A fuse tap is an electrical component which acts as a power splitter and can be installed in your car’s fuse box. On one end of the fuse tap is a plug, which looks like a fuse. This can be attached to your fuse slot, and then there is a box with a slot where the actual fuse should be inserted. There is then a second box for an extra fuse, which acts as the split.

The major advantage of using a fuse tap instead of cutting and connecting wires is that the change can easily be undone and it is possible for you to return to your car’s original wiring.

#1: Uses of a Fuse Tap

The primary use of a fuse tap is to modify existing power sockets on the engine that are on an ignition power line so that it will be on a constant power line, which is permanent and does not require the engine to be running to be on.

Other purposes for fuse taps include installing a new socket into your vehicle or connecting a new power line.

#2: Deciding Which Fuse Slot to Tap

This is the most difficult part of installing a new fuse tap. Deciding on the right fuse tap is not the simplest of things to do, and there are a few considerations.

• Choose one which is empty and not currently occupied;

• Use one which is related to a utility function such as your heater or audio, instead of a fuse which is related to a critical function such as the lights or engine; and

• Use one which is located some distance away from the power socket that is going to be receiving the new tap.

You also need to ensure the fuse tap will fit properly. The tail end of the tapped fuse slot should be connected to the load side and the tail of the power socket should be connected to the battery side.

#3: Buying Fuse Taps

Fuse taps are incredibly simple pieces of kit and you do not need to buy one which is specialized or accredited. If you do decide to install a fuse tap, you will need to purchase two taps – one which you will use to tap and one which will receive the tap – and you can buy these on websites such as eBay or Amazon.

All you need to do is search for “fuse tap”. They come in a few different sizes, however, you should be able to figure out which size you need by looking at your engine and what you are going to be tapping. A visual comparison of the different sizes should be enough to help you make a decision.

A fuse tap can be used to modify an engine for all kinds of additional utility. They are fairly simple to install, and you do not need any special equipment or training, so long as you have your engine’s manual to hand and carry out the job carefully.