Insulate Wires With The Best Electrical Tapes
When it comes to electricity, it is pretty crucial to ensure that all the wires are secured and protected. The most reliable way you can achieve this is by applying electrical tapes. Although they aren’t quite suitable for big tasks, these types of tapes are perfect for everyday employment that requires minor repairs. The electrical tape can stretch out as you’re wrapping it around the wiring, and the elastic properties of the tape will offer a generally strong fit. They are also constructed to be able to resist rough temperatures and serve as insulation for the electrical current going throughout the wire. In our in-depth review, we will be pointing out the best electrical tapes that you can find. Scroll through the list and see which is the most significant one for your needs. Let’s start!
Compare The Best Electrical Tape In 2023
Scotch Black Electrical Tape
– Best OverallThe Scotch Black Electrical Tape is surely one of the most popular choices amongst most professional electricians. This electrical tape is suitable for various occasions, including insulation, protection, and connecting, thanks to the flexibility. Measuring 3/4-inches in width and 66 feet in length, it will certainly keep you in stock for a couple of weeks, even if you’re using it daily. Also, this tape can attach to rough and irregular surfaces and effectively handle temperatures ranging from 0 to 194° F.
This black rubber tape is completely resistant to UV rays, water, corrosion, wind, etc. The tape can handle up to 1,150V and stretch up to double its original length to offer a firm seal on the electrical connections.
- It can withstand tough conditions and temperatures
- This electrical tape is highly flexible
- You can only employ the tape for electrical work
Wapodeai Electrical Tape
– Runner UpIf you are looking for great stretchability and impressive stickiness, then the Wapodeai Electrical is the ideal choice for all your inside and outside electrical tasks. This electrical tape is manufactured out of premium PVC, which is completely safe and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Moving forward, it also offers great insulation and will provide reliable protection to all of your electrical circuits.
With your order, you will receive 3 roll black masking tape that is 49-feet long and 0.62-inches wide. Wapodeai has always cared about maximum customer satisfaction; so if you aren’t pleased with your delivery, you can call their customer care center for a free replacement.
- The manufacturer grants a 100% guarantee
- It is made out of premium PVC material
- Some of the users complained about the tape being too thin
GGR Supplies Rainbow Electrical Tape
– Honorable MentionWhen you’re relocating to a new house, one of the most important things you should do is mark all the electrical wires. If any unexpected electrical emergencies occur, you can easily locate the wire you need and fix them. With the help of the GGR Supplies Rainbow Electrical Tape, you can properly label all your wires from the electrical panel and avoid any mistakes.
Each electrical tape roll measures 3/4-inches in width and 66-feet in length. Also, the vinyl electrical tape is UL/CSA listed, and it’s fully resistant to any UV rays, oil, acids, fire, and abrasion damage.
- You can use this electrical tape to label all your electrical wires
- The electrical tape is resistant to UV rays, acids, oil, etc.
- Some of the users said that this isn’t really sticky when compared to other tapes
Soundoriginal 6 Pack Electrical Tape
– Also ConsiderWhether you count yourself as a trained electrician or a hobbyist, the Soundoriginal Electrical Tape is exactly what you need. With it you can perform all your tasks, including cable insulation, wire bundling, etc. This electrical tape is manufactured out of quality vinyl with 7 mil thickness, offering superior adhesion while covering and shielding your work. The Soundoriginal Electrical Tape has a high voltage range of up to 600V and can withstand any temperatures of up to 176°F.
- This electrical tape is 7 mils thick
- It is suitable for various purposes
- When you firstly open the packaging, it has a terrible chemical smell
Cambridge Vinyl Multi-Color Electrical Tape Set
– Also ConsiderThe Cambridge Vinyl Electrical Tape Set features 6 different color tapes, including blue, black, red, yellow, green, and white. Each one of the electrical tapes measures 66-feet in length and 3/4-inches in width. They are made out of quality vinyl material, which provides excellent insulation, flame retardancy, and protection for all your projects. The electrical tapes are wrapped separately to preserve freshness and stickiness. It easily stretches and can be attached to various materials including, aluminum, plastic, copper, etc. The electrical tape also works as primary insulation of high voltage wires – not over 600V.
- You can use this set for color-coding your electrical circuits
- All of the electrical tapes are individually wrapped
- The ends of the electrical tape might unravel after some time
Best Electrical Tapes Buying Guide
The electrical tapes can appear in various colors and materials, so getting the most fitting one for you can be a big challenge. However, don’t fear because we are here to help you. In this buying guide, we will be discussing everything about electrical tapes, including the most important things you should consider, the different types of tapes, and the most asked questions on the internet. Read on!
What Should You Consider When Buying Electrical Tapes?
