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How to Choose Vinyl Electrical Tape
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In vinyl tape selection, there are six key factors to consider: dielectric strength, elasticity, elongation, temperature rating, adhesion and thickness.
Performance Comparisons for Vinyl Electrical Tape.
You have a wide array of choices. This easy to read chart will give you performance ratings in a glance.
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View Vinyl Comparison Chart
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Roll with the Pros.
Why do professional electricians prefer premium tape?
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Performance
Adhesion • Dielectric • Elongation • Temperature
Premium vinyl electrical tapes have higher values across the key components that impact performance. The stronger the adhesive and the more flexible and conforming the backing, the better the stretch and seal. If the installation is critical, a professional would rather not take risks with their job, their safety or their reputation.
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Economy of Use
Critical Jobs • Industrial • Manufacturing • MRO
Electrical installations in an industrial facility require vinyl tapes that stick and stay stuck. If tape doesn’t outlast required maintenance procedures, companies spend more money on unscheduled repairs. Thicker tape creates a stronger jacket and that means greater mechanical protection in rough environments. Premium tape is less prone to flagging. It stretches well to form a tight seal, providing better resistance from corrosive contaminants. Because it has excellent stretch; electricians often use less tape to cover irregular or complex connections, terminations, and bus bars.
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Extreme Environments
Hot/Cold • Moisture • Outdoor • Underground
An electrical professional faces harsh conditions on the job. This can mean making splices in freezing conditions. Only premium vinyl tapes can stick quickly in very low temperatures because their adhesive remains soft and sticky. In extreme heat, electricians want to get the job done quickly and efficiently, especially when overwrapping a mastic electrical tape which is engineered to flow when warm. If an economy vinyl tape with low adhesive strength is used in a very hot environment; over time it will curl, become brittle and crack, compromising the electrical insulation.
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Peace of Mind
Safety • Reliability • Quality • Reputation
When an installation is hard to get to, like a stadium light, up in the mast of an ocean liner or down in a mineshaft; electricians like to ‘do it right the first time.’ To professionals, it makes sense to use some of the strongest, most durable products. A premium grade tape applied correctly helps reduce the risk of downtime caused by common electrical failures. Premium tapes are engineered for critical applications when you can’t afford to fail.
Compare Vinyl Electrical Tape: Premium to Economy
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Premium VinylHighest performance ratings of the Scotch® Vinyl Electrical Tape family. Offering excellent stretch in all weather conditions and increased abrasion resistance. Made in the USA.
- Temperature Range: 0°F to 220°F
- Elongation: 250%
- Adhesion: 28 oz./inch
- UL 510 Listed
- 1” Core, 66 ft. Length
Scotch® Super 33+™ Professional Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape
Scotch® Heavy Duty Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88
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General PurposeUsed for primary insulation up to 600V, harnessing and bundling cable. Medium temperature range and 7 mil thick. Made in Mexico.
- Temperature Range: 32°F to 176°F
- Elongation: 200%
- Adhesion: 20 - 24 oz./inch
- UL 510 Listed
- 1.5” Core, 60 ft. Length
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EconomyThe economical choice for temporary applications. Recommended for indoor environments. Great for cable pulling and small bundles. Low voltage rating: up to 600V. Made in Taiwan.
- Temperature Range: Up to 176°F
- Elongation: 150%
- Adhesion: 16 oz./inch
- UL 510 Listed
- 1.5” Core, 60 ft. Length
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The key to selecting the right electrical tape for your application.
There are some basic rules to follow when you’re selecting electrical tape.
- Vinyl backed tapes have a strong, flexible, abrasion resistant PVC backing which provide a barrier from moisture and corrosive elements. They are often the first and most economical choice for primary and secondary insulation.
- Mastic tapes offer excellent adhesion and sealing characteristics to metals, rubbers, synthetic cable insulations and jackets. They provide UV resistance and are designed for outdoor conditions because they quickly and easily resist moisture.
- Rubber tapes are designed for use in splicing and terminating wires and cables with options rated up to 69kV. They have excellent physical and electrical properties and are ideal for adding moisture protection and padding to electrical connections and cables.
Get more information on product selection, applications and training in our Electrical Resource Center.
