Tap device

An inventive branching device for electrically conductive connection of a main cable (1) with a secondary cable (3) has contacting elements (5) with a cutting clamp (11) for contacting the main cable cores (2) and for establishing an electrical connection to contact points of a socket, in which of the auxiliary cable can be inserted. The contacting elements (5) have a clamping contact (12) which is electrically connected to the cutting terminal and which is flat and locally defines a plane, wherein a clamping action of the clamping contact is produced by spring forces acting along the plane. Preferably, the entire contacting element is made in one piece and by punching.