Crosses
When To Use A Cross
A Burnett & Hillman cross is used in hydraulic systems when you need to create a four-way connection for distributing or combining fluid flow. It has one inlet and three outlets (or vice versa), arranged in a “plus” shape, making it useful where multiple hydraulic lines must meet at a single point.
You would typically use a cross when:
- Distributing hydraulic flow from one supply line to multiple circuits or components.
- Combining multiple returns back into a single system line.
- Centralising connections in hydraulic blocks or manifolds.
- Reducing the number of separate fittings needed for complex layouts.
- Saving space where multiple tees would be bulky or inefficient.
A Burnett & Hillman cross is used when you need a compact, four-way connection to split, join, or organise hydraulic lines, making it especially useful in complex or multi-line systems.
How To Fit A Cross Fitting
Depressurise the system:
- Switch off the pump and release any stored pressure by cycling the controls.
- Confirm zero pressure using a gauge if available.
Clean all connections:
- Wipe down threads and sealing surfaces to remove oil, dirt, or debris.
- This helps prevent contamination inside the system.
Check thread type and size:
- Ensure all four connections match the thread standard of the cross (BSP, NPT, JIC, etc.).
- Using mismatched threads can cause leaks or damage.
Prepare the seals:
- For parallel threads: fit bonded washers or O-rings as required.
- For tapered threads: apply a suitable hydraulic sealant or PTFE tape (sparingly, 2-3 wraps).
Fit the cross fitting:
- Start each connection by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- Once hand-tight, use the correct spanner to tighten evenly.
- Do not overtighten - follow torque recommendations where possible.
Check alignment:
- Ensure the cross sits neatly, with hoses routed to avoid twisting or strain.
- Leave a slight slack in flexible hoses to allow for vibration and movement.
Test the system:
- Re-pressurise gradually and check for leaks around all four connections.
- Retighten slightly if required.
Connecting Threads Guide
Threads That Match Directly:
- BSPP to BSPP → Seals with a bonded washer or O-ring.
- BSPT to BSPT → Seals on the threads with PTFE tape or sealant.
- NPT to NPT → Seals on the threads with PTFE tape or sealant.
- JIC to JIC → Seals metal-to-metal on the 37° cone seat.
- ORFS to ORFS → Seals on the O-ring face for a leak-free joint.
- SAE O-Ring Boss to SAE O-Ring Boss → Seals with an O-ring at the port face.
- Metric to Metric → Seals with an O-ring or bonded washer.
Sometimes Compatible (with care):
- BSPT male into BSPP female → Will screw in, but must be sealed with a washer or sealant.
- JIC and SAE 37° → Often compatible, both use a 37° flare, but check standards before use.
- JIS BSPP to BSPP → Same thread, but JIS often seals on a 30° cone rather than a washer.
Not Compatible:
- BSP ↔ NPT → Different angles (55° vs 60°), will not seal reliably.
- Metric ↔ BSP/NPT → Different thread form, not interchangeable.
- UNF ↔ BSP/NPT/Metric → Won’t seal unless part of a designed fitting.
- NPSM ↔ anything else → Only seals with a gasket, not designed for high pressure.
Rule of thumb:
- Tapered threads (BSPT, NPT) seal on the thread + tape/sealant.
- Parallel threads (BSPP, Metric, SAE, UNF) need a washer or O-ring.
- JIC and ORFS seal on the face or cone, not the thread.
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BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) |
BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered) |
NPT (National Pipe Taper) |
JIC (Joint Industry Council) |
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) |
Metric (mm) |
Imperial (") (UN/UNF/UNC) |
SAE (Society Of Automotive Engineers) |
ORFS (O-Ring Face Seal) |
UNF (Unified Fine Thread) |
NPSM (National Pipe Straight Mechanical) |
| Thread Form | Parallel | Tapered | Tapered | Parallel with 37° Cone | BSPP/Metric (Parallel) | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel (UN/UNF) | Parallel (UNF) | Parallel | Parallel |
| Flank Angle | 55° | 55° | 60° | 60° | 55°(BSPP) / 60° (Metric) | 60° | 60° | 60° | 60° | 60° | 60° |
| Sealing Method | Washer / O-Ring | Thread Interference + PTFE Tape | Thread Interference + PTFE Tape | 37° Cone Seat (Metal To Metal) | Gasket Or 30°/60° Cone Seat | Washer / O-Ring | Gasket / O-Ring | O-Ring Boss | O-Ring On The Face | Angled Cone Seat / O-Ring | Gasket |
| Standard | ISO 228 / BS 2779 | ISO 7 / BS 21 | ANSI B1.20.1 (USA) | SAE J514 (USA) | JIS B 0203 / B 2351 | ISO 261 / ISO 724 | ANSI B1.1 (USA) | SAE J1926 | SAE J1453 | ANSI B1.1 (USA) | ANSI B1.20.1 (USA) |
| Applications | Medium-high pressure hydraulics, pneumatics, water systems; common in UK/European machinery | High-pressure pipework (hydraulic, steam, gas, water); widely used in construction | High-pressure hydraulics; common in North American equipment | High-pressure hydraulics (up to ~420 bar); mobile plant, aerospace & automotive | Medium pressure hydraulics & pneumatics; Japanese/Asian machinery & vehicles | Medium-high pressure hydraulics; European industrial, agricultural & mobile equipment |
Low Pressure, for fastening & mechanical joints, not fluid sealing; general engineering & hydraulic systems |
High-pressure hydraulics; common in hydraulic blocks, automotive & aerospace | Very high pressure, leak-free hydraulics; common in agriculture, construction, heavy plant | Medium pressure hydraulics; also used in automotive, aerospace & precision machinery | Low-pressure mechanical joints; used in piping, fire protection & water systems |
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