Electrical tape manufacturing technology. How to insulate wires - materials and application features Using electrical tape to insulate wires

It would seem, what could be simpler? I unwound it, tore it off and glued it, but... Even in using electrical tape there are nuances, otherwise the electrical tape may soon begin to peel off, creating a risk of short circuiting.

There are different types of insulating tapes. In principle, a car is not transformer substation, and by electrical characteristics You can use any electrical tape. But not every electrical tape can work in heat, dust, oil, dirt and other automotive conditions. Regardless of the type of electrical tape, there are general rules, which will extend its service life and increase efficiency.

Rule #1: Do not touch the adhesive layer of electrical tape with your fingers.

Even on seemingly clean fingers there will definitely be natural fat present. And when working on a car, your hands are never clean. If, while wrapping, for example, twisting wires with electrical tape, you touch its sticky layer, the adhesive properties of this layer will decrease. This is especially important for the tip of the electrical tape, which, being dirty, will unwind over time and hang. This is less critical for specially automotive electrical tape, but you still shouldn’t neglect the rule.

Rule No. 2: Do not tear off the electrical tape with your hands.

This rule follows from the first. Very often, during the work process, the required piece of electrical tape is simply torn off from the roll. In this case, one hand holds the skein, and the other holds the same tip, which is better not to touch. To prevent this from happening, it is better to cut the electrical tape with scissors, having previously wrapped the insulation area or determined the required length of the tape section in advance.

Rule No. 3: The electrical tape must be immediately glued to the right place

Quite often, insulating tapes are re-glued. That is, first put a sticker on one place, then tear it off and put the sticker on another place. If the adhesive layer of the electrical tape is of high quality, then such a transfer may not affect its service life. But this doesn't always happen. Most often, after peeling off, the electrical tape will no longer stick to another place as well as it did to the first one. Therefore, it is better to immediately determine the correct location for the sticker, and if the electrical tape unwinds, replace it with a new cut strip.

Rule No. 4: The electrical tape must be applied tightly

Electrical tape, just like, for example, wallpaper, must be glued without “bubbles”. That is, ideally, a strip of electrical tape should wrap the wire connection as tightly as possible. If the winding is too loose, moisture can get under the electrical tape and cause the wires to oxidize. In addition, loosely wound electrical tape will take up a lot of space and rub against adjacent wires.

To tightly wrap the electrical tape around the wire without touching its adhesive layer with your hands, you should wind it directly from the skein. This is not always possible; sometimes there is simply not enough space. But if there is space, then it is advisable to glue the edge of the electrical tape to the wire and wrap it around it, holding a roll of electrical tape in your hand. In this case, you need to cut the tape when all required area will be wrapped.

Also, for very important connections, it is advisable.

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Electrical tape is familiar to almost every person, because it is indispensable consumables. This special material finds wide application for domestic, construction and industrial purposes. Its main purpose is to insulate connections of various cables and wires when performing engineering work. It is used to repair various mechanisms and assemblies. It protects against exposure external factors– ultraviolet radiation, dampness, and so on. Insulating tape also finds non-standard uses.

Kinds

The industry offers a wide variety insulation tape. Depending on the base material used, their varieties are distinguished.

Mica tapes. Used for electrical insulation windings power cables And different products. They are distinguished by their fire resistance and resistance to temperature changes.

Fiberglass tapes. They are distinguished by high heat resistance and perfectly absorb various varnishes and resins. Even at temperatures up to 200 degrees they retain their performance characteristics.

Epoxy based tapes, are distinguished by excellent heat resistance.
Tapes that have fiberglass in their structure, are distinguished by tensile strength and low elongation.

Insulating tapes based on acetate fabric. Able to withstand heat up to one hundred degrees, they perfectly absorb varnishes and resins. Similar tapes are widely used in transformer coils.

Paper based tapes. Used when it is necessary to create a shock absorption effect. They are distinguished by their strength and resistance to directed impacts.

PVC electrical tape. It is an excellent dielectric and has high strength characteristics. It can stretch up to 100-150 percent.

HB electrical tape. Made from cotton fabric with glue applied to it. The tape is used only for non-aggressive environments. Its operating temperature does not exceed 30 degrees.

Tapes based on polyester film They are distinguished by their small thickness, but they are quite durable. They exhibit wear resistance and resistance to aggressive chemicals.

