You can pay more than $100 for a single roll of varnished cambric electrical tape, depending on the width. On the other hand, a grounding wire is a safety wire that doesnt carry an electrical circuit until a short or other dangerous situation arises. In your quest for an ideal electrical tape consider going for a product that will remain unyielding in the face harsh exposures and damaging environmental conditions. However, the market currently offers dozens of such products from equally different manufacturers so identifying what works to satisfaction takes a thoughtful a process. For example, you could place yellow pieces of electrical tape, labeled appropriately, at either end of the circuit running from your junction box to your bathroom. Electrical tape comes in many types, and the one you should use depends on the job youre tackling. Instead, different grades deliver different performance attributes for backing construction, thickness, and dielectric strength (i.e., an insulations maximum acceptable voltage). Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing,Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV. They are uniquely designed to perform in electrical applications insulating and protecting wires, cables among other connections transmitting electricity. Vinyl electrical tape is durable and waterproof. The highly tractable nature of this tape is another superb feature that would be of interest to any users. While rubber-based electrical tape might not exactly return to its original shape after being stretched to the max, it will continue contracting on itself after installation for an even better connection. You can get cuts from the roll depending on what is need at that point in time without much ado. Just like any other tool, your electrical tape needs to hold up to different elements and conditions, including: As an electrician, there are hundreds of codes that you need to keep in mind while working. Performs well across a variety of temperatures, including up to 221 degrees Fahrenheit. independently tests and certifies different products, including electrical tape, against recognized standards for safety or performance. Whats the difference? It also works well for electrical cables or systems with a capacity of up to 600V. Therefore, in your quest for the most appropriate pick go for something that promises a tight hold from the onset and for a long time to come. Also, you do not require a scissor or knife to cut this tape because it super easy it to tear. Like the traditional version, you can also use the tape for general-purpose, lower-voltage electrical projects. In that case, different colored pieces of electrical tape, along with a fine-tipped marker, can work wonders for organization. The best tape for your project, therefore, should make your work easier and not complicate the whole process. Although the availability of many alternatives increases your options, it complicates the whole idea of buying what works. Specifically, the tape is designed to give maximum protection against dust, moisture, UV radiation, dirt, acids, and alkalis among other solvents. Here, well outline some of the most common, such as ease of use, stretch, and strength, as well as how they can apply to you. In every case, tension on the electrical tape should be sufficient to conform the 3M Scotch tape evenly to the surface. Wiring is rarely located in comfortable, well-ventilated, or air-conditioned areas, so youll want a tape that can resist moisture and water. Provides many of the same features of traditional electrical tape. It is, therefore, suitable if you want to prevent corrosion or any other adverse effects on electrical connections and automotive parts. It also helps resist metal corrosion and abrasion. All Scotch electrical tapes exhibit smooth unwind and excellent handling characteristics. For low-voltage (1000V or less) applications, rubber tapes should be stretched during wrapping so that tape width is reduced to approximately 75%. 3M Electrical Tapes offer long-term performance, excellent adhesion, chemical resistance and temperature performance their smooth unwind from the roll can provide quick-fix and simple solutions to electrical insulationtasks straight out the engineers pocket. Just keep in mind that, as with regular taping, the electrical tape should be thicker than the wires insulation. rated for outdoor use, isnt UL listed, and is only available in a thinner 7-mil version. So it is indeed necessary to match your needs and alternatives on offer if you are to get the much sought-after results. Put the tape on the surface you want to wrap. Or, you could mark both ends of the wire from your junction box to your HVAC system. Considerations for Choosing the Best Electrical Tape. Third Party. Suppose you need to label various wires from the junction box to their terminating point. The quality combination of synthetic rubber and polyvinyl chloride backing ensures it can tolerate the effects of unfavorable weather conditions while maintaining exceptionally consistent results. On the other hand, if youre working in tight spaces or with smaller wires, the