Adhesive strength
The first and maybe most crucial part to consider when getting electrical tapes is their adhesive strength. Be sure to pick one that will match your requirements and your project. The best way to determine the adhesive strength of the product is to look at the grade rating of the product, which is typically mentioned in the product description. For example, for most light insulation jobs, you won’t need a tape with unbelievable adhesive strength; however, if you need one to tape wires in your car, then you should invest in a tape that has a strong adhesive strength.
Usually, most high-quality electrical tapes will offer a tight hold for at least 5 years with just two rounds of wrapping. The main factors that can reduce the adhesive strength of the electrical tapes are physical pressure, sun exposure, and temperature variations.
Tape stretch
When you’re choosing an electrical tape, you might also want to pay close attention to the stretchiness and the ability to maintain it. For example, if the tape stretches quickly but doesn’t go back to its original form; then you will have a hard time ensuring a tight wrap. In order to properly insulate electrical wires, the tape must be able to stretch while you are employing it, but as soon as you release the tape – it should return to the initial form.
Thickness
The majority of the electrical tapes that are accessible on the market can vary in thickness. Picking the fitting choice for you will mostly depend on the project you have in hand. Usually, most of the tapes are around 7 mils thick, but if you need a tougher approach, you should be looking for something thicker than that.
Color
If you need to label the electrical wiring at your house, then you should look for tapes that come in different colors. Also, be sure that you follow the appropriate color code so your electrician doesn’t get confused and can easily detect the wires.
For example, the black electrical tapes are mainly used for insulation and low voltage, the green color is only used for earth ground wires, and the white color is used to symbolize neutral or low voltage.
How Much Do Electrical Tapes Cost?
When it comes to electrical tapes, it doesn’t always mean that the most expensive ones are the best. Usually, the best quality electrical tapes will cost you from $4 and all up to $49 for some of the most reputable manufacturers. The price range will strictly vary on many factors, including the type, material, thickness, adhesive strength, and the number of electrical tapes included.
How Did We Choose the Best Electrical Tapes?
We wanted to present our viewers with the most genuine and accurate information. To find the best electrical tapes, we focused on 3 critical factors and researched hundreds of products online.
Reviews – The customer reviews have assisted us in getting a better picture of their adhesive strength, thickness, and flexibility.
Manufacturer – When going through various electrical tapes, we also took into account the manufacturer that’s making them. Some of the most popular brands will always do their best to accommodate their loyal buyers with quality products.
Price – We understand that everyone has a different budget, which is why we did our best to pick an electrical tape for each user
What Are the Various Types of Electrical Tapes?
Getting the best type of electrical tape for a specific project can be quite difficult. Here are the most basic types of electrical tapes that you will see on the market.
Rubber
The rubber electrical tapes are usually nonadhesive, so in order to tightly wrap something, you will need to physically stretch the tape. These types of tapes are generally utilized for splicing the wires or cords rated up to 69 kV.
Vinyl/PVC
This is surely the most popular type of electrical tape. They have an abrasion-resistant PVC backing that offers flexibility and durability, making them perfect for wire insulations, electrical connections, and repairing minor cuts in the wires. They also provide excellent protection against any moisture.
Mastic
You will be able to find mastic electrical tapes with vinyl, rubber, or without backing. All the experts mainly use these tapes because they quickly adhere and easily fit in tight spaces or around irregularly shaped elements. They are capable of insulating any sort of metal, rubber, and synthetic cable while offering a flawless moisture seal and UV resistance, making them excellent for outside electrical connection and repairs.
Varnished cambric
These types of electrical tapes are made out of twisted cotton and covered with an electrical insulating varnish. They are suitable for covering bolts and any sharp edges that might cut through less durable electrical tapes. People mainly use them for home and vehicle purposes, where mechanical protection is required.
Conclusion
There are hundreds of electrical tapes available, but with the help of our buying review, you will be capable of separating the good from the bad and picking the most fitting option for your needs. We wish you a happy shopping experience!
Best Electrical Tapes FAQs
A: The electrical tapes are manufactured with an adhesive and flexible backing, which allows them to firmly wrap around the wires without getting affected by the electricity. Some other kinds of tapes might feature a fiber backing, which can quickly dry up when being exposed to electricity and cause a fire danger.
A: Yes, you will be capable of covering all your exposed wires with the help of electrical tape. The most common electrical tapes can handle up to 600 V, but if you require more you can find one that can resist up to 3 000 V. However, if the damage is serious, then we strongly suggest that you repair the whole wiring or trim the unwrapped wires.
A: While this type of tape is mainly designed for electrical tasks, it can be used for non-electrical purposes as well. It is commonly used for labeling because it's easy to write on and can quickly attach and detach from objects.
A: No, the electrical tapes are manufactured to handle high temperatures. Depending on the material and the type, the electrical tapes can withstand temperatures up to 200° F. However, you can also buy heat shrink tapes that will shrink to a third of their size near heat.