Peculiarities

The market offers insulating tapes for professional and universal purposes. The main property of professional tapes is their pronounced specialization, that is, they are distinguished by a number of increased parameters that are necessary for a specific application. For example, the thickness or adhesive layer can be increased.

Universal tapes are manufactured for use in the most different areas. For example, to protect wires from exposure external environment, splicing, electrical insulation or color coding.

This versatility is due to its operating properties:

Adhesion, that is, a parameter that determines the degree of adhesion. Adhesion depends on the type of glue and its thickness. In most cases, its thickness is within 15 microns. The adhesive determines the stickiness of the insulation tape. Different adhesive structures can be used: rubber or acrylic.
Electric strength. This parameter indicates the level of voltage that the electrical tape can withstand. For universal insulating tape, the electrical strength is 36.7 kV/mm, which allows it to be used in electrical work.
Elasticity, which is determined by the relative elongation. In universal tapes, elongation can reach up to 190 percent.
Moisture resistance.
Fire safety.
Non-toxic.

In our country, PVC insulating tape is produced according to GOST 16214-86. It can be first or highest grade, but in any case it should not have bubbles, holes or other defects.

Application

Electrical tape has many useful properties owing to which this product is widely used.

The tape is used for electrical insulation of wires in household and production conditions. This makes them safe and incapable of causing a short circuit.
It is used for marking wires, including for assembling cables into bundles. For this purpose, ribbons of various colors are used.
When repairing cars, the tape is used for repairing and laying electrical wiring.
Insulating tape is used to insulate and connect pipes. It protects pipelines from moisture, corrosion and fungus. It is also used to seal joints and connect asbestos cords.
For strengthening cables, including protecting cable sheaths.

Electrical tape in non-standard applications

Some fashion designers use duct tape to decorate their models' naked bodies.
Hockey enthusiasts often tape their sticks to increase the strength and durability of the stick's striking part.
At concerts, microphones are often covered with electrical tape so that it is easy to identify which microphone is in the hands of the presenter or performer.
Insulating tape is often used when repairing tubings, rubber boats and other products. It works well as a temporary patch before overhaul. This is due to the fact that the tape has good moisture resistance, elasticity and adhesiveness.

In our country, a variety of things are repaired and done using insulating tape. The main thing is the imagination of the person in whose hands it ended up.

How to choose

The tape is produced in rolls that have a width ranging from 11-20 mm and a diameter starting from 85 mm. The thickness of the tape is not less than 0.11 mm. Therefore, electrical tape must be selected from a practical point of view. For example, for insulating thin wires it is recommended to use tape 11 mm wide, while for winding pipes it is advisable to use wider material.
You should also pay attention to the length of the skein.
Today on sale are the tapes of the most different colors. Choose a tape of a color so that you can clearly mark the wire or, conversely, disguise the area being repaired.
You should take a closer look at the appearance of the roll. Its surface should be smooth. Avoid buying tape that has gaps between turns or uneven turns.
High quality electrical tape must have smooth surface, excellent stretch properties. If possible, you should smell the tape; it should not have a strong or unpleasant chemical odor.

Features of use and storage

When using tape, it is important to know that you should not stick it to a greasy, dusty or damp surface. You should first prepare it by cleaning it from dirt and degreasing it. For more reliable fixation, you can apply a primer.
When repairing electrical wiring, 2-3 layers should be wound to ensure the required level of electrical insulation.
The insulating tape should be stored at a temperature of 5-40 degrees away from heating devices and radiators. Humidity should be less than 80%. From the moment of release, the tape is considered valid for 3 years, but when proper storage it will remain usable for up to ten years.
Insulating tape may lose its performance when exposed to chemicals and solvents.

The connection of the wire cores to each other must be not only strong, but also safe. That is why wires twisted or soldered together must be properly insulated. In addition to the usual electrical tape, core insulation can be done by heat shrink or using special caps (PPE). By following the rules, the junction of the conductors can be reliably insulated not only in the wall or in the ground, but also under water.

Basic safety rules

Those craftsmen who prefer to carry out this procedure exclusively on their own are recommended to follow these requirements:

1. You can only insulate those wires that are disconnected from the power source (electrical outlet, transformer, etc.). The switch located in the distribution panel must always be turned off;

2. Reliable insulation of the connection point will be ensured only by those materials that meet the PUE standards and have been tested in accordance with GOST. As a result of studies of the properties of such materials, their electrical strength, resistance to elevated temperatures and degree of flammability are tested;

3. The use of adhesive tape as an insulating material is unacceptable. Its insulating ability is quite weak.

A brief overview of the most common insulating materials and rules for wire insulation is given below.

