What is the type of 5-inch couplings described?

• A. Sexless (Storz) made of aluminum with locking levers
• B. Threaded steel with wing nuts
• C. Twist-on rubber with no locking
• D. Snap-on plastic with locking pins

Answer: (A)

For 5-inch hoses, the standard is a sexless, or Storz, coupling. The term sexless means both halves are identical, so there’s no male or female end to match—this makes connecting hoses faster and simpler, which is crucial in firefighting where every second counts. The locking levers on these couplings secure the connection quickly and reliably, so the joint stays tight under high water pressure. Aluminum is a common material because it provides a strong, durable connection while keeping weight down, which helps crews handle and move large-diameter hose more easily and reduces corrosion over time.

The other options don’t fit typical 5-inch firefighting practice: threaded steel with wing nuts would be slower to connect and heavier, increasing both setup time and fatigue; twist-on rubber with no locking is prone to disconnecting and leaks; snap-on plastic with locking pins would likely lack the durability and reliability needed for rugged, high-pressure use.