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Old 01-19-2022, 02:09 PM   #1
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T-Taps

Do folks reco them in our traveling/shaking tin cans to tap into an existing 12V wire? Do they hold? Thanks!
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Old 01-19-2022, 02:31 PM   #2
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Hi

Depends a lot on what you are doing. For putting in another LED light on a lamp circuit they do ok. Worst that can happen is the light goes out. For the brakes, having them hang out in the muck under the trailer .... nope ...

Bob
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Old 01-19-2022, 03:22 PM   #3
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Hi

Depends a lot on what you are doing. For putting in another LED light on a lamp circuit they do ok. Worst that can happen is the light goes out. For the brakes, having them hang out in the muck under the trailer .... nope ...

Bob
Thanks Bob. This would be to feed a cellular router so inside, tucked away in a cabinet. I assume based on your post that would be an acceptable application.
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Old 01-19-2022, 03:48 PM   #4
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They work, usually.

But in the process they often cut a few (or more) strands of wire in the wire being tapped. This leads to lower capacity and and increased likelihood of future wire breaks.

I keep a couple in my tool box but save them for emergency repairs which will be redone later on.
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Old 01-19-2022, 03:56 PM   #5
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They work, usually.

But in the process they often cut a few (or more) strands of wire in the wire being tapped. This leads to lower capacity and and increased likelihood of future wire breaks.

I keep a couple in my tool box but save them for emergency repairs which will be redone later on.
Ok. Good advice. Thanks.
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Old 01-19-2022, 04:49 PM   #6
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Soldering is the old-school way of tapping into an existing wire. If you're good with a soldering iron and the wire is in an accessible location it is an option.


I just did a little searching to see if there are upgraded or better options for than the old T-taps. I found these:


https://www.posi-products.com/posiplug.html


Never used the before, but they do look like a great upgrade from the style which uses pliers to run the metal guillotine on the wires. Looks like they're available at Amazon and other similar places.


Here's a video from Crutchfield showing them in use:



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Old 01-19-2022, 07:56 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richard5933 View Post
Soldering is the old-school way of tapping into an existing wire. If you're good with a soldering iron and the wire is in an accessible location it is an option.


I just did a little searching to see if there are upgraded or better options for than the old T-taps. I found these:


https://www.posi-products.com/posiplug.html


Never used the before, but they do look like a great upgrade from the style which uses pliers to run the metal guillotine on the wires. Looks like they're available at Amazon and other similar places.


Here's a video from Crutchfield showing them in use:



Thanks for this. Seems like a sturdier option than the old guillotine ones. Appreciate it.
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Old 01-19-2022, 08:20 PM   #8
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I've used a lot of these in a larger size on an outdoor low voltage lighting system. You might want to add shrink wrap on the male end to secure the wire even more when you screw these down. It is possible that the wire can pull out with a bit of tension ~ unless you feel that no tension will ever be applied to that wire.
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Old 01-19-2022, 08:40 PM   #9
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I've used a lot of these in a larger size on an outdoor low voltage lighting system. You might want to add shrink wrap on the male end to secure the wire even more when you screw these down. It is possible that the wire can pull out with a bit of tension ~ unless you feel that no tension will ever be applied to that wire.
Well, not a lot of intentional pulling but it’ll obviously be subject to the constant road vibrations. Smart idea to shrink wrap on top of it.

Ordered a few. I shall try! Thanks again.
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Old 01-20-2022, 05:36 AM   #10
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Well, not a lot of intentional pulling but it’ll obviously be subject to the constant road vibrations. Smart idea to shrink wrap on top of it.

Ordered a few. I shall try! Thanks again.
Please post a followup. I'm curious to see how they perform in a real-world situation.

Now if only we could find a way to totally shrink wrap a T-fitting...
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Old 01-20-2022, 07:35 AM   #11
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Hi

If you are looking for alternatives, this is one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bob
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Old 01-20-2022, 09:00 AM   #12
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Please post a followup. I'm curious to see how they perform in a real-world situation.

Now if only we could find a way to totally shrink wrap a T-fitting...
Will do!
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Old 01-20-2022, 09:47 AM   #13
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Quote:
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Now if only we could find a way to totally shrink wrap a T-fitting...
Wrapping the fitting in self fusing Silicone tape will provide some strain relief as well as a moisture barrier.
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Old 01-20-2022, 12:11 PM   #14
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Hi

If you are looking for alternatives, this is one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bob
I use the WAGO lever nuts quite a bit…home, rental properties, AS, etc. They work great in cramped areas. The MicroAir easy start butt connectors weren’t big enough for the wires, so I used the WAGO connectors. I carry various sizes and types in the AS electrical kit. I can’t remember the last time I used an old-school wire nut anywhere.
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Old 01-21-2022, 07:15 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by Fungus View Post
I use the WAGO lever nuts quite a bit…home, rental properties, AS, etc. They work great in cramped areas. The MicroAir easy start butt connectors weren’t big enough for the wires, so I used the WAGO connectors. I carry various sizes and types in the AS electrical kit. I can’t remember the last time I used an old-school wire nut anywhere.
Hi

At least to me, the big advantage of the WAGO gizmos is that they deal with stranded wire better than wire nuts do. They still are not perfect for super fine strands.

Bob
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