Recently, I was trying to repair two wires in a computer and realized I was out of electrical tape. All I could find that looked like it might do the job was duct tape. Before trying it, I did some extensive research to see if it would be okay, and this is what I learned.
Duct tape should not be used instead of electrical tape since it lacks the specific requirements needed to deal with the flow of electricity safely. Not only does duct tape not wrap snugly enough around wires, but it also has cloth fibers in its backing, which can potentially be a fire hazard.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the topic and cover some common questions. I’ll also provide a couple of other good options that can be used for wire repair instead of electrical tape.
Why Duct Tape Can’t Be Used as Electrical Tape
You may be shocked to learn that duct tape, despite its multiple functions, cannot fix everything. One of the few things it can’t do well is insulate wires.
Duct tape uses cloth fibers in its backing, which, when placed up against electrically charged wires, can dry out over time and possibly even conflagrate; especially when they carry high voltages of electricity. To prevent this possibility, you need to use electrical tape.
Electrical fires are not the only reason you should not use duct tape around electrical wires. Its cloth backing also does not have the flexibility to wrap snugly around a wire like electrical tape can.
This characteristic is known as elongation. Electrical tape’s ability to stretch allows it to conform to the wire it’s being wrapped around. This makes electrical tape the preferred method of wire insulation. It also has the thermal capacity to deal with high volts of electricity. Duct tape is not rated to do this.
Related How To Identify the Ground Wire.
What Exactly Is Electrical Insulation Tape?
Electrical insulation tape works to cover wires that conduct electricity from one place to another. Electrical tape is made mostly from vinyl because of its elongating characteristic and features a pressure-sensitive backing. Different types of plastics can be used to develop electrical tape.
Most electrical tape is black, but not all. Electrical tape can be black, red, blue, brown, orange, green, green with a yellow stripe, white, or grey. Usually, each color represents a different task and lets the technician know the purpose.
The difference is that colored electrical tape is often called phasing tape People use electrical phasing tapes to mark different voltages and phases of the wire. But black electrical tape is most often used by consumers in simple home repairs.
Make Sure Your Electrical Tape Is UL Listed
Most electrical tapes have been UL-listed, which means they are tested for performance and quality. Some of the tests examine how well the tape holds up in cold and warm temperatures, while some evaluate the tape’s ability to handle moisture.
In addition to the test mentioned above, UL-listed electrical tapes undergo examinations on their physical properties. Tests evaluate adhesive strength, backing strength, and a tape’s ability to elongate. Many high standards must be met for an electrical tape to receive a UL listing.
Leave Major Jobs to the Pros
Homeowners without training, insulation tape should only use electrical tape on small home projects. You can use black electrical tape to repair small cables or even attach two separate ones together. However, it would be best if you did not use it to conduct extensive electrical repairs.
Cables or wires with an abundance of damage should not be repaired by novices. Definitely avoid using electrical tape to make long-term connections in junction boxes and light switches. These jobs should always be left to trained professionals.
What Can Be Used Instead of Electrical Tape?
There are a few alternatives to electrical tape. Two of these alternatives include wire nuts and heat shrink connector tubes.
- Wire Nuts- These are plastic insulated caps with threading on the inside. They are often used interchangeably with the term wire connectors. They cover the end of stripped wires and crimp together to connect two wires. They are a safe alternative to electrical tape.
- Shrink Tubing- This is a plastic tube that surrounds two wires, before being heated to “solder” and hold them together. Here is a video that shows how it works.
Can I Use Masking Tape Instead of Electrical Tape?
You cannot use masking tape instead of electrical tape since it is not rated to do this type of job. Not only is masking tape potentially flammable, but you could also even receive a shock through it. Only UL-listed electrical tape should be used to connect anything that conducts electricity.
Can You Use Scotch Tape on Electrical Wires?
You should not use scotch tape on electrical wires. It has no electrical insulation properties or flexibility and could potentially cause a fire. Therefore, it would be unsafe to use. Only UL-listed electrical tape should be used to connect anything that conducts electricity.
Can Electrical Tape Catch Fire?
Electrical tape can catch on fire if the tape gets extremely hot. However, most electrical tape has good thermal properties and is generally rated to function up to 176° F (80° C). Applying the tape correctly in the right environment reduces the risk of combustion.
Bottom Line
Now you know only electrical tape, wire nuts, or shrink tubing should be used for electrical jobs. Before you start an electrical repair, it is important to make sure you are using the right electrical tape for the job. Make sure it is UL listed, and get professional help if unsure.
Thanks for reading!
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Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.