How to choose the right Electrical Tapes for the applications

Chapter 1: How to choose the right Electrical Tapes for the applications

Not all electrical tapes are the same, choosing the right tape for your application is essential for the quality of the electrical supply and the safety of the site. Here we explain the common types of electrical tapes and their purposes.

The most common types are the Vinyl tape, the Mastic tapes, and the Rubber tapes; using a combination of these tapes will help to achieve the desired result.

This article is part of ‘The Guide to Electrical Tape’

The key to selecting the right electrical tape for your application

Vinyl backed tapes have a strong, flexible, abrasion resistant PVC backing which provides 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.

If you are looking for more information, please visit ‘The Guide to Electrical Tapes’ section

The Ultimate Guide to the Electrical Tapes

Types of Electrical tapes and How to select the right one for your application. Vinyl, Mastic, or Rubber tapes? We explain how to choosing between them.

Download Electrical Tapes Guide

3M Electrical Tapes Selection Guide

Types of Electrical Tapes

Vinyl Tapes

Jacketing and Mechanical Protection

Mastic Tapes

Insulating, Mechanical Padding, Moisture Sealing and Shaping

Rubber Tapes

Electrical Insulation, Mechanical Padding, Water Sealing and Shaping

Special Tapes

Barricade Tapes, High Voltage Tapes, Industrial Tapes, etc.

General Guideline for the usage of Electrical Tapes

Vinyl Electrical Tapes

Vinyl electrical tape is versatile. Its main job is to insulate but a good tape will form a tight seal that resists corrosive contaminants.

Protect and insulate your electrical installation with Vinyl Electrical Tapes. Most have a strong, flexible PVC backing and excellent insulating properties, they withstand moisture, abrasion, corrosion, alkalis, and acids. Hot or cold weather? Options are available for the vinyl electrical tapes that are flame retardant, UL Listed and CSA certified in a wide range of operating temperatures.

Find out more about Vinyl Tapes

Corrosion resistant
Puncture resistant
Works with epoxy & polyurethane resin
Primary insulation up to 600V
Cable jacketing
Harness cables

Mastic Electrical Tapes

When you are working with odd shaped components or needing to tuck in some insulation where your tape won’t reach; mastic is the product to use. Think of it as putty on a roll.

Pad, protect and insulate electrical connections up to 600 volts with. Need to apply an insulating barrier or moisture-seal to an odd shape? Mastic Tapes are made of a self-fusing, butyl rubber-based insulating compound. Mastics tapes are available with a vinyl (PVC) backing, a primary insulating rubber backing, or no backing at all.

Find out more about Mastic Tapes

Moisture protection
Sticks to greasy surfaces
Padding for odd shaped components
Primary insulation up to 1kV
Indoor & Outdoor use
Self-healing

Rubber Electrical Tapes

Primary Insulation helps keep the lights on.

Electricians have critical jobs. Keeping our world powered requires concentration, knowledge, and skill. Some of the most dangerous work is done by electricians working on medium and high voltage applications. Ethylene propylene and silicone rubber electrical tapes have the highest dielectric rating of electrical tapes made by 3M and are a trusted product in the toolbox of most medium and high voltage linemen and installers. With proper wrapping, their self-fusing properties help to eliminate voids in critical areas that may cause catastrophic failures.

But there is more. Pros know that rubber tapes can offer more than just high voltage insulation and are often used in a variety of low voltage applications as well.