Cut Sheet

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WRAPPING TIPS
TYPE OF TAPE NUMBER OF LAYERS/APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Vinyl Electrical Tapes — Jacketing and
Mechanical Protection
Always use a minimum of two half-lapped layers. The last layer should be wrapped in
a more relaxed manner — let the last wrap relax to prevent the layer from flagging.
Rubber Tapes — Electrical Insulation,
Mechanical Padding, Water Sealing and Shaping
Wrap tape tightly to achieve the watertight seal. Rubber tapes are typically
overwrapped with vinyl tape.
High Voltage Tapes — Insulating and
Semi-conductive Layers
Apply outside of roll to the cable, in highly stretched half-lapped layers. Never use a
semi-conductive tape as an insulation.
Mastic Compounds — Insulating, Mechanical Padding,
Moisture Sealing and Shaping
Mastic compounds are to be overwrapped with vinyl tapes to initiate flow and
watertight seal. Do not apply excessive amount of mastic to prevent oozing.
Taping Tips
Although challenging in its makeup and manufacture,
vinyl electrical tape is relatively straightforward in
its use. Nevertheless, to ensure the safest, most reliable
use, always:
Apply tape with enough stretch to conform to the objects •
you’re wrapping. Be sure to let the last couple of inches
relax before tabbing it down to prevent unwinding
(sometimes called “agging”).
Wrap an irregular mechanical connector, such as a split •
bolt, with rubber or mastic tape to pad sharp edges,
before overwrapping it with vinyl electrical tape.
Wrap cone-shaped (high voltage splices) “uphill” — that •
is, from the smallest to the largest point. This way you
always secure the previous layer.
Keep ngers close together when tearing tape. •
The farther apart they are, the more the tape will
stretch before it tears.
Use the right tape for the right conditions. Vinyl tapes •
are rated for cold-weather application in two classes:
32°F (0°C) and 0°F (-18°C). Tapes formulated for high-
temperature environments are typically rated 176°F
(80°C) or 220°F (105°C).