Pipeline systems
NIST connector (non-interchangeable screw-threaded)
Under ISO 18082:2014, a NIST (non-interchangeable screw-threaded) connector is a low-pressure medical gas connector whose dimensions, allocation and marking the standard specifies for operating pressures up to 1 400 kPa and for vacuum.
ISO 18082:2014, amended in 2017, covers NIST connectors for oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, helium, carbon dioxide, xenon, specified mixtures of these gases, oxygen-enriched air, air and nitrogen for driving surgical tools, and vacuum systems at not more than 60 kPa absolute. In October 2026 ISO listed it as to be revised and expected it to be replaced by ISO/DIS 18082 within the coming months.
In HTM 02-01 (2026), the NHS England guidance, NISTs are threaded connection devices designed to prevent cross-connection, with a check valve for all pressure gases. They should be installed where gas testing, emergency backfeeding or connection of flexible hoses is required and included on all line valve assemblies and area valve service units and above medical supply units, and their nut locks should take a gas-specific lock for each gas. Where carbon dioxide is specified at an outlet, HTM 02-01 requires a NIST connection, not a probe connection. Ultra Controlo wall outlets (Type B) are available in "Schraeder", NIST, DISS and DIN configurations.
Sources
- ISO 18082:2014, Dimensions of non-interchangeable screw-threaded (NIST) low-pressure connectors for medical gases (ISO summary)
- HTM 02-01 (2026) Part A, paragraphs 3.20, 3.53 and 15.124 to 15.142 (NHS England)
- Ultra Controlo, medical gas wall outlets (Type B)
Ultra Controlo figures come from its technical datasheets. Third-party facts were read at the source on the date shown.