Proper Ways To Use Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is used in your house for making minor fixes, but your better choice is often getting in contact with a electrician when you need assistance. However, unfortunately it is often used improperly, sometimes with tragic results. Knowing when to use electrical tape, along with if this really should not be used, is something every homeowner should know. Here are a few guidelines concerning how to properly use electrical tape around your own home.

Electrical Tape and Wire Nuts Aren't Identical

Do-it-yourself electricians often make the common mistake of employing electrical tape in the place of wire nuts. When you are making permanent connections in junction boxes, light switches, or wiring outlets, wire nuts should always be used as opposed to electrical tape. When the electrical current passes through these connections, heat is naturally produced. Electrical tape can deteriorate over time due to this level of heat, which can make an unsafe condition. There are a handful of varieties of electrical tape that are manufactured to stand up to this kind of heat, but it's still a better idea to always employ wire nuts. If you would like assistance making these repairs, contacting a electrical contractor is a better option.

Use for Minor Cord or Wire Repair Solely

Even though electrical tape is frequently employed to repair wires or cords that are damaged, this kind of usage has certain limitations. When the inner insulation of your wire remains intact, then electrical tape can usually be employed to repair small defects inside the wire's outer sheath. Electrical tape should never be used for repair, though, when the wire or cord is severely damaged. Do not use electrical tape to mend wire or cord which is in close connection with rugs, fabric, or any other flammable materials.

Always Purchase Good Quality Tape

If you are purchasing electrical tape for home repair, be sure that you don't scrimp in the quality. Even though it may be tempting to obtain inexpensive tape at discount stores, you would be significantly better off to buy high quality tape from the home improvement or hardware store. The tape will most likely be of higher quality as well as newer. Electrical tape degrades after a while, therefore it makes very little sense to buy low quality tape that is already showing wear and tear. If you buy tape which is already aged, then your repairs will not last as long as they are expected to. You will ensure that your electrical repairs will be safe repairs if you use top quality, fresh tape.

Correct Electrical Tape Application Tips

Applying electrical tape too loosely is a common mistake of inexperienced do-it-yourself electricians. Because this tape was created to perform properly if this fits closely to what it is been put on, you should always stretch the tape some while you apply it. This will not only increase the overall performance of your tape and also the overall adhesion, but it will allow for better insulating properties. It's also important to play it safe when you are using electrical tape in close proximity with insulating materials. As an example, if you work with electrical tape to help you insulate water pipes during cold weather, never cover the taped areas with insulation. Electrical tape can become hot enough to result in a fire if it is trapped between insulation and domestic hot water pipes.

So, when you are planning to be using electrical tape, make certain you apply it correctly. And, if there is ever a doubt as to what you're doing, make sure that you get in touch with a electrician.

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