4 inch 4 NH 4 0.25000 0.16238 4.7111 4.7611 0.0500 4.8735 4.8985 0.0250 5.0359

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 5100-190c

a. Dimensions given for the maximum minor diameter of the nipple are figured to the
intersection of the worn tool arc with a centerline through crest and root. The minimum
minor diameter of the nipple shall be that corresponding to a flat at the minor diameter of
the minimum nipple equal to p/24, and may be determined by subtracting 11H/9 (or
0.7939p) from the minimum pitch diameter of the nipple.

b. Dimensions for the minimum major diameter of the swivel correspond to the basic flat
(p/8), and the profile at the major diameter produced by a worn tool must not fall below the
basic outline. The maximum major diameter of the swivel shall be that corresponding to a
flat at the major diameter of the maximum swivel equal to p/24, and may be determined by
adding 11H/9 (or 0.7939p) to the maximum pitch diameter of the swivel.

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 5100-190c

Table 3. “GO” and “NOT GO” Gauge Limits of Size for Ring Gauges

Thread Series "GO" or Maximum Gauge "NOT GO" or Minimum Gauge

Designation
Pitch Diameter Minor Diameter Pitch Diameter Minor Diameter
Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum
¾ inch 11-1/2 NH 1.0060 1.0057 0.9595 0.9589 0.9978 0.9975 0.9793 0.9787
1 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 1.2386 1.2383 1.1921 1.1915 1.2304 1.2301 1.2119 1.2113
1-1/2 inch 9 NH 1.9178 1.9175 1.8577 1.8570 1.9070 1.9067 1.8833 1.8826
1-1/2 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 1.8223 1.8219 1.7758 1.7752 1.8142 1.8138 1.7956 1.7950
2 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 2.2963 2.2959 2.2498 2.2492 2.2882 2.2878 2.2696 2.2690
2-1/2 inch 7-1/2 NH 2.9820 2.9810 2.9104 2.9094 2.9670 2.9660 2.9114 2.9104
2-1/2 inch 8 NPSH 2.7622 2.7617 2.6930 2.6923 2.7516 2.7511 2.7247 2.7240
4 inch 4 NH 4.8485 4.8479 4.7111 4.7096 4.8241 4.8235 4.7709 4.7694

Table 4. “GO” and “NOT GO” Gauge Limits of Size for Plug Gauges

Thread Series "GO" or Maximum Gauge "NOT GO" or Minimum Gauge

Designation
Major Diameter Pitch Diameter Major Diameter Pitch Diameter
Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum
¾ inch 11-1/2 NH 1.0731 1.0725 1.0163 1.0160 1.0622 1.0616 1.0245 1.0242
1 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 1.3057 1.3051 1.2489 1.2486 1.2948 1.2942 1.2571 1.2568
1-1/2 inch 9 NH 2.0027 2.0020 1.9301 1.9298 1.9890 1.9883 1.9409 1.9406
1-1/2 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 1.8894 1.8888 1.8327 1.8323 1.8785 1.8779 1.8408 1.8404
2 inch 11-1/2 NPSH 2.3634 2.3628 2.3067 2.3063 2.3525 2.3519 2.3148 2.3144
2-1/2 inch 7-1/2 NH 3.0846 3.0836 2.9980 2.9970 3.0836 3.0826 3.0130 3.0120
2-1/2 inch 8 NPSH 2.8561 2.8554 2.7747 2.7742 2.8394 2.8387 2.7853 2.7848
4 inch 4 NH 5.0374 5.0359 4.8741 4.8735 5.0068 5.0053 4.8985 4.8979

Notes for Tables 3 and 4 – The minor diameters of plug gauges and the major diameters of ring gauges are undercut beyond the
nominal diameters to give a clearance for grinding or lapping. The allowable variation in lead between any two threads not farther apart
than the length engagement is +/- .0005 inch. The allowable variations in one-half angle thread is +/- 10 minutes.

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Table 5. Gasket Dimensions

Nominal Inner Outer Thickness

Waterway Diameter Diameter
Size + 0/- .03
A B C
3/4 0.81 1.04 0.13
1 1.06 1.44 0.13
1-1/2 1.56 2.06 0.13
2 2.06 2.38 0.13
2-1/2 2.56 3.19 0.19
4 4.06 5.13 0.25

Figure 2—Gasket configuration.

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Table 6. Rocker lug dimensions

Nominal Number
Fitting Size L W T H A B C of Lugs
Maximum - 0.44 0.31 0.38 0.13 - -
1 inch 1-1/2 inch, 2
inch Minimum 0.69 0.25 0.13 0.25 0.06 0.19 0.44 2 or 3
Maximum - 0.69 0.50 0.44 0.13 - -
2-1/2 inch, 4 inch Minimum 1.00 0.56 0.25 0.31 0.06 0.50 0.69 2 or 3

Figure 3—Rocker lug configuration.

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 5100-190c

4. NOTES.

4.1. Intended Use. This document establishes a standard for threads, gaskets, and
rocker lugs for fire hose couplings, connections, and fittings used by the USDA Forest
Service in wildland firefighting.

4.2. Notice. When Government drawings, specifications, or other data are used for any
purpose other than in connection with a related Government procurement operation, the
United States Government thereby incurs no responsibility nor any obligation
whatsoever.

4.3. Preparing Activity. USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development
Center, 444 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773-3198.

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 5100-190c
United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Standardization Document Improvement Proposal

Instructions: This form is provided to solicit beneficial comments which may improve this
document and enhance its use. Contractors, government activities, manufacturers, vendors,
or other prospective users of this document are invited to submit comments to the USDA
Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, 444 East Bonita Avenue, San
Dimas, California 91773-3198. Attach any pertinent data which may be of use in improving
this document. If there is additional documentation, attach it to the form and place both in an
envelope addressed to the preparing activity. A response will be provided when a name and
address are included.
Note: This form shall not be used to submit request for waivers, deviation, or for clarification
of requirements on current contracts. Comments submitted on this form do not constitute or
imply authorization to waive any portion of the referenced document(s) or to amend
contractual requirements.
Standard Number and Title: Standard 5100-190c, Standard For Threads, Gaskets, Rocker
Lugs, Connections, and Fittings, Fire Hose.

Name of Organization and Address:

___ Vendor _____User _____ Manufacturer

1. ____ Has any part of this document created problems or required interpretation in
procurement
use?
____ Is any part of this document too rigid, restrictive, loose, or ambiguous?
Please explain below.

Give paragraph number and wording:

Recommended change (s):

Reason for recommended change (s):

Remarks:

Submitted by: (Print or type name and address - Optional) Telephone number:
(Optional)

Date:

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________________________

________________________

________________________

USDA Forest Service

San Dimas Technology & Development Center
Attn: Water Handling Project Leader
444 East Bonita Avenue
San Dimas, California 91773-3198

Fold and staple for mailing

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