1/16/2024 0 Comments Waterproof electrical tape![]() When time is of the essence, nothing beats electrical tape.Īs for pricing, heat shrink tends to be cheaper. You can also apply it within seconds, without the use of a heat gun or a different heat source. It is more flexible than heat shrink and lets you insulate oddly-shaped components that heat shrink does not fit over. If you need your insulation to hold up to strong UV radiation or extreme temperatures, shrink tubing lets you do so.Įlectrical tape is not all bad, however. This makes it relatively easy to find heat shrink that matches the exact needs of your project. Heat shrink tubing can be made of significantly more different materials. And that is without factoring in exposure to any abrasion or chemicals. The adhesive on electrical tape lets go after a while, requiring it to be reapplied. In terms of durability, heat shrink tubing is a clear winner too. This is something that regular electrical tape can not do, no matter how many layers you apply. With adhesive-lined tubing with a high shrink ratio (3:1 or more), you can even form waterproof seals. Because of these, heat shrink and electrical tape are best suited for different applications.īecause heat shrink has a fixed shrink ratio, it is able to form a tighter fit around components than electrical tape can. They also have several differences, however. They insulate well and both are good solutions for wire bundling and color coding. How do heat shrink tubing and electrical tape compare?Īs you have seen above, heat shrink tubing and electrical tape have several qualities in common. This is one of the reasons why electrical tape is only recommended as a temporary measure. Needless to say, checking on tape is not a great use of your time. It is inevitable that it comes off at some point. Abrasion and friction are a problem as well.ĭepending on the application, you can often see a clear difference in the condition of electrical tape after only months or weeks of use.īecause of these limitations, it is important to frequently check on the condition of electrical tape. At that point, it does not electrically insulate or protect anymore, which is obviously a problem.Įlectrical tape slowly deteriorates on its own, but this process accelerates when the tape is exposed to high heat, environmental factors (wind, rain, snow, etc.) or corrosive chemicals. Over time, it loses its adhesiveness and falls from the object it was attached to. The main limitation of electrical tape is its limited durability. This makes it a great option for emergency repairs, where access to tools is often limited and time is critical.īecause of its flexibility, electrical tape can be stretched to cover many different objects, sizes and shapes. Applying electrical tape only takes seconds and does not require the need of other tools. The first two advantages in this list, the ease of use and flexibility, are the most significant strengths of electrical tape. What are the benefits of electrical tape? Black electrical tape is typically used by electricians for insulation, repairs and wire bundling, whereas colored electrical tape is applied to wires to indicate the presence of certain voltages or phases. Just like heat shrink, you can apply it to wires and other conductors for electrical insulation and environmental protection.Įlectrical tape is usually black, but it also comes in other colors. What is electrical tape?Įlectrical tape is an adhesive-backed, pressure sensitive tape that is typically made of vinyl, rubber or mastic (a plant resin). It allows for the color coding of wires.Ĭompared to other insulation methods, it gives you a more professional looking final result, often at a lower cost.Īll in all, these advantages make heat shrink a great option for insulation, protection, repairs and preventative maintenance.It creates a physical layer of protection against abrasion and other sources of physical damage.It protects against dust, solvents and moisture.Heat shrink tubing comes with a wide range of benefits, making it an extremely versatile product. What are the benefits of heat shrink tubing? When heated, shrink tubing shrinks in size based on a predetermined ratio, such as 2:1 or 3:1. ![]() Other materials include PTFE, PVDF, FEP, Silicone and Viton. Due to their low cost and versatility, Polyolefin and PVC are the most popular. Heat shrink can be made from a variety of materials. It is most commonly used on wires, cables and connectors. ![]() This allows it to form a tight, custom fit over a variety of components. Heat shrink tubing is a type of plastic tube that shrinks when sufficiently heated. ![]()
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