Plastic Cupla BC Type

Quick couplings

The Nitto Kohki Plastic Cupla BC Type is a plastic-bodied quick coupling for low-pressure pneumatic applications where corrosion resistance, light weight or electrical insulation are required. The range consists of four items in sizes BC-02 and BC-03, available as plug (PH) and socket (SH) with NBR seals. The plastic body makes these couplings suitable for environments involving aggressive media or corrosive substances.

⚙ Plastic housing - corrosion-resistant, lightweight, electrically insulating

✓ NBR seal - suitable for compressed air and general pneumatic media

↕ Sizes BC-02 and BC-03 - plug (PH) and socket (SH) per nominal size

✦ Compact design - low weight, suited to portable equipment and hand tools

Criterion	Option
Nominal size	BC-02, BC-03
Connector type	PH (plug), SH (socket)
Body material	Plastic
Seal	NBR
Key advantage vs. steel	Corrosion resistance, weight saving, electrical isolation

Typical applications: Pneumatic tools requiring corrosion protection, food and pharmaceutical applications where electrical insulation is specified, laboratory use, and portable equipment where weight and chemical resistance are priorities.

Technical data from the manufacturer catalogue

Series	PLASTIC CUPLA BC Type Valveless
Body material	Plastic
Seal material	NBR (Nitrile rubber)
Max working pressure	0.07 MPa {0.7 kgf/cm2}
Working temperature	NBR (Nitrile rubber): -20 to +50 deg C
Valve structure	Straight through
Applicable fluids	Air
Size range	1/4 inch, 3/8 inch hose
Catalogue page	C01en-b, 161

Operating principle

No valve, therefore the lowest pressure drop. The line must be depressurised before disconnecting.

Connecting sequence of a ball locking quick connect coupling.

To connect, just push the plug into the socket.
Plastic makes this ideal for use in environment prone to rusting.
Compact and light weight for easy handling.
Valveless construction gives more stable flow.

All models of the series

PH - Hose barb

Model	Coupling part	Application	Plastic (g)	L	A	C	øoB	øoD	øoT
BC-2PH	Plug	1/4 inch hose	1.8	41	17	19	4	14	8.5
BC-3PH	Plug	3/8 inch hose	2	34	13	19	6	15	10.9

SH - Hose barb

Model	Coupling part	Application	Plastic (g)	L	H	A	øoB	øoD	øoT
BC-2SH	Socket	1/4 inch hose	5.6	38	(26.5)	17	4	23	8.5
BC-3SH	Socket	3/8 inch hose	6	41	(26.5)	20	6	23	12

Dimensions in millimetres. Values in brackets apply in the connected condition.

Legend: L = overall length; H = width across flats or outside dimension; D = socket outside diameter; A = hose barb length; C = sleeve dimension; T = thread or barb size; B = bore

Series comparison

Series	Max working pressure	Size range	Valve structure	Applicable fluids
PLASTIC CUPLA BC Type Valveless	0.7 bar	1/4 inch, 3/8 inch hose	Straight through	Air
COMPACT ZEROSPILL CUPLA	10 bar	Thread 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch	Two-way shut-off (Spill Reduction)	Air, Water
CUPLA HOSE with FULL BLOW CUPLA	10 bar	Hose size ø5 mm×ø8 mm, ø6.5 mm×ø10 mm, ø8.5 mm×ø12.5 mm	One-way shut-off	Air
FLOW MONITOR	10 bar	Rc 3/8 and Rc 1/2	-	Water
ANTI-VIBRATION PLUG HOSE	15 bar	R 1/4 (SHA-3-2R), R 3/8 (SHA-3-3R)	One-way shut-off	Air
HI CUPLA BL	15 bar	1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch (thread and hose barb); SN type for urethane hose: for 6.5 x 10 mm, 8 x 12 mm and 8.5 x 12.5 mm hose	One-way shut-off	Air, Water
FLATFACE CUPLA F35	350 bar	Thread 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch	Two-way shut-off (Spill Reduction)	Hydraulic oil
FLATFACE CUPLA FF	350 bar	3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch (thread)	Two-way shut-off (Spill Reduction)	Hydraulic oil

PLASTIC CUPLA BC Type applies only to air lines up to 0.07 MPa {0.7 kgf/cm2}; every sibling series in this category is rated 1.0 to 1.5 MPa {10 to 15 kgf/cm2} and is required above that limit. It is the choice where an all-plastic coupling is wanted in an environment prone to rusting and where a straight through, valveless flow path is acceptable. If the line has to close on disconnection, use a one-way shut-off series such as HI CUPLA BL, NUT CUPLA or LOCK CUPLA 200, or COMPACT ZEROSPILL CUPLA with its two-way shut-off.

Body and seal materials

Body material
Plastic

Seal material	Mark	Working temperature	Remarks
NBR (Nitrile rubber)	-	-20 to +50 deg C	-

Further catalogue data

Note	Value
Working pressure (MPa)	0.07
Working pressure (kgf/cm2)	0.7
Working pressure (bar)	0.7
Working pressure (PSI)	10.2
Seal material NBR remarks	Standard material
WAF	WAF stands for width across flats.

Safety and application notes

Before use, please be sure to read the Safety Guide described at the end of this book and the Instruction Sheet that comes with the products.

All technical data on this page is taken from the Nitto Kohki general catalogue Quick Connect Couplings C01en-b, page 161. The complete catalogue is available for download on this page.

