PVC has poor heat stability. Tape University is a leading online learning resource for all things tape. Weekly product releases, special offers, and more. This article was written by: Richard Quinton The DIY Help Desk Owner, Engineer & technical specialist. Some of the most impressive options around include: According toFinal Advanced Materials, aramid tapes use para-aramid fibers which can survive in temperatures ranging from 350 to 500 degrees Celcius. Does fire have mass? Our guide to saving your back! Electrical tape is heat-resistant and can handle temperatures upwards of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. These tapes are used for electrical phasing tasks. Another important factor that affects the heat resistance of electrical tape is the adhesive. Electrical tape will only get a UL rating after it has been tested to ensure that it can handle extreme conditions. As you can see, thermal insulation tape has numerous advantages. Yet if you linger too long trying to peel whats left of the tape from the wires, you could put your health at severe risk. PVC is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics in the world with around 40 million tonnes being produced per year for various uses worldwide. Its the equivalent of duct tape in how its used in semiconductor. It works alongside a rubber adhesive coating. This is great because it means that virtually all forms of electrical tape on the market can endure at least 176F (80C). Some manufacturers, like 3M, offer rubber electrical tapes that can resist temperatures of up to 266F (130C). This prevents tape failure and maintenance callbacks in the future. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page. The premium vinyl tape has multiple half-lapped layers that guarantee enhanced electrical insulation. | My father and I used to build tree houses together, he taught me all the tricks of the trade! Wire nuts are meant to be used with low-voltage systems like light switches or junction boxes and are used as an electrical connector rather than a means of insulation. Each color represents a specific application and voltage level that characterize the wire that it is being used to phase. This means anything past a minor abrasion or cut. This stuff is also the duct tape of 3d printers. The DIY Help Desk also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. link to Beautyrest Electric Blanket Blinking E/E2/E3/E4 Error Codes, link to Why No Neutral On 240V? If you use electrical tape often, then this is one article youre not going to want to miss! There are different types of Electrical tape that will melt at different temperatures. They offer exceptional heat resistance enduring temperatures upwards of 200 F. Electrical tape comes in all sorts of colors, but this is not an intention to allow contractors to pick their favorite shade and hit the check-out line. PVC is dense and making is hard and can resist impact deformation well. While vinyl is very popular, electrical experts that want greater-than-average thermal insulation properties for their electrical applications prefer thermal insulation tapes. Dont use Electrical Tape to Seal up Loose Wire Ends PVC melting temperatures have a pretty wide range. Favored for its durability and insulation capabilities, it seemed only a matter of time before fiberglass was used to make tape. The heat resistance of electrical tape varies depending on the manufacturer. Even though it is only for short durations, it can survive in conditions of up to 1000 degrees Celcius. PortablePowerGuides is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Typical electrical tape can resist temperatures upwards of 200F (93C). Some types of thermal insulation tape can reflect radiant heat. This will decrease the risk of shortage and therefore the risk of fire. We put this stuff through metal sputtering tools (high temperature, plasma, and bakes), high vacuum, HF and sulfuric acid etching, it blocks photo litho exposures but is still see through enough to align to something underneath if need be, blocks off reactive ion etching, and is otherwise a great electrical insulator. You'll probably want a wider roll for that purpose, though. PortablePowerGuides is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. There's information on fitness, gear, interviews, tests and more. I took every electronics class they offered and even fixed Commodore 64s for the school district. We are HPHTOOLS. Beautyrest Electric Blanket Blinking E/E2/E3/E4 Error Codes. In everyday scenarios, the wires that electrical tape is insulating shouldnt get overly hot. by suntop This is why it isnt always a good idea to use tapes with a cloth backing to cover exposed wires. One interesting property of it is the ability to block high frequency visible light and possibly UV. After digging a bit further I discovered some interesting facts about Electrical insulation tape and how it reacts to heat. Ceramic tape is even more impressive. Although there are some shortcomings, PVC is a versatile material overall. Exactly how much does fire Firefighter Explains: Why are fire trucks red? Can