Duct tape is not conductive or will not conduct electricity because it is made of mesh fabric and polyethylene. These materials are insulating and can help to insulate electric wires to an extent.
The few exceptions to this insulating tape are copper and aluminum tape. These tapes conduct electricity because their base material is metallic and is a conductor. Fortunately, they are not as common as duct or polyethylene tape.
In this guide, I will explain why duct tapes do not conduct electricity, when they are ideal for electrical insulation, and how they differ from electrical tapes. You will also find out if duct tape is a good conductor of heat.
Properties of a Duct Tape
- Most duct tapes are a combination of mesh fabric with polyethylene resin on one end and a strong rubber-based adhesive
- Duct tapes are flexible and malleable
- Despite their durability, they are easy to tear
- They are also water-resistant
Why is Duct Tape an Insulator?
Duct tape is generally considered an insulator because it is made of fabric and water-resisting adhesives, ideally insulators. In other words, the atoms of these materials will not readily vibrate and conduct in the presence of an electric potential.
While duct tapes are insulators, they are not suitable for covering or insulating live current or high-voltage wires. When this happens, their adhesives melt easily (more on this in the next section).
On the other hand, using duct tape for in-house wiring is safer. However, I will advise you to use them for their designated functions, such as sealing air conditioning, air ducts, and holes in materials.
Is It Safe to Wrap Electrical Wire with Tape?
Duct tape is not conductive; hence, it can insulate electrical wires but may not be the safest option. Before using duct tape for wire insulation, you must be sure of the voltage in the electrical wire.
To do this, you will need a multimeter and its probe. Insert one end of the probe into the central U-shaped opening of the nearest outlet and the other end into the wire whose voltage you want to know.
Usually, the result should not exceed 240 volts. However, false readings may occur if the wire is not grounded or is close to a live wire.
If the voltage in the wire is less than 240 volts, duct tape should insulate it effectively. However, if it exceeds this, the tape’s fiber will eventually burn, and its adhesive will melt.
Not all tapes are good insulating materials. A good example is copper tape. This duct tape type is conductive and bad for insulating charged electric wires.
The best tape for insulating a conducting wire is electrical tape. You can tell from the name that they are specifically designed to insulate electric current. Electrical tapes can take up to 600 volts without deteriorating or shrinking.
Does Duct Tape Conduct Heat?
Duct tapes do not conduct heat. This is because they either contain a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or polyethylene backing and a rubber-based adhesive. These are practically insulators and endure high temperatures (up to 93°C).
On the other hand, copper tapes are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Uses of Duct Tape
Now that we are certain that duct tapes are insulator, let’s take a look at some of the various ways you can rightly use duct tape aside from insulating electrical wires:
- Duct tapes are generally designed to be sealants. They help in sealing vents and cracks in materials temporarily.
- They are also useful in removing other stubborn adhesives, especially on glassy surfaces like a car’s mirror or windscreen.
- If you struggle to open the seal on a jar, applying duct tape around the seal is one of the easiest ways to open such a container.
- Wrapping duct tape around a loop with an exposed sticky side can help remove pet hair and dust from upholstery, windows, and curtains.
- Duct tape can also help in pest control. They effectively seal holes in water pipes and walls.
- They help to prevent surface abrasion.
FAQs
What tape is conductive?
Metal tapes, such as copper tape, are conductive.
What is the difference between foil tape and duct tape?
Foil tapes come with an adhesive that maintains its integrity better in heat and is more suitable for inflation. Duct tape, on the other hand, deteriorates over time.
Which duct tape is the strongest?
Thanks to its superb holding power and durability, Gorilla tape is easily the strongest of all duct tapes. For this reason, you only need a bit of the tape for any activity.
Conclusion
Duct tapes are one of the most common types of tape out there. They are a combination of polyethylene and rubber-based adhesives, naturally non-conductive materials.
This is why they are considered insulators and help temporarily insulate electrical wires (if used correctly).
Nevertheless, the best tape for electrical wire insulation is electric tape. This is because they have stronger adhesives that will not deteriorate at high voltage.
Hence, it would be best if you opted for electric tapes when both options are available. Some duct tapes may also appear metallic.
Never risk such tapes on electrical wires if you are unaware of their underlying materials. Instead, consult an electrical specialist.
I hope you found this guide helpful. Plastic is another material that effectively insulates wire or electricity. Check out my guide on if plastic conducts electricity to understand their relationship better.
Thanks for reading.