Electrical tape is a great way to fix things, but is it flammable? This article examines the risks and benefits of using electrical tape and explores different electrical tape melting and igniting points.
Is Electrical Tape Flammable?
Most electrical tapes are not flammable. However, depending on the structural material, they can melt or deform. Each type of electrical tape has different melting points that range from 353.15°-378.15°K (80°-105°C).
I’ll go into additional detail below.
Getting Started
The electrical insulating tape has heat-resistance properties up to a limit. Most insulation tapes with an Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Certification can handle high temperatures. [1]
It is important to remember that different tapes have different properties on distinct levels.
It all depends on the fabrication material and the uses each tape is made for.
Different Types of Insulation Tapes
The type of insulation tape is determined by its material.
- Polyester (primarily used on coils, potentiometers, and capacitors)
- Vinyl (high heat resistance of 377.59°K (104.4°C) and can handle voltages up to 600V)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) (thermoplastic, very flexible when its heat-resistance properties are surpassed, it emits toxic fumes)
- Rubber (for projects involving medium and high voltages)
- Cloth (durable and can resist chemical effects)
Is Electrical Insulating Tape Flammable?
It is more likely to see an electrical tape melt than ignite.
Manufacturers set the ignition temperatures at very high levels so that electricians can prevent accidents:
- Vinyl tapes; are created to remain flexible regardless of the heat conditions. Thus, they cannot break or be set on fire. [2]
- Rubber resin; is known for its moisture-protective qualities. It will not ignite in temperatures of 378.15°K (105°C) and lower. At 353.15°K (80°C) and higher, its adhesive properties start to decline. [3]
- PVC tapes; have the advantage of resisting disfiguration, no matter the temperature. It cannot catch fire, but it will start to emit toxic fumes at high heating points.
However, it is best to remain careful and not experiment with the tapes by disregarding the manufacturer’s instructions.
Is an Electrical Tape Heat Resistant?
Most tapes are heat-resistant, but most electrical tapes melt beyond specific temperatures.
The more common tapes lay in the range of 353.15-403.15°K (80-130°C) (i.e., vinyl, PVC). Others can handle temperatures up to 173°K (200°C) (i.e., rubber), and some specialized tapes tolerate at most 1473.2°K (1200°C).
Such cases are:
Aramid
This type is made of para-amid fibers.
It can handle temperatures of 623.15-773.15°K (350-500°C).
Ceramic
Although very durable, ceramic tapes are also very flexible.
They take 923.15-1323.15°K (650-1050°C).
Zetex
It consists of fiberglass threads, and it is coated with vermiculite. Zetex tapes cannot melt in residential settings, and electricians use them in industrial boilers.
It has a tolerance for temperatures up to 973.15°K (700°C).
Texil Tape
Even though it is a remarkably adequate insulator and is quite flexible, it has short endurance.
It can handle temperatures up to 1273.15°K (1000°C).
Bio-Soluble Fibre Tape (Yarn/Thread)
You can mostly find this tape in stripes, with a thickness of 2, 3, or 5 millimeters.
Bio-soluble fiber tapes permit heating up to 1473.2°K (1200°C).
Glass Tape
Glass tape is made of glass yarn and can easily replace asbestos.
It puts up with a maximum of 823.15°K (550°C).
Remember that even if a certain insulation tape is characterized as “not flammable,” it has a melting point.
Dos and Don’ts
In every case, deciding which tape to use is relatively easy. Nevertheless, I have included some tips to keep in mind while completing a project.
1. Regarding Wires
It’s also best not to place tape on the loose wire ends. If you have damaged wires, your best option is to replace them because tape might worsen the damage.
2. Check the Tape’s Label
It is optimal to consult the label of each tape, which accurately describes its heat resistance.
3. Do Not Create Multiple Layers
Most people would think adding many supplementary layers of tape is beneficial to increase heat insulation.
In truth, this is not a wrong way of thinking. However, the tape will trap the heat emitted and most likely melt.
Thus, the layers will be stuck together and may cause damage.
4. Do Not Use Cloth Tape on Electrical Circuits
Cloth tape has a specific feature due to its fibers: When temperatures rise, the surface and adhesive of the tape dry out.
It is then easy to catch fire and burn.
When used on an electrical circuit, that can cause severe issues and even accidents.
Wrapping Up
Electrical insulating tapes are not flammable.
You can use them in many projects, from heat to moisture insulation.
There are many cases where electrical tape melts. The temperature ranges can go from 353.15-403.15°K (80-130°C) to even 1473.2°K (1200°C). Its resistance depends on the manufacturing material.
Your best option to prevent melting is to consult the manufacturer’s note and follow certain safety rules.
Take a look at some of our related articles below.
References
[1] What Is Ul Certification? The Difference Between Ul Recognized and Ul Listed – C3 Controls, from the link: https://www.c3controls.com/white-paper/difference-between-ul-recognized-ul-listed/
[2] Vinyl Tapes – Can-do National Tape, from the link: https://www.can-dotape.com/product-category/products/vinyl-tapes/
[3] Rubber Electrical Tape. Pads, Helps Protect and Insulate up to 69kV – 3M, from the link: https://www.3m.co.id/3M/en_ID/electrical-construction-maintenance-id/resources/rubber-electrical-tape-guide/
Video References
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