- \n
- What Happens if You Use Duct Tape for Electrical Works?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- What are the Differences between Duct tape and Electrical tape?<\/a>\n\n\n
- \nAdhesion<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Colors<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Materials<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Durability, Heat, and Moisture Resistance<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Strength<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Is Electrical Tape Inflammable?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Super 33 vs. Super 88: Which One Should You Use?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- How can I Use Electrical Tapes Properly?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Final Words<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n
What Happens if You Use Duct Tape for Electrical Works?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Workers](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-23-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWorkers using duct tape<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What would happen if you used duct tape<\/a> instead of electrical tape? At first, nothing. Everything will look normal, and you’d think, “It worked!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, a few minutes in, you would feel heat accumulating due to the flowing voltage. Afterward, the adhesives will start melting and looking messy. If you leave it past this point, the duct tape’s strengthening fibers will burst into flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In short, it\u2019s a bad idea to consider using duct tape instead of electrical tape. It’s an unsafe alternative due to a lack of electrical insulation and zero protection against live currents.<\/p>\n\n\n
What are the Differences between Duct tape and Electrical tape?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-22-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA person using an electrical tape<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s look at some factors that make duct tape less than perfect for electrical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n
Adhesion<\/h3>\n\n\n
Typically, duct tape can stick to surfaces ranging from brick to wood. But it’s not the same for the electrical tape. Electrical tape<\/a> has stretchy qualities and can adhere to itself, making it perfect for insulated wiring.<\/p>\n\n\n
Colors<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Black](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-18-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBlack and gray duct tapes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can get duct tape in almost any color you want. But it\u2019s strictly cosmetic and won\u2019t offer any added functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, black is the most common color for electrical tape. And other colors correspond with traditional wire palettes. So, for example, white is for neutral, green is for ground, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n
Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Hands](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-11-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHands applying electrical tape on a cable<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manufacturers make electrical tape from flexible vinyl or PVC and duct tape from thin polyethylene<\/a>-coated cloth with interspersed fibers. Fortunately, this unique material makes duct tape easy to tear without tools and provides superb strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But unlike electrical tape materials, duct tape\u2019s polyethylene-coated cloth is flammable and weak to extended exposure to heat (or electricity).<\/p>\n\n\n
Durability, Heat, and Moisture Resistance<\/h3>\n\n\n
As mentioned earlier, duct tape offers a strong adhesive that deteriorates quickly, especially when exposed to heat or water. In contrast, electrical tapes can withstand heat and moisture, which boosts their durability. However, it is not waterproof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on your usage, you can use electrical tape for about five years. But it won\u2019t be good anymore if it feels too gummy or brittle.<\/p>\n\n\n
Strength<\/h3>\n\n\n
Although strength is one of the duct tape\u2019s strong points, it\u2019s not a benefit that\u2019s particularly useful for electrical projects. In truth, the electrical tape doesn\u2019t need high tensile strength since its role is insulation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
Is Electrical Tape Inflammable?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-6-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThree colored electrical tape rolls<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electrical tape hosts high heat resistance ut can still burst into flames when overheating occurs. Further, most recent variants can handle up to 80 degrees Celsius, and most home electrical applications won\u2019t reach such temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, you\u2019ll be safe using electrical tape from reputable brands for your projects.<\/p>\n\n\n
Super 33 vs. Super 88: Which One Should You Use?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.clooms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/6-5-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA man fixing wires with electrical tape<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can purchase two types of electrical tape, including super 33 and super 88. However, the primary difference between these two is their thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While super 33 offers 7-millimeters thickness, super 88 provides 8.5-millimeters. Moreover, most applications don\u2019t require anything more than super 33, so you won\u2019t need an upgrade to super 88.<\/p>\n\n\n
How can I Use Electrical Tapes Properly?<\/h2>\n\n\n
Always use electrical tape with wire nuts and other electrical-specific fasteners. While it\u2019s fantastic for supplying an extra protective layer, you should never use it to secure wires to wire nuts. In other words, the wire nut should do all the holding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it doesn\u2019t hold, try other wire nut sizes until you find the one that feels secure. But why can\u2019t you use electrical tape alone? Well, you can think of them as temporary patches. Although they may be perfect for covering surface applications, you shouldn\u2019t use them for major repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, electrical tape is not strong enough to make permanent connections between two wires, like those in junction boxes or light switches. In addition, wire nuts are necessary for safety when connecting two wires, meaning electrical tape will never be enough on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n
Final Words<\/h2>\n\n\n
Duct tape is a popular adhesive option that offers incredible tensile strength and easy-to-use properties. But, regardless of these benefits, they\u2019re not suited for electrical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, you can\u2019t use duct tape to secure wire connections for various reasons. For starters, it\u2019s susceptible to high temperatures and will become a fire hazard quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use electrical tapes to satisfy all your electrical wire needs. However, we recommend focusing on alternatives like wire nuts, heat shrink tubing, scotch tape, and masking tape if you don\u2019t have the electrical tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Was the information helpful? Or do you have more questions on this topic? Don\u2019t hesitate to contact us<\/a>, and we\u2019ll be happy to help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It\u2019s common to find yourself in situations where you don\u2019t have the necessary tools. For example, If you run out of electrical tape, you\u2019ll look to close alternatives … <\/p>\n
- Colors<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- What are the Differences between Duct tape and Electrical tape?<\/a>\n\n\n