Electrical insulation tapes may seem like any other tape used to stitch objects, but wait until it is appropriately utilised! When correctly applied, electrical insulation tapes can be essential for various jobs, such as insulation motor lead connections, DIY situations like fixing slight electrical wire damage at home, and stopping pipes from freezing during the winter. To properly make the most out of it, it’s necessary to use this product to save time and inefficiency accurately.
While electrical insulation tapes can be handy and must be in every person’s toolbox, there are times when electrical insulation tapes should not be used at all. Most importantly, there are times when knowing how to use it correctly makes a job more manageable. To help you, check out this guide about electrical insulation tapes and when and how to efficiently use them.
What is Electrical Insulation Tape?
Electrical insulation tapes are pressure-sensitive tapes utilised to stick materials that produce electricity, particularly electrical wires. This tape prevents electrical current from accidentally passing to other wires, leading to a short circuit or electrical fire. In addition, electrical insulation tape also prevent possible electrocution if the live wires are touched.
When to use Electrical Insulation Tape?
To avoid further frustrations and make the work process fast and easy, it’s essential to know when to use electrical insulation tape. Check out the tips below on when to efficiently use and when you should not use electrical insulation tapes.
1. Don’t use electrical insulation tapes as a replacement for wire nuts
When it comes to wiring light switches, outlets or junction boxes, make sure not to use electrical insulation tapes as a permanent connection insulator. These wires must not be loose as they contain a solid, constant connection that could generate heat and lead to serious fire hazards.
2. Electrical insulation tapes must be used only for minor wire damages
While there are types of electrical insulation tapes that can be used to repair minor wire damages, this type of tape must never be applied on cracks or frays that reveal bare electrical wire. For cracked cord cases with intact inner insulation, then electrical insulation tapes can be used as a safer option. Keep in mind not to cover electrical insulation tape wire with a rug, cloth or other flammable material.
3. Don’t cover electrical insulation tapes with insulation
When using electrical insulation tape to provide heat for water pipes in the winter, make sure not to cover the tape with insulation. Electrical heat tapes are used to insulate hot water pipes. When they get hot enough and cover flammable insulation, it can lead to a fire hazard.
How to use Electrical Insulation Tapes?
Next to knowing when to use electrical insulation tapes, it is crucial to understand how to use them properly. Read down below to learn how to use electrical insulation tapes efficiently.
1. Choose the appropriate grade
It’s essential to choose a tape depending on the setting that it will be used. For instance, cold weather tapes must be used during cold weather for better adhesion. In contrast, standard electrical insulation tapes are good to use for all other applications like indoor settings. Make sure to pay attention to the electrical insulation tape’s minimum and maximum temperature ratings to ensure you are using the correct one.
2. Use the tape half-lap
The proper application of electrical insulation tape is to use it half-lap, resulting in a double layer of tape. The rule of thumb is to do a minimum of two half-lapped layers or one and a half times the thickness of the insulation of the wire you are wrapping. For extra protection, keep in mind that tapes must be thicker than the insulation.
3. Stretch the tape
You must keep in mind that electrical insulation tapes work best when it appropriately adapts to the object being applied. So, when applying your electrical insulation tape to a cord or piece of wire, know that you should extend the tape as you wrap. In addition, make sure to cover the tape between 75% of its width to the right before the breaking point to create effective insulation.
4. Use specific tape for extreme moisture resistance
Self-bonding or stretchable tapes, referred to as fusing tape, can be applied to cover and moisture-seal short voltage mechanical applications. Rubber tape connects to itself when wrapped, so there is no “adhesive” part similar to a typical tape. Make sure to extend the tape to ¾ of the tape’s initial width to secure a moisture tight seal.
Conclusion
Electrical insulation tapes are relatively easy to use. The guide above on when to use and how to efficiently use them guarantees that the process will be trouble-free. These tips are essential to help you safely and adequately use electrical insulation tape for your next project! If you’re looking for electrical insulation tapes or other kraft paper tape in Singapore, Heleflo Products is here to help you! Heleflo Products is an adhesive tapes supplier that deals in Singapore and internationally. We provide high-quality tapes across multiple industries and organisations, from start-ups to SMEs and MNCs. For more information on procuring some of our eco-friendly tapes, contact us at marketing@heleflo.com.sg.