you Recycle Old Cables, wires, and Leads? This creates a potentially dangerous issue where the PVC melds to the wire. The adhesive can come right off! Often used to seal areas where high temperatures are a risk, ceramic tape is also favored for covering bolt holes and tadpole gaskets. Use the Proper Technique to Wrap Your Tape I have seen people used it to as a masking pad for hand soldering smd on prototyping boards. Besides its flexibility, the tape has a reputation for being an excellent insulator. The PVC and rubber tape can only withstand temperatures up to around 200 degrees. Replace any cords that have become majorly impaired to avoid live wires that can cause shocks when they are touched. I did a little research and asked the question: does electrical tape melt when it gets hot? Hot piping systems can get incredibly hot, but bio-soluble fiber tape can handle it. Also, not all electrical tape is produced using identical materials. It is both a good electrical insulator and a good heat insulator. 2022 Shurtape Technologies, LLC, All Rights Reserved. As with lots of plastic synthesized materials, PVC electrical tape will give off fumes when exposed to high temperatures, naked or direct flame. Any of you who have used this stuff will readily agree: It is awesome. By the time it reaches temperatures of 176 degrees F, the tapes adhesive abilities should have started to fail. by Caryl Anne Crowne | Oct 10, 2018 | Electrical, Building & Construction. There's information on fitness, gear, interviews, tests and more. Yeah not a good heat conductor very much an insulator. The rubber resin which is applied to the underside of the electrical tape allows high levels of mechanical protection, good sealing capability offering moisture protection and the PVC backing material provides high levels of electrical insulation. Fortunately, you have plenty of other options that are a lot more heat-resistant. On this page, we will answer the age-old question: Does electrical tape melt? And wouldn't this be useful double-sided for heatsinks? If you have a heater, the tape will reduce the amount of heat lost whenever the pipes cool. But is electrical tape heat resistant? Electrical tape is as anyone who owns a toolbox knows a critical tool for a variety of uses on the job. It will work fine for non-vacuum applications. Dont Attempt to Double-Down on Insulation Unless your application involves exceptionally high temperatures, if your electrical tape of choice has a UL listing, you can trust it to resist heat. Pressing a flammable insulation against electrical tape can put you at a potential for hazard, so make sure to choose between one or the other. The stretch of the tape allows you to pull on it while wrapping, allowing it to maintain a secure and reliable hold. Are you the owner of the domain and want to get started? SSL CERTIFICATES, Electrical Tape, 7 mil, 100 rolls/case, 3/4" x 60-ft ea. I remember when this stuff used to be $5 a foot. Between that risk and the dioxin fumes, you should not stick around once you see electrical tape melt! As such, you dont know what to do when your Beautyrest Why No Neutral On 240V? If you raise the temperature even further, the tape will deform. Some types of thermal tape can protect against fire. It comes in two, three, and five-millimeter thicknesses. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); I have been a computer nerd since way back in high school. Vinyl electrical tape is designed to be heat resistant and is required to be nonflammable and withstand temperatures of up to 176 (80) which complies with industry standards like BS 4J10:1991 and BS EN 60454 Type 2, which relates to fire safety. (Working Method, Safety). Im also a columnist for FireRescue1. The wires might be warm to the touch if theyre connected to an item thats been running on high for a while such as a fan or a motor, but theyre not hot. Bio-soluble tape has heat-stop properties. Well, yes and no. However, manufacturers do not provide melting points for their tape. I hope you find what you're looking for. Does electrical tape melt? right? link to Firefighter Explains: Why are fire trucks red? And if you are using electrical tape for your PC, you can get it in the color of your case to make it blend in better. Have you Im Mike, Im a full time firefighter/paramedic and the founder of FirefighterNOW. It is widely used in the construction business, for more information why not check out our beginners guide to electrical insulation tape and look out for more posts on the uses of PVC coming soon. Episode 19: The greatest Wendy house EVER!! | Its temperature resistance is over 1,900 degrees. verified purchaser, Very good stuff for wrapping Lipo Battery, Watt Resistor and it says Kanton on the tape . Im also a columnist for FireRescue1. I hope I can help and share some of my knowledge with you. This type of tape is celebrated for its flame retardancy, abrasion resistance, excellent adhesion, and temperature resistance up to 1,022 degrees. The last thing you want is your electrical tape to ignite in the middle of the night. Episode 20: Adding Roof Ventilation