Electrical tape or not
#1
05-12-19, 01:59 PM
Electrical tape or not
Need a consensus. When replacing a 15 amp wall outlet, should you wrap the outlet terminals with electrical tape.
#3
05-12-19, 02:25 PM
Group Moderator
If you are installing the device in a plastic box there is no point. I do not normally tape my devices, even when installing in a metal box. However, there is nothing wrong with doing it. It is just another step and is personal preference.
#4
05-12-19, 02:33 PM
Not necessary.
I only do it if the device (outlet or switch) needs to be left outside of the junction box for drywall installation.
I sometimes do it when metal junction box is used, especially when the box is tight.
I only do it if the device (outlet or switch) needs to be left outside of the junction box for drywall installation.
I sometimes do it when metal junction box is used, especially when the box is tight.
#5
05-12-19, 11:02 PM
Group Moderator
Should you? No, not really necessary.
Can you? Sure, it's your house, go ahead - you're not going to hurt anything.
FWIW, none of the ones I have installed in my house are taped.
Can you? Sure, it's your house, go ahead - you're not going to hurt anything.
FWIW, none of the ones I have installed in my house are taped.
#7
05-15-19, 04:20 PM
For the reason CasualJoe mentions, in the rare cases I feel the need to tape receptacles or switches I fold back a very small portion at the end of the tape. That makes it much easier for the next guy to remove. And the next guy might be me!
The times I may use tape are when a metal mud ring or switch box is set back close to the 1/4" maximum from the surface, which brings the device terminals up close to the metal opening.
The times I may use tape are when a metal mud ring or switch box is set back close to the 1/4" maximum from the surface, which brings the device terminals up close to the metal opening.
#8
05-15-19, 04:29 PM
Member
As Casual Joe mentions, mastic from old tape is extremely messy. For that very reason I always used White or Grey tape for anything permanent. Still messy but nowhere near as objectionable if it gets transferred somewhere unintended.
