Beatrice Lang
3M Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape is available in two varieties: Super 33 and Super 35. Both are premium-grade vinyl tapes that offer long-term performance, excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and temperature performance. However, they have specific uses. Super 33 is a top-quality premium-grade vinyl electrical insulating tape, primarily used for electrical insulation for all wire and cable splices. On the other hand, Super 35 is used for phase identification and to colour-code motor leads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tape Thickness | 3M Super 35 is 0.178 mm thick, while Super 33 is thinner than 3M 700. |
| Tape Colour | 3M Super 35 comes in an array of colours, while Super 33 is black. |
| Temperature Resistance | 3M Super 35 can withstand temperatures from 0 to 221°F (-18 to 105°C), while Super 33 can withstand temperatures up to 176°F (80°C). |
| Applications | 3M Super 35 is used for phase identification and colour coding motor leads. It is suitable for permanent insulation work and offers excellent electrical insulation. 3M Super 33 is primarily used for electrical insulation of wire and cable splices up to 600 V and 220°F (105°C). It is also used for re-insulating nicked wires. |
| Adhesion | Both tapes have good adhesion properties, with 3M Super 35 offering moisture-tight electrical and mechanical protection. 3M Super 33 has excellent adhesion and can be used for quick electrical repairs. |
| Tape Stretch | 3M Super 35 has good elasticity, while 3M Super 33 should be stretched slightly during application to ensure a smooth wrap. |
| Brand | Both tapes are manufactured by 3M, a trusted brand known for its quality and reliability. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulation and protection
Electrical insulation tape is available in three primary types of materials: rubber, vinyl, and mastic. Vinyl is the most common material used for electrical insulation tape. Vinyl tapes are versatile, long-lasting, and flexible, making them suitable for various purposes. They are also highly conformable, easy to unwind, and retain their adhesiveness in extreme weather conditions.
The 3M Super 33+ is a premium-grade vinyl electrical insulation tape commonly used in the electrical industry for wire and cable splices. It has excellent electrical insulation properties for up to 600-volt applications and can withstand temperatures ranging from 0ºF (-18ºC) to 220ºF (105ºC). Its aggressive adhesive and elastic backing ensure a water-resistant, tight seal that conforms to irregular surfaces.
The Scotch 35 premium-grade vinyl tape is another option for permanent insulation work. It is 7-mil thick and provides outstanding electrical and mechanical protection. It operates within a wide temperature range of 32 to 220°F (0 to 105°C) and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The Scotch 35 tape is colour-coded, offering nine different colours for phase identification and motor lead colour coding.
When choosing an electrical tape for insulation and protection, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of your project. Factors such as voltage, temperature range, conformability, adhesion, and resistance to moisture, corrosion, and abrasion should be evaluated to select the most suitable tape for the job.
Both the 3M Super 33+ and the Scotch 35 premium-grade vinyl tapes offer reliable insulation and protection for electrical applications. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the project, with the 3M Super 33+ being more commonly used for wire and cable splices, while the Scotch 35 is recommended for permanent insulation work and colour coding.
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Electrical tape thickness
The thickness of electrical tape is an important factor to consider when selecting the right product for your needs. While I couldn't find specific thickness measurements for 33 and 35 electrical tape, I did find some general information about electrical tape thickness.
Thicker electrical tapes offer greater mechanical protection in harsh environments. They provide better protection against punctures and abrasion. In addition, thicker tapes create a stronger jacket, which is ideal for low-voltage insulation as it increases dielectric strength.
When it comes to vinyl-backed electrical tapes, they typically have a strong and flexible PVC backing that acts as a barrier against moisture and corrosive elements. This type of tape is often the most economical choice for primary and secondary insulation.
The stretchiness of the tape is another important factor. Premium vinyl electrical tapes can stretch well, forming a tight seal that protects against corrosive contaminants. This stretchiness also means that less tape is often needed to cover irregular or complex surfaces.
While thickness is important, it is just one aspect to consider when choosing electrical tape. Other factors, such as adhesion, temperature resistance, and flexibility, also play a crucial role in determining the suitability of electrical tape for a particular application.