Common insulating materials and their properties

Electrical safety rules provide for the use of:

1. PVC electrical tape. Its most important advantage is high elasticity. Disadvantages include rapid deterioration and peeling off in conditions high humidity. Insulating tape is perfect for working in a dry room, as well as in cases where the wires need to be protected color coding. Multi-colored electrical tape can perfectly indicate the presence of a phase, zero or ground;

2. HB electrical tape. This material has a cotton base. It can be used not only for work at home, but also for manipulating wires under the hood of a car. CB electrical tape is more resistant to moisture, various types of dirt and low temperatures;

3. Heat shrink tubes (HERE). Modern heat-shrinkable tubing is deservedly considered one of the most reliable insulating materials. It will be able to insulate wires located in the house, in the ground, in a car and even under water with the same quality. For household needs this insulator is considered optimal;

4. PPE caps. This type of insulation is best suited for twisting wires. In terms of their insulating properties, the caps are, of course, inferior to heat-shrinkable tubing, however, for insulating cores in a chandelier or under suspended ceiling quite suitable.

Listed above insulating materials are quite reliable and are in high demand. The rest of the article will cover the basic rules for insulating bare conductors.

Since conductor insulation has to be done quite often at home, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basic recommendations for its implementation:

Before using electrical tape, you should securely twist the exposed wires. When working with stranded wires It is advisable to solder them thoroughly. To begin with, the twist should be bent to the side (as in the photo). The next step is to wrap a double layer of electrical tape around it. Electricians with extensive experience often act this way. Elastic insulating tape is perfect for insulating conductive conductors in distribution box, any household appliance and when moving the socket. The quality of the connection will not change even when a layer of plaster is applied to the resulting twist;

A fairly simple procedure is to insulate the cores using heat shrink. It is important not to forget that the tube should be put on one of the conductors before connecting them. Once the connection is completed, it will no longer be possible to put a tube (cambric) on the twist. After moving a piece of tube to the junction, it is heated with a construction hairdryer;

If you don’t have a hairdryer at hand, you can effectively replace it with a regular lighter. When heated, the heat shrink should “sit” well on the twist. HERE tubes are also recommended for use in cases where the connection point will be immersed in water or laid in the soil. Isolation with heat shrink tubing will become the best option in the case where the twisting area must be reliably protected from moisture.

The use of PPE caps will be a good option when manipulating wires in the house. Their main advantage is their compactness and speed of use. This cap must be screwed all the way onto the junction of the wires.

When working with enough thin wires, for example, with headphones, the use of electrical tape will be ineffective. It will not fit tightly to them. You can replace it with regular superglue by applying a few drops to the bare area. For networks with a voltage of 220V, this method is not suitable, since the glue or silicone sealant It will quickly fall off when twisted. For the same reason, it is not recommended to use a glue gun to insulate wires. To ensure that the twisting area is reliably protected from pets, it can be carefully wrapped with tin foil.

Electrical tape is a useful and irreplaceable material used for repair, household and other work. Despite its simplicity and ease of use, it has several characteristics and properties that must be taken into account during purchase.

Types of insulating tape

There are two types of electrical tape:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Cotton (Cotton).

PVC insulating tape is made from polyvinyl chloride. It is widespread, unlike cotton tape. PVC tape is made in various colors. The most popular colors were: black, blue, red. The adhesive part of the PVC tape consists of rubber or acrylic coating glue without toxic harmful substances, which creates safety when used by humans.

Cotton electrical tape is made from cotton fabric, calico and other materials. The main advantage of cotton electrical tape is that it can quickly harden upon contact with a heated surface. Cotton tape is recommended to be used for insulating wires of electric stoves, ovens, heating elements, and other heating electrical devices.

Cotton insulating tape creates insulation, protecting against voltages up to 1000 V. It retains its performance properties at temperatures of -30 +30 degrees. This type of electrical tape has not found widespread use compared to PVC electrical tape.