thinner traditional electrical tape should deliver what you need. Rubber electrical tape is a broad term that references a few different types: Standard electrical tape comes in two types: the most popular is vinyl, although it also comes in PVC versions. When shopping around, look for electrical tape advertised as easy-on or similar phrasing. The Nova Pro Grade electrical tape is ideal for those looking for a combination of quality performance and affordability. Trim the Scotch tape end and allow it to return to shape before pressing down with the thumb to avoid lifting or flagging. Essentially, 3 basic qualities must be carefully evaluated when choosing your tape: Peel Back measures the adhesive resistance of the electrical tape to be peeled away from the surface to which it is adhered the thumb appeal measures the quality of the adhesive to actually feel sticky and retain the bond strength without suffering departure from the surface. Varnished cambric electrical tape uses straight-cut woven cotton cambric fabric as its foundation, hence the name. Not ideal for most indoor electrical projects. Marketing Not all electrical tape is constructed the same. For example, top-notch electrical tape is made from higher-mil PVC and vinyl, making it extra resistant to abrasion and corrosion. It has an operating and application temperatures ranging from 14F to 176F and 32F to 122F respectively. If anything, they are quite versatile and will work well for other purposes including decoration and as identification marks. A: Unlike other types, electrical tapes blend multiple features among the dielectric strength, adhesion, resilience and so on. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your #1 Source on How to Become a Licensed Contractor in all 50 States. Therefore, the longer tape can stretch before breaking, the easier it will be for you to do the job right. PVC electrical tape is ideal for outdoor applications. High tensile strength, excellent elastic memory and stable recovery specify 3M Scotch. Since the tape is built for use in specific tasks, where other tapes wont do, electricians can. is best suited for indoor applications since its not as resistant to cold temperatures as PVC. At any point or place of use, you can always remain confident because the performance is nothing but excellent. uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick Press Nexans Euromold Connectors : EPDM Rubber Screened Separable Connectors For Medium Voltage Cables. This self-fusing tape is resistant to water, solvent, and chemicals splashes and can provide adequate protection against abrasion, UV rays, moisture, and alkalis. The 3M Scotch Super 33+ is by far the most popular top quality premium grade vinyl electrical tape. Watch the electrical taping techniques of an experienced cable jointer using 3M Scotch 33 tape to provide electrical insulation layers to the cable neutral tails are taped up here with the cable splicer demonstrating the slick pass, stretch and apply method to the Scotch tape. Once electrical tape begins breaking down, its grip will loosen. As a result, PVC electrical tape is ideal for wrapping exposed electrical wires and even plumbing. When it comes to backing construction, lower-grade tape will also typically be monomeric versus polymeric. Accordingly, your choice should be reliable over a wide range both on the lower and upper limit. Several grades of vinyl electrical tape are available all of which differ in conformability, ease of unwinding, resistance of the adhesive to heat and cold, and loosening (flagging). We require your consent to store cookies for certain categories of functionality. For instance, the tapes available come in different colors, varying dimensions, and are designed with distinct specifications to suit particular needs. You can use polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC, electrical tape outdoors, even when the temperature drops. 33 Tape manufactured by 3M and branded Scotch became the new standard for insulating electrical connections and cables. Pull the tape taut to 75% of its width to the point just before it breaks. A half-lap consists of overlaying each turn by one-half the width of the tape. For high-voltage scenarios, youll want to look for self-sealing (also known as self-adhering) electrical tape. A lower-grade tape manufactured using short-chain plasticizers, which is ideal for light-duty, general-purpose jobs. Speaking of which, self-bonding electrical tape can come in especially handy when splicing and connecting wires and cables to high voltage applications. Hold the tapes tip with one hand and the rest of the roll in the other. Similarly, low voltage inline splices, connectors and joints can be protected using Scotch tape by wrapping the installed connector with four half-lapped layers of rubber mastic tape or rubber splicing tape, and then over-wrapping it with two half lapped layers of premium vinyl electrical tape, such as Scotch 33. The Gardener Bender is another brand that offers engineers, designers and electricians among other users quality electrical tapes for a wide range of taping applications.