Tech Tips T-Taps And Spade Connectors Are Often The Source Of Problems

T-taps and spade connectors have become a quick substitute for splicing, soldering and covering with electrical tape. However, the old method is still more reliable.

Just today, I have repaired two games that failed because of poor t-tap connections. In both cases, a motor had a t-tap and spade connector in use as a splice to the power source. A row-reset motor on Down the Clown wasn't working at all and a Hoop Fever ball gate was acting like a limit switch had gone bad.

I removed the hardware and properly soldered the wire(s) to the motor connector(s). Game manufacturers should not be using this hardware in situations in which motors and high vibrations are involved.

Dave Forlano is a regional technical manager for Alpha-Omega Amusements.