for less than $50! What started as a passion for power tools has now grown to become our full-time job. It also releases toxic fumes. He is a qualified Engineer, writer, and publisher, educated to Masters level. Most types of electrical tape have some form of heat resistance. You can find out more about PVC from, Vinyl electrical tape is designed to be heat resistant and is required to be nonflammable and withstand temperatures of up to 176 (80) which complies with industry standards like BS 4J10:1991 and. Its great to cover cables temporarily whilst they are waiting to be reconnected, I also found some old heat shrink which does a similar job only it is heated up rather than sticky and this made me wonder if electrical insulation tape behaves the same when hot. FirefighterNOW can not guarantee you a job by using any of the products or services provided by FirefighterNOW or any affiliate associated with FirefighterNOW, and cannot guarantee your success. You actually can, but dont expect it to go much higher as PVC is a type of plastic at the end of the day. It should be noted that, even though electrical tapes are non-flammable, they are still dangerous. Create your website with Loopia Sitebuilder. These tapes can individually handle temps over 1,000 degrees, so you wont have to worry about them melting! What about low temperatures? A miniscule amount and perfectly acceptable in most situations. Does fire have mass? The last thing you want is your electrical tape melting and causing a shortage or even creating a potential fire hazard. Lets say though that the wires happened to overheat. As you can see, electrical tapes come with different temperature ratings. Therefore chemical additives are used to stabilize the material at higher temperatures. Remember, electrical tape is nonflammable only until its temperature threshold is surpassed. This product has shipping restrictions, so it might have limited shipping options or cannot be shipped to the following countries: Added to your A post below mentioned its use in High vacuum systems, and yes is true that it will give off some gases from the adhesive. images are CC BY 2.0. All our articles on this website are written by experts! Remember, electrical tape is only heat-resistant and nonflammable at 175 to 221 degrees. This is why consumers are encouraged to ensure that they match the right tape to the right application. You wouldnt have to worry about this type of tape melting! Episode 17: Save Money Building your own custom bed. It features narrow woven ceramic fibers reinforced with alumina-silicate. The least heat-resistant electrical tape is vinyl with a max temp of212 500degrees Celsius (C) or413.6 932degrees Fahrenheit (F). You intend to get back to those problem areas later, although later can mean a few days or a few months sometimes. If youre reading this blog my guess is you are interested in the fire service. Its heat resistance is up to 2,192 degrees! Recently, I re-foamed some Cerwin Vega speakers to use with our Pioneer turntable. The melting temperatures of vinyl tape can range from 212 to 500 degrees F. But some tapes have a much higher melting point. Most commercially available electrical tape is designed to work in a wide range of temperatures and manufacturers like 3M state that their Scotch Super 33+ Professional Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape, which was originally launched in 1985, will give high performance both mechanically and electrically between temperatures of 0F (-18C) and 221F (105C). Its a very distinct hue, albeit an informal one, but still highly recognizable. Indeed, fire is not weightless, so it must weigh something. You can also use them for soundproofing. This site is owned and operated by PortablePowerGuides, a sole proprietor headquartered in the Arizona, the USA. Because it is unlikely to burn, if you expose it to higher temperatures than it can handle, the tape will melt. The rubber resin on the underside provides moisture protection. Adhesive cleans right off with IPA or acetone. Weve found that the 3M Vinyl Electrical tape is the best heat-resistant tape. Electrical tape conducts heat. If you contact firms that supply vinyl tape, they will tell you that their electrical tape can endure temperatures of up to 200 degrees F. It depends on the tape. Electrical tapes are made with a PVC backing and rubber-based adhesive. Some fiberglass tape like from the manufacturer ZetexPlus is coated with vermiculite, a mineral that expands when its warmed. You can also look at the packaging. a Quick Guide to Saving the Planet, Episode 21: The importance of tool storage. Home soldering Is Electrical Tape Heat Resistant? It stands out because it has can survive in temperatures of up to 1200 degrees C. Glass tape can survive in conditions of up to 550 degrees C. The tape, which is made from glass yarns, comes with an adhesive side. Below is a safety checklist to keep you and your employees safe as you mend minor electrical issues. Here are all the types of electrical tape and the temperature at which they start to melt: Electrical tape will not catch fire. | That honor goes to thermal insulation tape. With a unique set of qualities that make it particularly useful for all sorts of commercial use. PVC tape is very resistant to chemicals, alkalies, and acids, PVC tape has excellent resistance to abrasion, PVC tape has good resistance to moisture and corrosion, PVC tape can be used in varying weather conditions (including ultraviolet exposure). When its exposed to higher heat than that, its performance begins to suffer. Episode 18: Replacing an old dribbling Tap with a brand spanking new one!! When used above 176 (80) and the mechanical and thermal properties of the PVC tape and the adhesive start to become compromised. