Insulation tape is an essential item for any person involved in any do-it-yourself electrical work. It plays a vital role in the safeguarding of wires and to avoid electric shock and also safeguard the people. Applying insulation tape properly is one of the keys to achieving the desired results on the project you carry out. This guide will therefore endeavor to explain how best to use the insulation tape.
Why Insulation tape is important
Cryptic band is used in electric cables where exposed wires are found to protect the wiring. It avoids the formation of short circuits; a situation that may lead to fires or destruction of the circuit elements. Insulation tape is very important when fixing a broken cord or installing new electrical wiring whether for the house, office, or business premises. So if the question is asked as to what type of insulation tape is best to be used, then the answer would be the one which is suited for the specific environment of the insulated equipment to be secured.
When it comes to insulation tapes, one cannot assume that they all are on the same level. There are many types of writing each of them is intended for a specific purpose. PVC has general electric use and this specific type of PVC tape is the most frequently used. It is elastic and adheres well to an array of surfaces. There are also other special taping such as rubber and fabric insulation tape. Rubber tape performs better and is more flexible and capable of holding more voltage making it ideal for high voltage applications. The fabric insulation tape should be used in automotive wiring applications since it is flexible.
Choosing the right insulation tapeÂ
When selecting insulation tape be aware that they are classified by voltage level. Find out from the packaging specifics relating to the temperature and voltage tolerance of the tape. Getting an insulation tape for the wrong application may cause it to overheat and fail which therefore is dangerous.
Preparing Wires Before Taping
It is very crucial to get the wires well prepared before are applied with the insulation tape. Make sure that no electrical devices are switched ‘ON’ since you’ll be handling water in the room. Now using the wire stripper remove the outer layer of the wire gently. Only unmask as much of the wire as you will require to repaired or alter. When the sheath has been removed from the wire, the wire strands should be twisted firmly round each other. This serves to make the connection secure and to also facilitate the application of the insulation tape.
- Using of Insulation Tape on the Wires
The first step is to decide the exact point at which the insulation of the exposed wire ends and then pass the insulation tape around such a point. The tape requires a good grip as you wind the machine around the body in question. Pull the tapes a little more to have a quite close and tight end of the tape. This enables the tape to stick well and remain in that position as it was even after some time. Cover the tape with the overlapping strips then make sure all the exposed wire areas are covered.
Keep on wrapping until the wire is well protected in this case by the insulation. This wire must be covered at least twice, to give it added protection. The insulation tape decreases its holding capability within the period and hence double winding possesses extra safety.
- Avoid Overstretching the Tape
However, when applying insulation tape on the cables, stretching it is vital; nonetheless, should be avoided to the extent. Stretch ratio has negative effects as it may results to the formation of gaps as well as decreased adhesive strength of the tape. These gaps may also lead to the exposure of the wire and the increase of the risk of electrical failure. Pull the tape just enough to get the right adhesion in the area to be covered. So, if the tape becomes a bit less sticky while using it, then, it is better to use a new piece of it so, that no troubles will occur.
- Sealing and Finishing
After twisting it, then ensure the end of the insulation tape sticks well on to the wire. Apply some pressure and elongate your bread then level it around to remove any creases that may be remaining. This guarantees no stains and blurs on the edges maintaining a firm grip and a neat look. Depending on the wires’ mobility or flexibility it may be useful to attach a small ‘extra’ piece of tape at the end of the wire.
- Benefits of the Insulation Tape in Repair Works
It is also used in repairing damaged cords and wires, this is done through the use of insulation tape. If what you experience is a frayed cord, all you need is to fix it by using insulation tape, until you get time to make a more permanent repair. Firstly one should switch off any power that is connected to the cord. Place the tape over the damaged region in a manner that ensures the frayed part is well covered. This is because it may help you avoid further aggravation of the problem and continue using the cord until you can have it fixed permanently.
Nevertheless, the insulation tape should only be used for minor repairs. If the damage is severe, the whole cable should be replaced or one ought to seek the services of a professional. The tentative that comes with using insulation tape to repair cables that have been more damaged is quite dangerous.
- Storage and Care of Insulation Tape
It is also required that the insulation tapes that are used should be stored in cool, dry places as this could be a threat to the insulation’s quality. The exposure to water and heat also affect the stickiness of the tape Secondly the effectiveness of the same reduces with time. Be sure to store the roll in a manner that avoids direct sunlight for this alters the quality of the roll. Below are some care tips that will help to get the best out of each roll of the insulation tape.
Conclusion
Insulation tape, therefore, is an important item for everybody conducting electrical works at their homes. It gives protection during handling and the connection of wires and cables. Therefore, it can be stated that the proper selection and application of insulation tapes will help you confidently finish your DIY assignments. Regardless of whether you are re-wiring a cable that has a few damaged fibers or connecting a new gadget, insulation tape will serve to shield your construction. In this way with proper care and usage of insulation tape you’ll make sure this tool will serve for many next projects.
