Buying guide for best electrical tape
Although electrical tape may not be as well-known or versatile as duct tape, it still remains one of the most important types of tape. It insulates wires and other electric-conducting materials. Electricians rely heavily on electrical tape, as it performs tasks that other tapes simply can’t do safely.
This type of tape works to insulate wires, separate wires, secure wires, or repair minor damage to wires. When you need to color-code certain wires at a junction box or light switch, you can apply a ring of colored electrical tape near the end of the wire.
Beyond electrical uses, some people use this tape for arts and crafts or on sporting equipment because of the different colors available and because of the natural flex that it has.
Shopping for the right type of electrical tape can be a bit of a challenge for the non-professional since so many options are available. Learning more about the types available and having product recommendations ensures you end up with the best tape for the job you have at hand.
Types of electrical tape
Vinyl
Vinyl electrical tape is the most common type of tape in use for a wide range of projects. Vinyl is a durable and long-lasting tape. It has adhesive on one side to attach to the object or electrical wire.
It’s a highly flexible type of tape, which makes it easier to apply the tape tightly to the desired surface. It’s waterproof, but it doesn’t perform well in low temperatures.
PVC
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tape is very similar to vinyl electrical tape in that it has plenty of flexibility and uses adhesive. It works well for outdoor applications, as it can withstand low temperatures.
Some people refer to vinyl and PVC tape as the same type of tape, even though they differ in how they operate in cold weather.
Rubber
Rubber electrical tape typically doesn’t have any adhesive on one side. Instead, it uses its own elastic tension to hold itself in place.
You wrap the rubber tape around a wire, taking care to overlap the tape so that it touches itself. By keeping the tape taut while applying it, it creates the tension needed to install it.
Rubber tape offers water resistance, which is helpful when the tape may have exposure to high-humidity environments.
Mastic
Mastic electrical tape uses a soft or spongy layer that sits between the adhesive and the backing. This gives mastic tape impressive flexibility for use in tight spaces.
The backing on mastic tape can consist of vinyl or rubber, but some versions of mastic tape have no backing.
Mastic tape is resistant to moisture and to UV rays, so it works well for outdoor applications.
DID YOU KNOW?
For electrical tape to have approval for electrical applications, it needs to carry a logo from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), at a minimum.
STAFF
BestReviews
Best features in electrical tape
Colors
Although black is the most common color for electrical tape, several other colors are available. Unlike duct tape, where the colors and patterns are for fun or for matching the item where you’re applying the tape, electrical tape colors signify different features. (The colors and usage requirements listed here fit standards for the United States).
- Black: General usage, including for low-voltage phase A applications and insulation
- Blue: Low-voltage phase C applications
- Brown: High-voltage phase A applications
- Gray: High-voltage neutral applications
- Green: Earth ground
- Orange: High-voltage phase B applications
- Red: Low-voltage phase B applications
- White: Low-voltage neutral applications
- Yellow: High-voltage phase C applications
Grade of materials
Higher-quality electrical tape costs more than lower-quality tape. Depending on the type of application and on the needs of the project, purchasing a higher-quality tape may be necessary.
A tape that includes better materials increases its performance and longevity. Higher-quality tape also can create a tighter seal and can resist corrosion better than lower-quality tape.
- Thickness: Thicker tape creates a greater level of insulation than thinner tape.
- Backing: The backing of the electrical tape consists of either a monomeric or polymeric design. Polymeric backings last longer and provide higher durability than monomeric backings.
- Dielectric strength: Tape that has a higher electrical strength as an insulator (also called dielectric strength) delivers better quality.
Match building codes
When using electrical tape for a particular project that requires permits and that must match building codes, select tape that fits the requirements of the code. A cheap, off-brand roll of tape may not be up to code, for example.
At the very least, the majority of codes require that the tape contains UL and CSA logos, which ensure quality.
3M developed the modern version of electric tape using vinyl plastic, applying for a patent in 1946.
