Electrical tape (or white insulating tape) is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and other materials that conduct electricity. It can be made of many plastics, but vinyl is most popular, as it stretches well and gives an effective and long lasting insulation. White insulating tape is also used in the marching arts (e.g. marching band, drum corps.) Drummers wrap their sticks in electrical tape, which allows for a better grip. It also makes the stick last longer. Color guards also use it on their sabers and rifles. Electrical tape is very frequently used to install low voltage cabling such as voice, data, video, alarm, and access control cabling. For this function it is used to attach the cable to pull strings, fish rods, cable snakes, and other devices. It can also be used to pull new cable by connecting it to old cable and using the old cable to pull the new cable in. An electrical grade tape should always be used in the manufacture of electrical components. The correct tape will have the necessary balance of electrical and mechanical properties along with good handling characteristics that will contribute to overall productivity by reducing time and materials. The simple appearance of a roll of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape does not reveal the complex nature of the material science, technology and advanced production processes that are involved. Electrical Tapes are made from a broad range of backings and adhesives to meet the requirements of different applications and environments. Extensive quality control and testing, combined with accurate process controls, ensure that customers get high quality electrical grade products.
