PVC insulation Tape
PVC tape is a type of electrical tape that is used for electrical phasing and wiring solutions. As PVC tape is resistant to harsh weather conditions, features incredible electrical insulation and flame retardant qualities, as well as functions in low temperatures (as low as 45°C), it is suitable for use in outdoor applications.
It is also officially approved for use as an electrical insulator to avoid short circuits. In addition, another use for PVC tapes is for differentiating cables or grouping different cables.
Our range of PVC electrical tapes comes in an assortment of colours to allow for colour-coded cable management, safety, and identification purposes as the different colours have different meanings.
What is a good quality PVC tape?
A good quality PVC electrical tape is:
- Resistant to moisture, corrosion, abrasion, chemicals, and sun/outdoor damage from UV rays.
- An effective insulator against electricity and insulates materials that conduct electricity in order to protect wires and cabling.
- Heat and fireproof.
- Able to wrap tightly around wires for long-lasting insulation thanks to its ability to stretch.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a pressure-sensitive tape with electrical insulation that is ideal for marking up cables or floor spaces. It is often used in electrical phasing and wiring to protect and insulate electricity carrying wires and cables.
The range of electrical tape we offer are designed with PVC backing that retains its colour and remains legible regardless of use, such as in soil conditions.
Advantages of electrical insulation tape:
- Stretchy and Flexible – it can elongate and stretch without breaking, returning to its original state to fit around a cable or wire tightly.
- Multipurpose – it is ideal for a range of cable management tasks in a range of settings such as in insulating wires, or cable bundling.
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions – thanks to its heat-resistant, self-extinguishing, and fireproof qualities, it can come into contact with flammable objects and materials.
Disadvantages of electrical insulation tape:
- Fire Damage – It functions well in temperatures up to 40 °C, and so it can become flammable if it gets too hot as it is not resistant to heat above 80 °C. In addition, depending on where the tape is used, it can have a high probability of combustion, so it is important to only use it correctly and in appropriate applications.
- Not waterproof – PVC electrical tape is not weatherproof and so the adhesive can degrade if it gets wet and the seal’s shape can loosen under pressure. Hence, although it can be used to wrap around equipment such as garden hoses, it is important to ensure it is not exposed to large amounts of liquid or water. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid use in outdoor applications unless you use waterproof backed electrical tape.
- Short lifespan – the average lifespan of electrical tape is only 5 years as it is not designed to be a permanent repair work solution.
UK PVC tape colours
An important aspect of using electrical insulation tape is selecting the appropriate colour for your specific task as each colour has a particular meaning. However, the colour coding of electrical tapes is not universal, differing slightly between the US, Europe and the UK. We will be focusing on the UK PVC colour coding.
Black PVC tape – Insulation/low voltage, neutral.
Black PVC tapes are the most common in the industry. Many electrical contractors/technicians use black insulation tape for the insulation of cable connections and repairs on all cables.
The Unicrimp 1933B PVC Tape 19mmx33m Black is specifically for use in insulating wires. It is also used for colour coding as well as repair, cable bundling, masking paint, loom harnessing, panel building etc. In addition, it comes individually shrink wrapped in sleeves with a 0.13mm gauge. It is manufactured to BS EN 60454-3 standards with flame retardant and self-extinguishing qualities. This cable also works in temperatures up to 70oc.
Red PVC tape – Low voltage, phase A
Red tape signifies low voltage Phase A in the UK, the tape indicates low voltage Phase B in the US. Internationally it is for sheath 415V 3-Phase.
The Unicrimp 1933R PVC Tape 19mmx33m Red is a long lasting, tough and durable, red adhesive PVC tape. There are 33M of tape per roll with a 19mm width.
Blue PVC tape – Low voltage, phase C
Blue PVC electrical tape is commonly used for ‘low voltage, phase C’ in a three-phase power supply system in the UK and the US. Internationally, it is used to indicate low voltage or neutral sheathing (230V).
The Unicrimp 1933BL PVC Tape 19mmx33m Blue is manufactured to BS EN 60454-3 standards with flame retardant and self-extinguishing qualities.
Yellow PVC tape – Low voltage, phase B wiring and cabling
It is widely used in the UK for low voltage or phase B, and internationally it signifies sheath/110V site wiring. However, in the US, it is low voltage or neutral sheath (230V).
The Unicrimp 1933Y PVC Tape 19mmx33m Yellow is suitable for use in repair, insulation, colour-coding, cable bundling, panel building, loom harnessing, etc.
Green PVC tape – Earth wire or cable
It indicates ‘Earth’ in the UK and ‘Earth Ground’ in the US.
The Unicrimp 1933GR PVC Tape 19mmx33m Green is ideal for highlighting earthed wires and cables.
We also offer PVC electrical insulation tape in other colours such as green/yellow tape, brown, white, violet, and grey.
For instance, the Unicrimp 1933YG PVC Tape 19mmx33m Green/Yellow is a green-and-yellow striped insulation tape that implies earth and ground internationally and, in the US, respectively.
It peels effortlessly from the roll, and you can tear it by hand without worrying about over-stretching. In addition, it has a robust and reliable construction that ensures ease of use.
In conclusion, there are a few things to consider before deciding on a PVC electrical insulation tape:
- Tape Colour – The different colours of electrical tape come with different features, voltage, phase, and other electric-relevant information. Choose the tape colour based on what it will be used for and the type of application it is for.
- Tape Stretch Capabilities – Tape that can stretch without losing its original form is popular amongst electrical contractors and technicians. This is because, tape that can stretch is useful for wrapping around wires and cables, returning to its original form for a tight and secure wrap. In addition, a tape’s inability to stretch can result in breakage and uncovered cables which is not ideal. Hence why PVC insulation tapes are a popular choice.
- Tape Grade – The tape’s grade is important as it ensures you use the appropriate tape for your application needs. Tape grade includes the backing construction, thickness, and dielectric strength of a tape.
By considering these factors, you can be assured you will find the perfect PVC insulation tape for your needs. We do offer further colours to what is shown here, to find out more take a look at our electrical tape section.