Vinyl vs rubber electrical tape
#1
12-17-18, 10:18 AM
Vinyl vs rubber electrical tape
I know this is a simple question but I can't find any good information. Can someone explain to me when to use vinyl or rubber electrical tape in residential situations? I have both and typically use whichever is at hand but suspect there must be more to it.
My recollection is that vinyl is for "low" voltage, rubber is for medium voltage, and rubber covered with a layer of vinyl is overall best but don't see that anyplace.
Thanks
My recollection is that vinyl is for "low" voltage, rubber is for medium voltage, and rubber covered with a layer of vinyl is overall best but don't see that anyplace.
Thanks
#2
12-17-18, 10:30 AM
Group Moderator
Most electrical tapes are vinyl. They have adhesive on one side and are good for splices.
The better tapes are more flexible at cold temps and have better adhesive.
Rubber tape usually has no glue on it and is used to prewrap bugs and other sharp electrical connections before covering with vinyl tape.
The better tapes are more flexible at cold temps and have better adhesive.
Rubber tape usually has no glue on it and is used to prewrap bugs and other sharp electrical connections before covering with vinyl tape.
#3
12-17-18, 01:50 PM
I don't use tape that much, but when I do I only use 3M Super 33 vinyl tape - it's UV resistant, rated for cold use and up to 600V. There are plenty of cheaper tapes, but they are junk.
Rubber tape is OK for wrapping up big splices, but there are also now a ton of insulated splice connectors that make taping unnecessary.
Rubber tape is OK for wrapping up big splices, but there are also now a ton of insulated splice connectors that make taping unnecessary.
#4
12-17-18, 03:29 PM
Historical note: I learned before vinyl tape. Back then it was rubber tape then friction tape to protect it. Friction tape was also often used alone for splices.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction_tape
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction_tape
#5
12-17-18, 03:43 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
There really is not much need for electrical tape, especially in residential work. What are you taping?
Last edited by pcboss; 12-18-18 at 04:48 PM.
#6
12-17-18, 04:12 PM
Typically I use tape in conjunction with cap-style wire connectors because I'm a belts and suspenders guy.
Yesterday I was setting up some Christmas lighting and used tape where I plugged items into extension cords because they'd be in snow. BTW, being a belts and suspenders guy, I covered my outdoor tape job with plastic and covered that with foil tape.
Yesterday I was setting up some Christmas lighting and used tape where I plugged items into extension cords because they'd be in snow. BTW, being a belts and suspenders guy, I covered my outdoor tape job with plastic and covered that with foil tape.
Last edited by Tony P.; 12-17-18 at 04:36 PM.
#7
12-17-18, 04:39 PM
Group Moderator
Tape over outside plugs and receptacles is not good. You cannot keep the water out and the tape does an excellent job of holding the water IN the receptacle. Better covering the entire thing with a plastic bag.
#8
12-17-18, 04:47 PM
Group Moderator
I mainly only use electrical tape to identify a group of wires in a conduit (as required by code), taping wires to a fish tape to pull them in a conduit, or taping a cable onto my (top secret) wall fishing device.
#9
12-18-18, 09:22 AM
Member
And no one even mentioned Varnished Cambric Tape. This is worth reading even if you don't normally use electrical tape.
https://www.ecmweb.com/content/elect...kills-lost-art
https://www.ecmweb.com/content/elect...kills-lost-art
#10
12-18-18, 11:32 AM
Member
I like the 3M guys take on "adhesive transfer". This means that gooey mess in the hot attic you have to unwind before loosening a wire nut.
I hate tape. But, I do use white and green tape for marking conductors.
I hate tape. But, I do use white and green tape for marking conductors.
#11
12-18-18, 11:43 AM
I use electric tape often, but rarely for insulation purpose. The most use I have for them is for taping wire to fish tape or rod to pull wires.
I use 3M 700 vinyl tape. It is cheap but not too cheap. I found cheaper tapes snap easily when pulled. There is nothing worse than tape snapping when you are almost through pulling the wire.
The other use I have for them is when I need to temporary insulate receptacles or switches while drywall is being replaced.
I use 3M 700 vinyl tape. It is cheap but not too cheap. I found cheaper tapes snap easily when pulled. There is nothing worse than tape snapping when you are almost through pulling the wire.
The other use I have for them is when I need to temporary insulate receptacles or switches while drywall is being replaced.
