Gas Tap, Economy

Quick Answer: The Gas Tap, Economy is the plain grade of laboratory bench gas tap: usually a quarter-turn valve with a nozzle for burner tubing, it turns the fuel gas supply to a Bunsen burner on and off at each student position.

How a Bench Gas Tap Works

Most laboratory gas taps are plug cocks. Inside the body sits a tapered plug with a hole bored through it; turning the handle a quarter turn lines the hole up with the gas passage and opens the flow, and turning it back closes it. The plug is sealed in its matching tapered seat by a thin film of special gas-tap grease. The nozzle, a tapering serrated spout, takes the burner tubing, which is pushed firmly over it.

‘Economy’ marks this as the plain grade among the bench gas taps listed on the site. The listing does not detail what it leaves out compared with the regular, medium and deluxe taps; such differences usually lie in the body finish, the handle design and safety features such as a catch that must be pressed before the handle turns, so compare these if they matter for your lab. In function, the economy gas tap opens and closes the gas to one burner, which is all that most school practicals need.

When a plug tap turns stiffly, its grease film has dried or been washed out. It should be cleaned and re-greased by a gas fitter using the correct grease; forcing a stiff tap, or oiling it, damages the seat and can cause leaks. For the flexible link from tap to burner, use proper Safety Burner Tube.

Specifications

Applications

• Student bench positions in school chemistry and science labs using Bunsen burners.
• Replacing worn or leaking taps on existing bench gas lines.
• Preparation rooms where a burner is used only occasionally.
• Schools and colleges setting up a bench gas supply for the first time.

Care & Handling

• Leave re-greasing and repairs to a gas fitter; never oil a gas tap or force a stiff handle.
• At the end of every session check that each tap is closed, as well as the main isolating valve.
• Test for leaks with leak-detection fluid or soapy water and watch for bubbles, never with a flame.
• Replace any tap whose handle has become loose, cracked or hard to turn.

Why Choose LabEquip

Schools equipping many bench positions with a straightforward gas supply are the usual buyers of the economy tap. LabEquip lists it with its other gas taps in General Lab Products, and a Combustible Gas Detector is a sensible companion in any lab with piped gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘Economy’ mean for this gas tap?

It is the plain grade in the range of bench gas taps. The listing does not detail how it differs from the regular, medium and deluxe models; differences usually lie in finish, handle design and safety catches.

How does a plug-type gas tap open and close?

A tapered plug with a hole through it sits in the body. A quarter turn of the handle lines the hole up with the gas passage to open the flow, and turning it back closes it.

Why has my gas tap become stiff?

The grease that seals the plug has dried out or been washed away. A gas fitter should clean and re-grease it with gas-tap grease; forcing it or adding oil can damage the seal.

Can a teacher fit the tap?

Gas installations, including bench taps, should be fitted and leak-tested by a qualified gas fitter under local gas-safety rules. Teachers and technicians can check the taps visually and report faults.

How do I check a gas tap for leaks?

With the supply on and the tap closed, brush leak-detection fluid or soapy water over the joints and look for bubbles. Never use a flame to test for leaks.

Is the economy tap suitable for LPG?

Bench gas taps are used with both LPG and natural gas at low supply pressure. Confirm that the tap suits the gas and pressure in your building when you enquire.

Last Updated: September 2026