Sling sewing machine

Weather resistance – in addition to withstanding low temperatures, PVC tape is resistant to harsh weather conditions thanks to its PVC coating. The tough, outer layer will cope well with metal corrosion and bad weather.

You should use a minimum of two half-lapped layers of vinyl tape to insulate and jacket low-voltage components. A half-lap (see Figure above) consists of overlaying each turn by one-half the width of the tape. The general rule of thumb calls for a tape thickness of 1.5 times the thickness of existing wire or cable insulation. In every case, tension on the tape should be sufficient to conform the tape evenly to the surface. A slight reduction in tension is encouraged for the final wrap. Trim the tape end and allow it to return to shape before pressing down with the thumb to avoid lifting or flagging.

Low temperatures – vinyl electrical tape is effective at temperatures between -10°C and 80°C (15°F-175°F), whereas PVC electrical tape is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -45°C (-50°F). For this reason, PVC tape is the preferred choice for outdoor tasks in cold weather situations.

In a typical tape splice, you’ll tug and pull out the tape, stretching it to just before the breaking point. The tape’s width narrows to about 1/3rd of its original size. The tape’s length increases; your hand travels very quickly up to 20” away from where you started. Quite often you’ll be wrapping in a tight location making this even more difficult. Proper taping techniques are critical to realizing the many performance benefits of rubber tape.