In vinyl tape selection, there are six key factors to consider: dielectric strength, elasticity, elongation, temperature rating, adhesion and thickness.
The great insulator.
An electrician will never use common duct tape as a primary insulator in an electrical installation. Electrical tapes are made with special electrical grade adhesives which don’t contribute to corrosion. The tapes are typically used for a voltage rating of up to 600V , but can go higher with thicker tapes or more layer wraps. Dielectric strength is measured in voltage per thickness. Dielectric withstand is measured in voltage. This is the point beyond which a single layer of tape may show electrical failure.
The vinyl stretch.
The capacity for a vinyl tape to stretch is one of the biggest factors in its ability to help protect and seal the installation. Good stretch equals tensile strength. That means pliability and good conformance while making a smooth,unifrom and professional wrap.
Return to sender.
Elasticity is the ability of a material to resume its normal shape after being stretched. The elastic recovery of a vinyl tape describes its ability to efficiently 'snap back' to its original length. A tape with excellent elasticity will continue to contract after its applied. This is essential to help seal connections from external contaminants. This recovery of the tape provides a better tightening as the tape wraps,forming a seal to resist alkalis , acids and moisture.
Can your tape take the heat and beat the cold?
Not all tapes are made to stick in extreme temperatures. Working in cold environments, whether outside braving elements or inside a refrigeration unit , youll need a vinyl electrical tape with adhesive that wont 'freeze up' during application. In extreme heat your tape needs a high temperature rating to help prevent peel and material deterioration, both of which compromise dielectric insulation. When evaluating vinyl tapes, the low temperature rating typically provides the lowest installation temperature. The high temperature rating indicates the highest continuous operating temperature of the tape.
Sticky factors.
Flagging and tape curl are caused by a number of factors , including adhesive degradation and improper installation. Industrial contaminants and heat can play a factor. Tape can unwind,opening a path for corrosion. Higher grade raw materials are used in the production of premium vinyl electrical tape.
Sword and shield.
Electrical insulation can be achieved with tape as thin as paper but to create a shell to help protect from puncture; you need to layer on the vinyl - more specifically : polyvinyl chloride , (PVC). This phenomenal plastic, invented in 1913 , is used today in everything from plumbing to credit cards. Early efforts to make polyvinyl film were stymied by the plasticiser used, which degraded the adhesive. In 1946 , 3M researchers created a solution and Scotch® Vinyl Electrical Tape 33 was introduced to the market.
You have a wide array of choices. This easy to read chart will give you performance ratings in a glance.
Why do professional electricians prefer premium tape?
Adhesion • Dielectric • Elongation • Temperature
Premium vinyl electrical tapes have higher values across the key components that impact performance. The stronger the adhesive and the more flexible and conforming the backing, the better the stretch and seal. If the installation is critical, a professional would rather not take risks with their job, their safety or their reputation.
Critical Jobs • Industrial • Manufacturing • MRO
Electrical installations in an industrial facility require vinyl tapes that stick and stay stuck. If tape doesn’t outlast required maintenance procedures, companies spend more money on unscheduled repairs. Thicker tape creates a stronger jacket and that means greater mechanical protection in rough environments. Premium tape is less prone to flagging. It stretches well to form a tight seal, providing better resistance from corrosive contaminants. Because it has excellent stretch; electricians often use less tape to cover irregular or complex connections, terminations, and bus bars.
Hot/Cold • Moisture • Outdoor • Underground
An electrical professional faces harsh conditions on the job. This can mean making splices in freezing conditions. Only premium vinyl tapes can stick quickly in very low temperatures because their adhesive remains soft and sticky. In extreme heat, electricians want to get the job done quickly and efficiently, especially when overwrapping a mastic electrical tape which is engineered to flow when warm. If an economy vinyl tape with low adhesive strength is used in a very hot environment; over time it will curl, become brittle and crack, compromising the electrical insulation.
Safety • Reliability • Quality • Reputation
When an installation is hard to get to, like a stadium light, up in the mast of an ocean liner or down in a mineshaft; electricians like to ‘do it right the first time.’ To professionals, it makes sense to use some of the strongest, most durable products. A premium grade tape applied correctly helps reduce the risk of downtime caused by common electrical failures. Premium tapes are engineered for critical applications when you can’t afford to fail.
Highest performance ratings of the Scotch® Vinyl Electrical Tape family. Offering excellent stretch in all weather conditions and increased abrasion resistance. Made in the USA.
Scotch® Super 33+™ Professional Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape
Scotch® Color Coding Vinyl Electrical Tape 35
Scotch® Extra Heavy Duty Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape 22
Used for primary insulation up to 600V, moisture sealing , phase identification , colour coding , harnessing and bundling cable. Medium temperature range and made in Taiwan.
There are some basic rules to follow when you’re selecting electrical tape.
Get more information on product selection, applications and training in our Electrical Resource Center.