Gas Tap, Medium

Quick Answer: The Gas Tap, Medium is a bench-mounted laboratory gas tap in the medium size or grade of the site’s gas tap range, used to open and close the fuel gas supply to a burner connected by tubing.

Choosing and Placing Bench Gas Taps

The title places this medium gas tap between the economy and deluxe models but does not say whether ‘medium’ refers to its size, its nozzle or its grade. Those points decide which burner it suits, so settle them before ordering: a Meker or Fisher burner, with its wide grid head, draws more gas than a standard Bunsen or a small micro burner, and a tap with a narrow passage can starve it.

Placement matters as much as the tap. Bench gas taps are usually set at the back of the bench or on a raised service strip, so the tubing runs forward to the burner without crossing the working area. Keep them away from sinks, where water can run into the nozzle, and apart from electrical sockets. One tap per working pair is a common layout in school labs, and each should be reachable without leaning over a flame.

The nozzle should match the bore of the burner tubing so the tube grips firmly without being forced. A loose tube can slide off when the burner is moved, and a split end leaks. Use Safety Burner Tube sized to the nozzle, and have the fixed line from the tap to the main made in suitable pipe such as Copper Pipe for Gas Fitting.

Applications

• Student and demonstration benches in school and college chemistry labs.
• Positions where Teclu or Meker burners are used and a steady gas flow matters.
• Refurbishments where taps are moved to a new service strip.
• Pharmacy and biology labs with occasional burner use.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Match the tubing to the nozzle: it should push on firmly and not slide off when the burner is moved.
• Cut back or replace tubing when its end splits or stretches.
• Keep the nozzle free of water, dust and spilled chemicals, and cover unused taps in dusty rooms.
• Close every tap and the main valve at the end of the day.

Why Choose LabEquip

Science departments laying out new benches often choose a mid-range tap for general use. LabEquip lists this tap in General Lab Products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘Medium’ mean for this gas tap?

The listing does not say whether it refers to the size, nozzle or grade. Confirm this at enquiry if you need the tap for a burner that uses more gas, such as a Meker burner.

Does the burner type affect the choice of tap?

Yes. Wide-headed Meker and Fisher burners use more gas than a standard Bunsen or micro burner, so the tap and tubing must pass enough gas for the burner in use.

Where should gas taps be placed on a lab bench?

Usually at the back of the bench or on a service strip, so tubing runs forward to the burner without crossing the work area, and away from sinks and electrical sockets.

How many gas taps does a school bench need?

A common layout is one tap for each working pair of students, each within easy reach and with no need to lean across a flame. The final number depends on the practicals planned.

Why does the tubing keep slipping off the nozzle?

The tubing bore is too wide for the nozzle, or its end has stretched or split. Use tubing that grips the nozzle firmly and cut back or replace a damaged end.

Can the medium tap be fitted to an existing gas line?

Usually, if its inlet thread matches the fitting on the line. Any change to a gas line should be made and tested by a qualified gas fitter.

Last Updated: September 2026