IBC Outlet Thread Types Explained: S60x6, Camlock and BSP — Which Fitting Do You Need?

Not every IBC uses the same outlet, and that's where a lot of unnecessary delays and wrong orders happen. Before you source an adaptor or fitting, it helps to know what connection you're actually working with. This guide breaks down the three most common IBC outlet thread types, what they look like, and how to match the right fitting to each one.

What Are the Most Common IBC Outlet Thread Types?

Three connection types cover the majority of IBCs in circulation: S60x6, BSP, and camlock. Each has a different thread profile, diameter, and application. Some IBCs leave the factory with one outlet type and get adapted to another in the field. Understanding which connection you have, and which one you need downstream, is the starting point for getting the right fitting without guesswork.

What Is an S60x6 IBC Thread?

S60x6 is the thread designation you'll find on the outlet of most standardplastic IBC tanks. The "S60" refers to the thread diameter of 60mm, and the "x6" refers to the thread pitch, meaning 6mm between each thread. It's a coarse, large-diameter thread designed specifically for IBC outlets, which is why it's become a widely used standard across IBC manufacturers.

When someone refers to an IBC thread or IBC thread size in a general sense, they're usually talking about S60x6, though that assumption can cause problems. Not every IBC uses this outlet, and not every S60x6 outlet is in the same condition, so confirming the thread before ordering an adaptor is always the right move.

The most direct way to connect a camlock hose system to an S60x6 outlet is through anS60x6 IBC camlock adaptor, which screws onto the IBC outlet and provides a standard camlock connection point for hoses and pumps.

How Do Camlock Fittings Connect to an IBC?

Camlock fittings don't thread directly onto an IBC outlet. They connect via a push-and-lock mechanism that makes hose connections fast, secure, and tool-free, which is why they're widely used in industrial liquid transfer, agricultural setups, and anywhere that hoses need to be connected and disconnected frequently.

To use a camlock system with an IBC, you need an adaptor that bridges the IBC outlet thread and the camlock fitting. The adaptor screws onto the IBC outlet on one end and provides a camlock coupling on the other. From there,IBC camlock fittings and hoses connect directly without threading.

The right adaptor depends on the outlet thread. An S60x6 outlet needs an S60x6 camlock adaptor. A BSP outlet needs a BSP camlock adaptor. Using the wrong adaptor risks a poor seal, thread damage, or a fitting that simply won't seat correctly.

What Are BSP Threads and When Are They Used?

BSP stands for British Standard Pipe, a thread standard used across a wide range of plumbing and fluid handling equipment in Australia and many other countries. On IBCs, BSP threads are most commonly found on valve outlets and adaptors rather than the primary IBC tank outlet itself, though some IBC configurations do use BSP connections.

A 2" BSP thread is a common size in IBC applications and is often used when connecting valves, hose tails, or downstream fittings to an IBC outlet. If your existing setup already runs BSP fittings elsewhere, aBSP camlock adaptor can bring your IBC connection into the same system without changing the rest of your setup.

BSP and S60x6 are different thread standards with different diameters and pitch profiles. They are not interchangeable, and attempting to connect them without the correct adaptor will result in cross-threading or an unreliable seal.

How to Identify the Thread or Outlet on Your IBC

The most reliable approach is to check the IBC itself before ordering anything. Many IBCs have the outlet thread type marked on the tank body or on the valve. If there's no marking, the outlet diameter and thread pitch can be measured directly. An S60x6 outlet will have a 60mm thread diameter with a coarse 6mm pitch, which is visually distinct from a BSP thread of the same nominal size.

If you're unsure, removing the existing valve and taking it to a supplier for a physical comparison is more reliable than ordering based on assumptions. Thread compatibility is specific enough that a close approximation isn't good enough.

How to Choose the Right IBC Adaptor or Fitting

Once you've confirmed the outlet thread on your IBC, the selection process becomes straightforward. Match the female thread of the adaptor to the male thread of the IBC outlet, confirm the outlet size of the adaptor matches your hose or fitting connection, and check that the material of the adaptor is compatible with the liquid being transferred.

For most standard plastic IBCs with S60x6 outlets connecting to a camlock hose system, an S60x6 to camlock adaptor covers the connection. For setups already running BSP fittings, a BSP camlock adaptor bridges the two systems cleanly.

The full range ofIBC fittings and accessories at Tank Management Australia covers the most common IBC outlet configurations, with adaptors, camlocks, valves, and hose fittings available for both standard and less common setups.