Electrical tape: rules of use and storage

Hello dear guests and subscribers of my channel. Today I want to talk about electrical tape, its types, and how to properly store and use it. So, let's begin.

What is electrical tape and its application

What is fixed with blue duct tape will work forever. Old electrician.

First, let's give a definition of what electrical tape is. So, insulating tape is a tape with a self-adhesive layer, which, first of all, has dielectric properties and is intended for work with live conductors.

And its main purpose is to insulate exposed electrically conductive wires that must be insulated. And the product is the most common consumable.

If the electrician does not have electrical tape, then this is either a super professional who uses exclusively heat shrink tubes, or an absolute layman. And 99 out of 100 electricians must have a roll of electrical tape (mostly blue).

The scope of electrical tape is much wider than just insulating wires. With its help, you can perform additional wire insulation, form a bundle of several individual conductors, mark cable cores, etc.

But, despite the extreme simplicity, the product has its own types, which are better suited in a given situation. Let's find out about them briefly.

Types of electrical tape

The product is manufactured in accordance with GOST - 16214-86 and is subdivided into types according to the material of manufacture.

So the insulating tape made of fiberglass is the most heat-resistant version of the product, which can easily withstand temperature heating of 200 degrees Celsius.

In addition, such electrical tape can often be additionally impregnated with varnishes or resins, which significantly increases its insulating characteristics.

Insulating tapes based on polyester, epoxy and polyamide films can also boast of good heat-resistant parameters.

Fiberglass products are rightfully considered the most durable electrical tape. They are ready to withstand almost any external impact.

An electrical tape made of paper (CB) has good shock-absorbing properties, and fabric (acetate) is maximally elastic.

And perhaps the most common type that you most likely have in your garage is PVC electrical tape. Made on the basis of PVC film with an adhesive layer.

I don't think it needs any special introduction.

How to use duct tape correctly

Despite its simplicity, the product must also be used correctly to avoid unpleasant surprises.

You should not try to insulate anything if the ambient temperature is below zero, but in general the ideal temperature for electrical tape is considered to be the range from 20 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Also, before insulating the surface, you need to clean it from dust and from peeling pieces of old electrical tape. The still insulated surface can be pre-primed.

A heavily soiled surface can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before insulation, but detergents cannot be used.

The ideal storage conditions for electrical tape are considered to be a temperature of 5-35 degrees with a humidity of 80%.

This is all that I wanted to tell you about such a simple thing (at first glance) as electrical tape. If you liked the material, then put the likes, comment and share the article.

Thank you for your attention!