PVC tape is an economical material that is widely used in the insulation of various materials. Due to its simplicity and reasonable price, it has found wide application in various fields. The first tape was created back in 1946 in the USA, after which it was constantly improved and changed.
Features
PVC insulation tape ensures the tightness of the junction of various objects when engineering, repair or electrical work is carried out and protection from various factors is necessary. The use of this material is advisable when it is necessary to isolate live parts, bare wires, which serves as protection for people if they accidentally touch them.
Main characteristics
A modern PVC tape has the following characteristics: the width reaches from 13 to 20 mm with a thickness of at least 0.13 mm. Moreover, the thicker the tape, the higher will be its insulating properties. Important characteristics of electrical tape include:
- High breakdown voltage. Many manufacturers indicate high dielectric properties of the tapes, so they can withstand high voltages.
- Guaranteed quality of electrical insulation is ensured by insulation in two or three layers.
- Due to a certain thermal stability, PVC tape can be used in a wide temperature range, up to extreme ones.
- Good adhesion. It is provided by a thoughtful combination of thickness parameters with the type of adhesive layer.
- Strength and breakdown voltage. Excellent performance allows you to use the tape for electrical work of any complexity.
- Tensile strength. They help increase the elastic capabilities of the tape.
- Fireproof properties. The tape is often used in the processing of electrical wires, so it is important that the risk of fire or electric shock is excluded .
Advantages
PVC-based insulation tape has good sealing and dielectric properties and excellent tensile properties. But at high temperatures, the tape can melt, so you can’t use it. When choosing this insulating material, one must proceed from the indicators of voltage, humidity, temperature of the insulated object and ambient temperature.
Composition and features
PVC insulation tape is created on the basis of polyvinyl chloride and is available in the form of a roll of tape, the width of which is 14-19 mm. Due to its excellent performance properties, the material finds application in installation, fasteners, fixation, packaging and many other works. It is noteworthy, for tapes with an acrylic adhesive coating, adhesion becomes higher during operation, while the rubber coating shows its adhesive properties almost instantly. The features of this insulating material include explosion safety and low flammability, but when burned, the tape can emit toxic substances.
Electrical insulating properties provide the ability of the tape to withstand up to 5000 volts of voltage, which is quite enough when carrying out work in everyday life and in production. PVC tape (GOST 16214-86) is widely used when it is necessary to create insulation of wires, cables, pipes. In order for the material to fulfill its functions, it must be applied correctly: you need to wind it from the thin end to the thick one. Especially carefully you need to insulate the exposed sections of the wires, and you do not need to pull the tape very much.
Features of the sticky layer
Insulating tape has been widely used in various fields. Self-adhesive PVC tape has an adhesive layer that protects the outer surface of pipelines from corrosion, acting as an insulating and protective coating. The tape should not have defects, tears, gaps in the adhesive layer, so that the sealing is carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible. In most cases, the adhesive composition has a rubber base, where plasticizer is also added. Its task is to provide resistance to external influences, including humidity and lowering the temperature regime.
A good tape should have a smooth surface, stretch well and fit snugly on the base. The increased stickiness is the guarantee that the tape will be fixed on any surfaces.
Where is it used?
PVC tape is widely used:
- When conducting electrical work. In this case, this versatile material insulates wires, cables, when repairs are carried out, cables are marked and bundled.
- When carrying out household work for various purposes, when it is necessary to repair kitchen utensils, tools and other trifles.
- For minor car repairs.
- When packing goods. PVC-based packaging tape with an adhesive layer is widely used for manual or automatic sealing of moderate boxes.
- When repairing boats based on rubber, PVC reinforcement tape is widely used.
The use of PVC tapes for pipelines deserves special attention.
Process features
Close attention is paid to the protection of pipelines, because the safety and reliability of the operation of the entire system depends on this. The metal laid underground is constantly under the influence of negative environmental factors, therefore reliable protection of the trunk is required. For this, a PVC tape is often used for pipe insulation. Due to its unique properties, the outer surface is protected from corrosion, its insulation and reliable protection are provided. But for this it is important that the tape is correctly applied. This is done as follows: the pipe is covered with adhesive material, and the work is carried out in a spiral. This will avoid the appearance of wrinkles or distortions. PVC pipe insulation is good for several reasons:
- The material is highly resistant to moisture absorption, therefore, full waterproofing is provided.
- The composition of the tape is resistant to the effects of fungi and corrosion.
- Due to the sticky adhesive layer, a high level of strength is ensured.
Electrical insulation
PVC tape is versatile, so it can be used for various purposes. The temperature range of application is from 0 to 90 degrees, and operation is possible both indoors and outdoors. Products are presented in a wide range of colors. It must be remembered that the insulation tape should not have a smell, otherwise this indicates poor quality.
Storage and recommendations
Insulating tape should be stored in closed storage facilities, and you need to monitor the ambient temperature - from +5 to +36 degrees at a relative humidity of 80%. Do not use PVC tape in combination with organic solvents, chemicals, flammable liquids and aggressive media. Recommendations for use are as follows:
- The temperature should be between 20-40 degrees.
- It is not possible to apply PVC insulation tape to silicone coatings or polymers containing fluorine. Destructive surfaces must be treated with primers.
- Insulating tape is applied to the prepared surface, which will be thoroughly dried and free from contamination.
If packaging, transportation and storage are correct, the electrical tape can be stored up to 10 years from the date of production.