What are Nitto Kohki Plastic Cupla BC Type quick connect couplings and what industrial applications do they serve?

Nitto Kohki Plastic Cupla BC Type quick connect couplings are lightweight pneumatic coupling solutions engineered with NBR sealing materials for rapid connection and disconnection in compressed air systems. These plastic-bodied couplings serve manufacturing automation, assembly line equipment, pneumatic tooling, and general industrial pneumatic applications where frequent coupling changes are required. The BC series features corrosion-resistant construction ideal for automotive assembly plants, electronics manufacturing, and food processing facilities. Available in multiple port configurations including BC-02PH, BC-02SH, BC-03SH, and BC-03PH variants, these couplings provide reliable sealing performance in demanding industrial environments where metal couplings would be impractical due to weight or corrosion concerns.

What are the key technical selection criteria for Plastic Cupla BC Type couplings with specific operating parameters?

Selection of Plastic Cupla BC Type couplings requires evaluation of operating pressure range typically up to 10 bar for standard pneumatic applications, port size compatibility with existing system connections, and NBR seal material compatibility with compressed air or inert gas media. The plastic construction limits operating temperature range to approximately -10°C to +60°C, making material selection critical for temperature-sensitive applications. Flow capacity varies between BC-02 and BC-03 series based on internal bore diameter, with larger BC-03 variants providing higher flow rates for high-demand pneumatic actuators. Connection type designation with PH indicating plug configuration and SH indicating socket configuration must match existing system coupling interfaces for proper mechanical engagement and sealing integrity.

Which international standards and certifications apply to Nitto Kohki Plastic Cupla BC Type pneumatic couplings?

Nitto Kohki Plastic Cupla BC Type couplings comply with ISO 4414 pneumatic fluid power systems standards for safe installation and operation of compressed air equipment in industrial environments. The NBR sealing materials meet food-grade requirements where applicable, supporting installation in food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Construction materials and design parameters align with EN 983 safety requirements for pneumatic couplings operating in European industrial applications. Quality management systems follow ISO 9001 certification standards ensuring consistent manufacturing tolerances and performance characteristics across production batches. These standards compliance certifications enable integration into safety-critical pneumatic systems where component failure could impact production equipment or worker safety protocols.

What are the differences between BC-02PH, BC-02SH, BC-03PH, and BC-03SH variants in the Plastic Cupla BC series?

The Plastic Cupla BC series variants differ primarily in port size and connection configuration, with BC-02 models featuring smaller bore diameter suitable for lower flow rate applications while BC-03 models provide larger internal passages for higher volume pneumatic systems. The PH designation indicates plug configuration designed to mate with corresponding socket couplings, while SH variants feature socket configuration accepting plug-type connections for complete coupling assembly. Both BC-02PH and BC-03PH models serve as male components in pneumatic coupling systems, whereas BC-02SH and BC-03SH function as female receptor components. All variants utilize identical NBR sealing technology and plastic body construction, with selection based on system flow requirements and existing coupling infrastructure rather than fundamental performance differences.

What installation requirements and system compatibility factors apply to Plastic Cupla BC Type couplings?

Installation of Plastic Cupla BC Type couplings requires clean, dry compressed air lines with filtration to 40 microns or finer to prevent contamination of NBR sealing surfaces and ensure reliable connection engagement. System pressure must be relieved before coupling connection or disconnection to prevent sudden air discharge and potential safety hazards during maintenance operations. Thread connections utilize standard pneumatic fitting threads compatible with existing compressed air distribution systems, requiring thread sealant or PTFE tape for leak-proof installation. The lightweight plastic construction eliminates concerns about galvanic corrosion when installed with aluminum or stainless steel pneumatic components. Proper installation includes verification of full coupling engagement through audible click confirmation and visual inspection of locking mechanism alignment before system pressurization.

What safety ratings, IP protection class, and operating temperature-pressure ranges apply to BC Type plastic couplings?

Plastic Cupla BC Type couplings operate safely within pressure ranges up to 10 bar working pressure with safety factor margins appropriate for standard compressed air applications in industrial environments. Operating temperature range spans -10°C to +60°C, with NBR sealing materials maintaining flexibility and sealing integrity throughout this thermal range in typical factory conditions. The plastic housing construction provides inherent electrical isolation eliminating static discharge concerns in electronics manufacturing and sensitive equipment applications. While specific IP protection class ratings vary by installation configuration, the coupling design provides adequate protection against dust ingress and incidental water contact in standard industrial pneumatic applications. Maximum operating pressure should not exceed manufacturer specifications to maintain coupling integrity and prevent catastrophic failure that could endanger personnel or damage connected equipment.

What maintenance schedule, service life expectations, and inspection requirements apply to Plastic Cupla BC couplings?

Plastic Cupla BC Type couplings require quarterly visual inspection of coupling bodies for stress cracking, NBR seal condition, and locking mechanism function to ensure continued reliable operation in pneumatic systems. Service life typically extends 2-3 years under normal industrial conditions with proper filtration and dry compressed air, though harsh environments or contaminated air supply may reduce operational lifespan significantly. Monthly functional testing involves coupling engagement and disengagement under system pressure to verify smooth operation and absence of air leakage at sealing interfaces. Annual replacement of NBR sealing components maintains optimal sealing performance and prevents gradual air leakage that reduces system efficiency. Preventive maintenance includes cleaning coupling surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and inspecting for wear patterns that indicate misalignment or excessive operating forces requiring system evaluation.