Uni-Patch Uni-Tab Electrodes | Tab-Style TENS, NMES & FES Pads, 48 Pack

Uni-Patch™ Uni-Tab® Tab-Style Stimulating Electrodes

Uni-Tab Stimulating Electrodes are thin, self-adhering electrotherapy pads designed for compatible TENS, NMES, and FES systems that use a flat tab connection or an appropriate tab-electrode adapter.

Their low-profile, flexible construction conforms to ordinary body contours and makes the electrodes practical for physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation departments, chiropractic offices, sports-medicine programs, athletic-training rooms, teaching laboratories, and other settings that use electrotherapy electrodes frequently.

Each package contains 48 electrodes, providing an economical alternative to individually packaged four-pad sets. Three sizes are available for compact, general-purpose, and broader-area placements.

Unlike conventional pigtail electrodes, Uni-Tab pads do not contain a molded socket or attached lead. A compatible clip grips the electrode’s flat tab. Customers using standard pin-style TENS or NMES lead wires will generally need a compatible pin-to-clip adapter.

The Uni-Tab family is economical, thin, flexible, conformable, and suitable for trimming into other shapes and sizes when appropriate. Current product specifications list a carbon-film conductor, self-adhering gel, printed tape, tab connector, and release liner. 

Product highlights

• Uni-Patch™ tab-style stimulating electrodes

• Designed for compatible TENS, NMES, and FES systems

• Three electrode sizes

• 48 electrodes per package

• Flat tab connection

• Thin, flexible, low-profile construction

• Self-adhering conductive gel

• Carbon-film conductive layer

• Highly conformable design

• Suitable for many clinical placement sites

• Economical bulk packaging

• Quick connection and disconnection

• Current distributor specifications classify them as reusable by one patient

• Not made with natural rubber latex

• May be trimmed when permitted by current labeling and clinical protocol

• Adapter required for many conventional pin-lead systems

Uni-Tab electrodes are reusable for a single patient and not made with natural rubber latex. Follow the instructions printed on the package received, particularly if its reuse guidance differs. 

Quick product specifications

Available sizes

Which Uni-Tab size should you choose?

Choose Model 7020 when:

• The available placement area is small.

• A standard 2-inch pad is too large.

• Electrodes must be positioned close together.

• The treatment instructions call for a compact electrode.

• You are replacing ET88045.

Choose Model 7022 when:

• You want the most versatile Uni-Tab size.

• The clinic needs a general-purpose tab electrode.

• You are replacing ET88025.

• A 2" × 2.25" footprint fits the prescribed placement.

• You want a practical default size for clinic inventory.

Choose Model 7024 when:

• Broader electrode coverage is appropriate.

• The treatment area is a larger muscle group.

• A long rectangular electrode fits the placement better.

• You are replacing ET88020.

• The treatment instructions permit the larger surface area.

Electrode size affects current density. At the same device setting, a smaller pad concentrates the output over less skin, while a larger pad distributes it across a broader surface. Return the device intensity to zero and increase it gradually whenever changing electrode size, brand, or placement.

For broader guidance, read our TENS Electrode Buying Guide.

What is a tab-style electrode?

A tab electrode has a flat extension that provides the electrical connection. A compatible clip or alligator-style adapter grips the tab.

A stimulation tab electrode should not be confused with a diagnostic ECG tab. They may look similar, but their construction, connectors, equipment, electrical purpose, and labeling differ.

Our Pigtail vs. Tab Electrode Connector Guide provides additional connector guidance. The most important purchasing step is confirming the electrode-end connection before ordering. 

Do Uni-Tab electrodes require an adapter?

Uni-Tab electrodes require either the following or

1. A lead wire already equipped with a compatible tab clip, or

2. A compatible pin-to-clip adapter.

An adapter is required to connect the Uni-Tab electrode to a conventional stimulator setup.

Our electrotherapy electrode collection currently includes a red pin-to-clip option among its accessories. 

Why clinics choose Uni-Tab electrodes

Economical 48-electrode packaging

A 48-count package can be useful in high-volume clinical environments where small four-electrode retail packs create excess handling and packaging.

Thin and conformable design

The low-profile construction can follow curved or uneven body contours more easily than a thick foam pad. Tab-style electrodes are thin and flexible, and notes that they are popular for clinical applications. 

Quick tab connection

The flat tab permits quick attachment and removal when the correct clip is already connected to the stimulator lead wire. This can be convenient in treatment rooms where setup time and simple disconnection matter.

Three coverage choices

The three sizes let a facility maintain one product family while covering compact, standard, and larger treatment regions.

Can Uni-Tab electrodes be trimmed?

The thin, flexible design can be trimmed into other sizes and shapes. 

However, trimming changes:

• Electrode surface area

• Current density

• Shape and edge geometry

• Placement options

• The distance between the conductive area and tab

• How the electrode feels at a given intensity

Use an unmodified factory size whenever possible. Trim an electrode only when:

• The current product labeling permits it.

• The clinician or facility protocol allows it.

• The tab and conductive pathway remain intact.

• The resulting electrode is still large enough for the prescribed output.

• The device intensity is returned to zero and readjusted gradually.

Do not cut through the tab, create sharp corners, or use a trimmed electrode when its conductive layer, gel, or connection has been compromised.

Reuse and hygiene

When reuse is permitted:

• Assign each electrode or set to one patient.

• Do not share electrodes.

• Return electrodes to the supplied release liner.

• Place them inside the resealable package.

• Keep the gel away from hair, lint, oil, and lotion.

• Replace the electrode when adhesion or stimulation comfort declines.

• Follow facility infection-control procedures.

"Reusable" does not mean "indefinitely reusable." Electrode life depends on skin preparation, handling, treatment frequency, gel condition, environment, and storage.

