I. Basic Composition and Material Properties
Substrate: It mainly uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film as the substrate, which has certain flexibility, tensile strength, and tear resistance.
Adhesive Layer: Usually adopts rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, which has good viscosity, initial tack, and holding power. It can closely adhere to the surface of wires and is not easy to leave adhesive residue when peeled off.
Comprehensive Properties:
Insulation: It has high insulation resistance, which can effectively block current and prevent electric leakage accidents (generally, the breakdown voltage is ≥10kV).
Temperature Resistance: It can work stably within a certain temperature range. Conventional products are mostly applicable in the temperature range of -10℃~80℃, and some high-temperature resistant models can reach 105℃.
Weather Resistance: It has certain resistance to environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays and humidity, and is suitable for various indoor and outdoor scenarios.
Chemical Resistance: It has certain tolerance to general acids, alkalis, greases, etc., and is not easy to be corroded.
II. Main Classifications and Uses
| Classification Basis | Type | Characteristics and Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Black (most common) | Highly versatile, suitable for insulating wrapping of most wires |
| Colored (red, yellow, blue, etc.) | Facilitates distinguishing different circuits, phases, or functions, and is often used for marking complex circuits | |
| Performance Enhancement | Regular Insulation Type | Meets basic insulation requirements, suitable for ordinary low-voltage wires (≤600V) |
| High-Temperature Resistant Type | Withstands temperatures above 105℃, suitable for wires near heat sources (such as near lamps and motors) | |
| Waterproof Type | The adhesive layer is added with waterproof components, suitable for humid environments (such as outdoor cable joints and bathroom circuits) |
III. Purchasing Points
Insulation Performance: Prioritize products that have passed national electrical product certifications (such as CCC certification) to ensure that the insulation resistance and breakdown voltage meet the standards.
Adhesion and Fit: Test the initial tack when the tape is unfolded,there should be no bubbles or falling off, and it can maintain good fit after stretching.
Temperature Resistance Range: Choose according to the ambient temperature of use. For conventional scenarios, choose -10℃~80℃; for high-temperature environments, choose models with higher temperature resistance.
Tensile Strength: High-quality tape is not easy to break when stretched, and can rebound slowly after stretching, which is convenient for tightly wrapping the corners of wires.
Environmental Friendliness: Choose odorless products that meet environmental standards such as RoHS, especially when used indoors, to reduce the release of harmful substances.
IV. Usage Notes
Pretreatment: Before wrapping, clean the oil, dust, and moisture on the surface of the wire to ensure that the adhesive layer can effectively adhere.
Wrapping Method: Wrap in a half-overlapping manner (the overlapping width is 1/2 of the tape width) to ensure no exposed parts; the end of the wrapping should be wrapped 1-2 more turns and pressed to fix to prevent loosening.
Forbidden Scenarios:
It cannot be used in high-voltage circuits (such as 10kV and above); special high-voltage insulating tape should be selected.
Avoid long-term exposure to open flames or ultra-high temperature environments (exceeding the temperature resistance limit will lead to insulation failure).
It cannot replace waterproof sealant in underwater scenarios; it should be used with waterproof joints or special waterproof tape.
Storage Conditions: It should be stored in a cool and dry place, avoiding direct sunlight and high-temperature baking. The shelf life is usually 2-3 years.
V. Differences from Other Tapes
Comparison with Cloth Tape: Cloth tape has stronger adhesion and higher strength, but its insulation is poor. It is mainly used for fixing heavy objects and is not suitable for electrical insulation.
Comparison with Acetate Cloth Tape: Acetate cloth tape has better temperature resistance (up to 130℃ and above), but its cost is higher. It is mostly used for precise insulation of electronic components (such as transformers and coils).
Comparison with Silicone Tape: Silicone tape is high-temperature resistant (-60℃~260℃) and self-adhesive, but its insulation resistance is slightly lower. It is suitable for temporary repair in extreme environments and cannot replace conventional PVC electrical tape.
By understanding the above knowledge, you can better select and use PVC electrical tape to ensure the safe operation of circuits.