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. 2000-2022 Home Depot. RequestaQuote For instance, it should be safe to use at temperatures of 176 degrees F. This is the figure that high-end manufacturers are determined to either match or beat. Electrical tape is a common household product, especially if youre handy with electrical wires. If youre like a lot of people, you slap some electrical tape on wiring problem areas around your house. Intended for hot piping systems (mostly on board ships), bio-soluble fiber tape is increasingly replacing the use of ceramic fiber tape on ships. While the adhesive on the tape will be compromised by temperatures of 180 degrees F or more. The fact that the tape is melting rather than burning wont prevent it from giving off toxic fumes. Electrical tape is made to be an insulating material itself but covering the tape with another layer of insulation is generally not a safe idea. Vinyl tapes, which are very popular, use polyvinyl chloride backing. Are Laser Levels and Laser Measures Dangerous? You can freeze it, its adhesive is not water based (its silicone based) and doesn't require preservation at low temperatures. There are other types of electrical tape like Zetex or Textil tape that will only start melting at much higher temperatures. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Required fields are marked *. Being careless with the colors that you choose for phasing tasks causes major safety concerns as it puts other technicians at risk of electric shock if they arent properly prepared for the high-voltage cables they will be working with. A Popular Question About Electrical Tape is: Can I use wire nuts instead of electrical tape? High Temperature Adhesive Tape - (1cm, 33m). It should be safe to use at temperatures as high as 176 degrees F. That being said, there is a reason why electrical tape is described as heat-resistant as opposed to heatproof. The industry safety standard BS 4J10:1991 requires that the tape is non-flammable and resistant up to 176F (80C). Sign In In the meantime, if that electrical tape is exposed to heat, will it melt? Your email address will not be published. Glass cloth tape or glass tape is a type of cloth-backed tape thats designed mostly for fixing joint issues on roof trims and decks. If you get out of the room and away from the fumes of the melting PVC right away, then you might not experience any more severe health effects than that. Electrical tape can be used on cables and components that are part of a bigger electric framework, so its extremely important to be cautious and knowledgeable of best practices before using. however, we still have to be careful because the electrical tape will melt. This allows the tape to be flexible so that it wont break easily, making it perfect for wrapping around cables and connectors and other electrical components. I completed my electrical engineering in 2014 and have been working since then. The material will determine how well the tape burns. The adhesive starts losing its effectiveness at temperatures that exceed 180F (82C). All you need to know! The tape is often made of vinyl, which is a good insulator and has a nice degree of stretch. Aoyue 968A+SMD Digital Hot Air Rework Station, Anesty ZD-915 Pro Digital Vacuum Desoldering Station, A Straightforward Guide To Soldering For Beginners. If we told you to close your eyes and picture the color fire engine red, you could do so with ease, right? Its appearance and make appears to be similar to that of Kapton tape, but the adhesive may not be the same. This is much different than electrical tape and should not be used as a substitute in any case. The flexibility for which vinyl tapes are known can be attributed to the diisononyl phthalate in the backing. Even if the tape itself can endure temperatures higher than that, there is no guarantee that the tape will not come loose and wreak havoc by exposing live wires. It looks like it. The HSE has some great information, guidelines, and electrical standards which you can find here. Boasting textured fiberglass threads and a vermiculite coating, the tape is compatible with industrial furnaces. Even though vinyl is very popular, it is by no means the most heat-resistant tape on the market. If youre reading this blog my guess is you are interested in the fire service. The fumes emitted when PVC tape is heated include hydrogen chloride (HCl), which is highly toxic and should be avoided.