Electrical Tapes

What Is Electrical Tape Used For, and What Are Some of Its Applications?

Electrical tape, also known as insulating tape, is a type of tape used to insulate wires that deal with electricity. When electrical tape is used, it helps protect against the transfer of electric currents to other equipment, devices and people. This ultimately prevents dangerous things such as electric shocks or fires.

Used during installations and ongoing repairs, electrical tape is one of the most versatile and flexible tapes available in a wide range of colors, widths and lengths.

Electrical tape is designed to protect wires that conduct electricity. As electric current passes through the wires being protected by tape, it's imperative to always use tape suitable for the installation or repair at hand. Using standard tape, for example, could be incredibly dangerous.

Electrical tape is also used to clearly identify different voltage levels and phases of wire. That's why electrical tape comes in various colors. This helps ensure that electricians know exactly how a home, building or appliance is wired.

Some of the many different colors of tapes are their meanings can be found below:

• Black: This type of electrical tape indicates a low voltage - phase A
• Red: This type of electrical tape indicates a low voltage - phase B
• Blue: This type of electrical tape indicates a low voltage - phase C
• Brown: This type of electrical tape indicates a high voltage - phase A
• Orange: This type of electrical tape indicates a high voltage - phase B
• Yellow: This type of electrical tape indicates a high voltage - phase C
• White: This type of electrical tape indicates a low voltage, neutral
• Grey: This type of electrical tape indicates a high voltage, neutral

It's critical to be familiar with the different types of electrical tape colors to ensure safety throughout wiring projects.

Why Is It Important To Choose the Right Electrical Tape for Your Business?

Choosing the wrong tape for your business can cause project delays and problems in the future, like damaged wiring or increased fire risk.

Depending on the type of project you’re working on, you may require different types of electrical tape. Generally speaking, electrical tape comes in four different categories including vinyl, mastic, rubber and varnished cambric.

• Vinyl: Vinyl electrical tape is one of the most widely used electrical tapes. It's flexible and known to last. This is an ideal tape to use if the wires involved could be exposed to moisture.

• Mastic: Mastic electrical tape has a spongy area between the back and the adhesive. This is usually used by professional electricians for its abrasion resistance. Mastic electrical tape also has UV resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

• Rubber: Rubber electrical tape usually doesn't contain an adhesive, meaning it needs to be tightly wound around a wire to ensure it's secure. Professionals sometimes use it for high voltage cables to reduce conductivity with nearby objects.

• Varnished cambric: Varnished cambric electrical tape contains cotton fabric that's coated with a varnish designed to insulate electricity. It's recommended to use varnished cambric electrical tape when covering bolts and other rough edges in a home or vehicle.

What Industries Use Electrical Tape?

While electrical tape is obviously used by professional electricians, it's also used in other industries including the automotive industry and aerospace given its impressive insulation abilities.

Lots of DIY enthusiasts also keep electrical tape for splicing wires at home.

What Should You Not Use Electrical Tape For?

Electrical tape should only be used when adhesive tape is needed when dealing with electricity. If you're dressing wounds or taping boxes, it's recommended to use other types of tapes to ensure a suitable result.

Electrical tape also shouldn't be used to seal up loose wires. Always consult a professional before using this type of tape for electrical projects.