STAFF
BestReviews
How much does electrical tape cost?
When comparing the cost of electrical tape rolls, it’s important to look at a couple of things. Most importantly, study the linear length of tape on the roll. Some rolls are 20 feet in length, while others may be 100 feet. An average roll of tape measures about 50 feet in length. Calculating the cost of electrical tape by linear foot is a good way to compare different products.
Wider tape and thicker tape cost more than narrower and thinner tape. Specialty rolls of tape often have a higher cost than a typical roll of black tape.
Inexpensive
The least expensive tape costs two to five cents per linear foot. This may be a non-name brand tape. Some non-black tapes, such as white, have properties that allow them to fit in this price range.
Mid-range
An average roll of tape costs five to 12 cents per linear foot. This is a common price for a roll of brand-name black electrical tape. For thicker rolls of black tape, you may need to purchase multiple rolls to receive a price at the low end of this range.
You may be able to find some sets of multiple rolls of electric tape in different colors that fit in this price range too. For someone who does electrical work that requires different types of tape, a “rainbow set” of tape may be a good choice in this price range.
Expensive
The priciest tape costs 12 to 50 cents per linear foot. Buying a single roll of brand-name black tape can fall into the lower end of this price range. Certain types of specialty tape also fit in this price range, such as brown tape.
DID YOU KNOW?
The original brand name for 3M’s electrical tape was Scotch Brand No. 33 tape, and many models of Scotch electric tape continue to use “33” in the name today.
STAFF
BestReviews
How to use electrical tape safely
Because electrical tape has a design made specifically for use around electrical wiring, you may believe its design is perfectly safe for any use case. However, you need to follow a few steps to make using the tape as safe as possible.
- Select the right model. Different types of tape have certain safety benefits, and it’s important to match those benefits to the job at hand. For example, some models of tape are safer for exposure to high temperatures than others.
- Overlap the tape. When applying the tape around a wire, overlap about half the width of the tape across the tape you already applied. This one-half overlap ensures you have no gaps.
- Pull the tape tight. Electrical tape often has a bit of stretchiness or flexibility to it. While wrapping it around the wire, you should pull on the tape and stretch it slightly. The tape has a greater insulative property when stretched tight versus when applied loosely.
- Only cover minor abrasions on cords. Although it’s tempting to use electric tape to try to repair a badly damaged power cord, this can be dangerous. However, small cuts in the cord’s insulation or abrasions on the insulation are repairable by covering them in electrical tape.
- Replace your roll of tape occasionally. If you have a roll of tape that’s been sitting in the drawer for more than five years, it may no longer have the flexible properties you want. Old tape may become brittle as it sits on the roll, meaning it can’t do the intended job as safely.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between Super 33+ tape and Super 88 tape?
A. For Scotch brand electrical tape from 3M, Super 33+ tape measures seven millimeters in thickness (or about 0.007 inches), while Super 88 tape measures about eight-and-a-half millimeters (or about 0.0085 inches).
Q. Do I have to use electrical tape with wiring projects, or can I use any tape?
A. The materials and design of the tape make a difference in whether you can use it safely around electricity and electrical components. Non-electric tape doesn’t have insulating or thermal properties that keep it safe around electricity. This could lead to a fire or a failure of the wiring.
Q. Can I splice wires with electric tape?
A. Although some DIYers may put together two pieces of wire with electric tape when installing a ceiling fan or light switch, this is not a safe choice. Most of the time, splicing two wires for low-voltage systems requires the use of a wire nut for maximum safety. Some people then use tape to hold the wire nut in place by taping the edges of the nut to the insulated wire.
Q. Can electrical tape catch fire?
A. Electric tape likely won’t catch fire like other types of tape may. However, the materials that make up the tape may become soft. The roll then may lose its shape and protective qualities under excessive heat. A PVC model of tape can survive temperatures up to about 175°F, while rubber tape may begin to show signs of degrading at around 220°F.