How to apply Uni-Tab electrodes

Always follow the electrotherapy device instructions and clinician’s placement directions.

1. Confirm compatibility

Before opening the package, verify:

• The device supports the intended modality.

• The lead wire or adapter accepts a flat tab electrode.

• The selected electrode size is appropriate.

• The lead wire and adapter are not damaged.

• The electrode package and gel are in usable condition.

2. Turn the device off

Set every channel to zero before connecting, applying, repositioning, or removing an electrode.

3. Prepare the skin

Apply only to clean, dry, intact skin.

Remove:

• Lotion

• Body oil

• Perspiration

• Makeup

• Topical pain products

• Loose debris

4. Connect the tab

Secure the approved clip to the electrode tab. The clip should grip the conductive tab area without touching the patient’s skin.

5. Remove the electrode from its liner

Handle it by the backing or non-gel edge. Avoid touching the conductive gel unnecessarily.

6. Apply the full surface

Smooth the pad onto the prescribed site so that the entire gel area contacts the skin.

Check for:

• Lifted edges

• Folded corners

• Air pockets

• Hair beneath the gel

• Excessive tension from the lead wire

• A clip positioned against the skin

7. Increase intensity gradually

Begin at zero and increase according to the device instructions and treatment plan.

Stop and inspect the electrode if stimulation feels

• Sharp

• Burning

• Painful

• Concentrated beneath one edge

• Intermittent

• Substantially different from the other pad

8. Remove and store

Turn the device off. Disconnect the clip and peel the electrode slowly from an edge.

When reuse is permitted, return it to the release liner and reseal the package. Never pull the electrode from the skin by its tab or lead-wire clip.

When should Uni-Tab electrodes be replaced?

A stronger intensity setting should not be used to compensate for a worn or poorly adhering electrode.

Product comparison

Uni-Tab vs. other Balego electrotherapy electrodes

Choose Uni-Tab when:

• Your lead system accepts a flat tab or compatible clip.

• A clinic needs 48 electrodes per package.

• Thin, conformable construction is a priority.

• Small, general-purpose, and larger rectangular sizes are needed.

• Controlled trimming is permitted by the product labeling and protocol.

• Quick tab connection is preferred.

Uni-Tab vs. diagnostic ECG tab electrodes

The word “tab” appears in both product categories, but they are not interchangeable.

Customers looking for cardiac diagnostic products should browse our ECG and EKG electrode collection.

Frequently asked questions

What are Uni-Tab stimulating electrodes?

They are thin, self-adhering electrotherapy electrodes with flat tab connections. They are intended for compatible TENS, NMES, and FES systems. 

How many electrodes are included?

Every size contains 48 electrodes per package.

What sizes are available?

• Model 7020: 1.25" × 1.5"

• Model 7022: 2" × 2.25"

• Model 7024: 4" × 2.25"

What is the most versatile size?

Model 7022, measuring 2" × 2.25", is the most practical general-purpose starting point for many clinical workflows.

What connector do they use?

They use a flat tab connector. A compatible clip grips the tab.

Will they connect to standard TENS lead wires?

Not directly when those wires end in conventional electrode pins. An appropriate pin-to-clip adapter is generally required.

Do they fit every TENS unit?

No. The device, lead wire, adapter, waveform, electrode size, and product instructions must all be compatible.

Are Uni-Tab electrodes reusable?

Current distributor specifications classify them as reusable for a single patient. Because some legacy wording is inconsistent, follow the current package instructions supplied with the electrodes. 

Can several patients use the same electrodes?

No. Keep reusable electrodes assigned to one person.

Are these disposable ECG tabs?

No. They are stimulating electrodes for compatible electrotherapy systems.

Can the electrodes be trimmed?

The thin, flexible design can be trimmed to other sizes and shapes. Do so only when allowed by the current labeling and clinical protocol, because reducing surface area increases current concentration.

Can I cut off the tab?

No. The tab provides the electrical connection.

Do they require separate electrode gel?

Normally no. They are supplied with self-adhering conductive gel.

Can gel be added when they stop sticking?

Do not automatically add gel to a self-adhering electrode. Added gel can interfere with adhesion and alter contact. Replace an electrode that no longer provides complete, comfortable contact.

Are they made with natural rubber latex?

Uni-Tab electrodes are not made with natural rubber latex.

Can Uni-Tab electrodes be used for TENS?

Yes, when the TENS device and lead system are compatible.

Can they be used for NMES?

Yes. NMES is a documented application. 

Can they be used for FES?

Yes, when the FES system permits this electrode type and connection. 

Can they be used for interferential stimulation?

Only when the interferential device’s instructions permit tab-style electrodes of the selected size. IFC is not the primary application listed on the specifications.

Why does a smaller electrode feel stronger?

A smaller pad delivers the output over less skin area. At the same device setting, this can create greater current density and a more concentrated sensation.

Why does stimulation feel sharp?

Possible causes include the following:

• Lifted electrode edges

• Dry or contaminated gel

• Incorrect placement

• A damaged tab or adapter

• Excessive intensity

• A pad that is too small

• Incomplete skin contact

Turn the device off before inspecting the setup.

Why purchase Uni-Tab electrodes from Balego?

We offer all three Uni-Tab sizes on one consolidated page, allowing clinics to compare compact, general-purpose, and larger rectangular options before ordering.

Customers can also:

• Browse all Electrotherapy Electrodes

• Compare Balego TENS/NMES/FES Electrodes

• Compare InTENSity 2" Square Electrodes

• Compare Uni-Patch Classic Electrodes

• Read the TENS Electrode Buying Guide

• Read the Pigtail vs. Tab Connector Guide

• Browse Balego’s complete TENS Electrode Guide library

• Contact Balego for adapter and connector assistance