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Adhesion
The 3M Super 33+ is a premium-grade vinyl electrical insulating tape, commonly used by electricians for re-insulating nicked wires. It has a temperature rating of up to 176º F and is coloured black for UV resistance. The tape provides excellent protection against abrasion, moisture, alkalis, and corrosion.
On the other hand, 3M Scotch Super 35 is a premium vinyl electrical tape with a thickness of 0.178 mm. It offers high adhesion and is ideal for cable jacket repair and electrical insulation. The tape is stretchable, flexible, and can smoothly wrap around cables or wires, conforming to irregular surfaces. It is also available in a range of colours, making it perfect for colour-coding and phase identification.
Both tapes offer long-term performance and excellent adhesion, but there are some differences. 3M Super 33+ is known for its superior insulation capabilities, while 3M Scotch Super 35 provides a broader range of environmental adaptations, such as chemical resistance.
When choosing between these tapes, consider the specific requirements of your project. If you need a tape that can withstand higher temperatures and provides exceptional insulation, 3M Super 33+ would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you require a tape for permanent insulation work and colour-coding, 3M Scotch Super 35, with its high adhesion and array of colours, might be the better option.
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Temperature performance
On the other hand, 3M Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 35 is a premium-grade vinyl tape that is suitable for permanent insulation work. While the exact temperature range is not specified, it is designed to handle a broad range of environmental factors and is flame-retardant and weather-resistant.
Both tapes offer excellent stretch and conformability in various temperature conditions. Super 33 has been a reliable choice for electricians for many years, with its improved temperature rating and UV resistance. Super 35, as a premium-grade tape, provides superior protection against extreme temperatures, preventing peel and material deterioration, which can compromise tape performance.
In general, premium vinyl tapes are designed to perform in a wide range of extreme temperatures. They can stick quickly in very low temperatures as their adhesive remains soft and sticky. In contrast, economy vinyl tapes with low adhesive strength tend to curl, become brittle, and crack in very hot environments, compromising their electrical insulation capabilities.
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Tape elasticity
The elasticity of vinyl electrical tape is an important factor to consider when choosing the right product for your application. 3M, the manufacturer of Scotch vinyl electrical tapes, emphasizes the significance of tape elasticity in achieving a secure seal and protecting cables.
Both Scotch Super 33+™ and Super 35+™ vinyl electrical tapes are known for their stretchability and conformability. However, the specific details about the elasticity of these tapes are not readily available.
In general, the elasticity of vinyl electrical tape allows it to stretch and conform to the shape of the object it is applied to. This property ensures a tight seal that protects the underlying cables or connections from external contaminants. The elasticity also provides flexibility during installation, as the tape can be stretched and will return to its original shape, ensuring a smooth and professional wrap.
For example, Scotch Vinyl Color Coding Electrical Tape 35 is described as having an "elastic PVC backing." This elasticity allows the tape to stretch easily and adhere to virtually any shape. It is important to note that the elasticity of vinyl electrical tape is not just about how much it can stretch but also its ability to contract after application, creating a secure seal.
Additionally, 3M's premium vinyl electrical tapes are designed to perform in a wide range of extreme temperatures. This feature is crucial in preventing peel and material deterioration, which can be caused by temperature fluctuations. By withstanding extreme temperatures, the tape maintains its elasticity and adhesion, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable seal.
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Frequently asked questions
Vinyl electrical tape is used for insulating electrical connections and cables.
3M Scotch 35 premium-grade vinyl tape is used for permanent insulation work and handles the broadest range of environmental factors and functions, such as chemical resistance. Scotch Tape 33, on the other hand, is used for insulating all wire and cable splices up to 600 V and 220°F (105°C).
Vinyl electrical tape is used for colour-coding or “phasing” wires, motors, or preparing a wire head before a pull. It is also used for quick “on-the-spot” electrical and cable repairs.
Vinyl electrical tape is made with special adhesives that don't contribute to corrosion, preserving the maximum electric field the insulation can withstand.
You can buy vinyl electrical tape from most hardware stores, such as Lowe's and Home Depot.
