Essential Taps for Electrical Components: What You Need to Know

 

To make sure you have a secure and reliable connection, you need to have the right taps when working with electrical components. 

Taps are threading tools that create internal threads in materials such as metal, plastic, or wood so that screws, bolts, or other threaded components can be securely fastened. They are integral in electric installations since they prepare surfaces for mounting and connecting each of the various electrical components. 

Knowing the different types of taps and what they are used for is crucial for an electrician of any experience level. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the essential taps for electrical components by looking at their types, uses, and tips for selection and maintenance.

Electrical components tap types

1. Forming taps: When it comes to electrical work, these are probably the most commonly used taps. Common sizes are 6-32, 8-32, and 10-32.  Forming taps work very well on common electrical metals like Brass, Galvanized Steel, and Cold Roll Steel.  Many electrical components are stamped, so leaving the male center on the tap can easily allow the forming tap to automatically find the center of the hole.

2. Tapping screws: These screws are not exactly taps, but they have self-tapping threads which do the work of drilling holes and making threads as well. They make their own threads on such materials as plastic or thin metal, thereby keeping them useful for securing electrical boxes, covers, and other such components without pre-drilling.

3. Pipe taps: Some electrical installations, especially in industrial environments, may require you to tap into pipes or conduits to run cables or wires. As a result, pipe taps exist solely to create threads within metallic pipes so that fixtures, connectors, or junction boxes can be securely attached.

4. Ettco Notch Taps: A common tapping machine used in electrical applications is the Ettco® product line.  These taps require a special radius grind on the shank for the set screw to locate.  Ettco notch taps can be either forming taps or cutting taps. 

5. Spiral point taps: Sometimes, you have to create threads in pieces that already have holes or openings. These taps have a pointed or tapered end that guides the tap into the hole and starts the threading process. They are useful for working with electrical conduits or openings that were pre-drilled.

Taps application in electrical work

Taps are used widely in electrical installations, ranging from fixing electrical boxes and lamp holders to securing cable glands and conduits. Here are some common uses:

1. Electrical box mounting: When installing junction boxes, outlet boxes, and light fixture housings, among other things, threads must be made on the mounting surfaces so as to screw or bolt down these boxes more securely.

2. Conduit connections: In industrial or commercial electrical installations, wires and cables are protected and routed with conduits frequently. Threads must be made on conduit ends using taps to ensure secure attachment of fittings, couplings, junction boxes etc.

3. Cable gland installations: Cable glands help in enveloping cables and wires that enter an electric enclosure against rain. The taps create threads on the enclosures’ entry points so that these cable glands can be fastened tightly.

Tips for selecting and using taps

1. Match the tap according to the material: Different materials require specific tapping types and materials. For instance, HSS cut taps are better suited for harder metals like stainless steel while HSS forming tap taps are suitable for softer metals such as aluminum or mild steel. Hence, always match the tap type with working material to avoid poor performance of the tool leading to wear or breakage at early stages.

2. Consider thread size and pitch: Various thread sizes and pitches exist when it comes to taps, which must correspond with the components/fasteners you intend to use. You should look into the manufacturer’s specifications of a tap die chart before selecting the size as well as the pitch relevant to your application.

3. Proper lubrication: To tap threads, you must have the right cutting fluid or lubricant. When you lubricate the tool, it reduces friction, cools the tool and prolongs the life span of the tap. The kind of lubricant that should be used on these given materials is explained by the manufacturer.

You will have successful and reliable electrical installations by understanding the various forms of taps, their uses, and how to select and use them properly. The correct taps in your toolbox are going to make your projects run smoother and more efficiently regardless of your level of experience as an electrician. Just remember that practicing best practices and purchasing quality taps will save you time, effort, and potential headaches in the future.

Â