Peculiarities

Using PVC insulating tape, you can achieve tightness of the joints of various connections when carrying out technical, electrical, repair work, protection from various factors. The use of such insulation is recommended for isolating live parts and providing protection against touch and electric shock.

Basic properties

PVC tape has the following characteristics:

Width 13-20 mm.
Thickness 0.13 mm or more. As the thickness increases, its insulation properties increase.
Increased breakdown voltage. Some manufacturers provide a guarantee for the high dielectric properties of insulating tape.
High quality insulation is achieved by winding several layers of tape.
The tape is resistant to heat and is therefore used in a wide temperature range.
Excellent adhesion is created by a combination of thickness and type of adhesive layer.
Strength. Good performance strength make it possible to use the tape for electrical installation work especially difficult.
Resistant to combustion. Tape is used to insulate wire connections, so this property plays an important role.

Advantages and disadvantages

PVC insulating tape has dielectric properties, can create a seal, and has good stretchability.

However, at elevated temperatures, PVC tape is prone to melting, so it is used in places where heating is excluded. When choosing such a material, it is necessary to take into account the voltage, temperature and humidity of the insulation site, as well as the ambient temperature.

Features of the material

The composition of PVC insulating tape is based on polyvinyl chloride, the products are produced in rolls up to 19 mm wide. The tape material has good performance properties and is used for insulation, fastening, packaging and other works.

Tapes with an acrylic adhesive coating improve adhesion over time, while a rubber adhesive layer exhibits its adhesive properties immediately upon application. A special feature of this insulating tape is its low flammability and explosion safety. However, if the tape does catch fire, toxic substances are formed that are harmful to humans.

The insulating properties of the tape make it possible to use it in places with voltages up to 5000 V. This is sufficient for household and industrial use. Standard PVC insulation tape in accordance with GOST 16214 - 86 has gained popularity in insulating cables, wires, and pipes.

For correct use tape, you need to know how to use it: when insulating the junction of the wires, the tape is wound, starting from the thinner place to the thicker one. You need to approach the exposed areas of the wires with special care, and you should not pull the electrical tape too tight, as it may break.

The PVC tape is equipped with an adhesive layer that has protective properties. When taping a pipeline using an adhesive layer, the surface of the pipes is protected from rust, since the adhesive layer insulates and protects the coating of the pipes. To ensure effective and high-quality sealing, the tape should not have tears, defects or missing areas of the adhesive layer. More often adhesive composition is based on rubber with the addition of a plasticizer, which is designed to make the tape resistant to environmental factors, including low temperatures and humidity.

A high-quality PVC tape should be smooth, elastic, and securely attached to the surface. High stickiness guarantees its fixation on any surfaces of complex shape.

Application

PVC electrical tape is universal in nature, so it is used in different areas. The temperature range for using the tape is 0-90 degrees. It is used outdoors and indoors. In the retail chain, the tape has a wide range of colors. High-quality electrical tape should not have unpleasant odor, otherwise we can conclude that the quality of the material is poor.

If the surface is destroyed, has pores and other damage, then before applying the PVC tape, the surface is put in order and treated with a primer material. The tape should only be applied to a prepared, dry and clean surface.

PVC-based electrical tape is used in many areas:

When performing work with electrical engineering. In this case, this material is used to insulate electrical cables, wire connections during repair work, and mark wire harnesses.
IN household work around the house various types, when repairing various things, tools and other household items.
When repairing a car to insulate wires and other places.
In the packaging of goods. Special tape for adhesive-coated packaging is widely used for packaging light weight boxes. Packing can be done either manually or automatically.
PVC electrical tape can also be used to repair boats using a special reinforced tape.

Pipeline protection

Let's take a closer look at the use of PVC insulating tape to protect pipelines. This protection is given great attention, since the reliability of the pipeline and the entire system depends on it. Pipes laid in the ground are exposed to negative influences soil. Therefore, pipelines must be reliably protected.

For this purpose, PVC tape is often used, which protects the outer surface of the pipe from corrosion. But for high-quality protection, the tape must be wound correctly. The tape is wound in a spiral, with an adhesive layer to the surface of the pipe. This makes it possible to avoid distortions and wrinkles on the tape.

Benefits of Insulation PVC pipes tape

The tape is resistant to moisture, which allows for complete waterproofing.
The tape material is not susceptible to corrosion and fungi.
The adhesive layer provides high strength protection for the pipe with tape.