Are you tired of dealing with subpar electrical tapes that just don’t cut it? Whether you’re an electrician, a DIY enthusiast, or simply need reliable tape for minor repairs, choosing the right electrical tape can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best electrical tapes on the market, ensuring you make an informed decision. To ensure you’re selecting the optimal electrical tape, consider these key factors:
- Tape Dimension: Size matters. Look for tapes that are at least ¾ inch wide and 60 feet long. Wider tapes cover more area, ensuring better insulation. Proper dimensions provide the coverage you need for effective insulation and protection.
- Material: Not all tapes are created equal. Vinyl is the most common material because of its flexibility and durability. Premium vinyl tapes offer better resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV light compared to cheaper alternatives. This ensures your tape will hold up under various conditions.
- Water Resistance: Electrical work often involves exposure to moisture. Water-resistant tapes can withstand damp environments, preventing shorts and corrosion. This feature is crucial for outdoor and automotive applications, ensuring your connections stay secure even in wet conditions.
If you’re feeling a bit confused about these factors. There’s a comprehensive “Buying Guide” at the bottom of this article. It includes more factors like this and has got everything covered in detail.
Best Electrical Tapes Table
| Best Electrical Tape | Tape Dimension | Material | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotch 700 Electrical Tape | 3/4 in x 66 ft | Vinyl | Check On Amazon |
| Wapodeai Electrical Tape | 0.62 in X 49 ft | Pvc | Check On Amazon |
| Trade Gear Electrical Tape | 3/4 in x 60 ft | Pvc | Check On Amazon |
| SoundOriginal Electrical Tape | 0.7-in x 30 ft | Polyvinyl Chloride Foam | Check On Amazon |
| Gardner Bender GTPC-550 Electrical Tape | 1/2 in x 20 ft | Low Lead PVC | Check On Amazon |
| Duck Electrical Tape | 0.75 in x 20 ft | Vinyl | Check On Amazon |
| Amazon Commercial Electrical Tape | 3/4 in x 60 ft | Vinyl | Check On Amazon |
| Lichamp Electrical Tape | 3/4 in x 66 ft | Vinyl | Check On Amazon |
| Scotch 6132-BA-10Electrical Tape | 3/4 in x 66 ft | Vinyl plastic | Check On Amazon |
| Maveek Electrical Tapes | 0.67 in x 65.6ft | Pvc,Polyethylene,Rubber | Check On Amazon |
Best Electrical Tape Reviews
1. Scotch 700 Electrical Tape
This Scotch 700 tape would be the perfect pick for your domestic electrical needs. It’s specifically meant to serve the commercial grade only. Here, the width of the tape is 7 mill which makes it an ideal option for holding, protecting, and insulating purposes.
The material used to make the tape is vinyl plastic. Thus, you can easily use it in outdoor environments without any worries. As the material is known for bearing heavy moisture and temperature, it’ll last there forever.
Talking more about temperature, the company firmly claims to use it even in scorching hot environments. It’s rated to work even against 194 degrees F of heat. With such a high bearing limit, you’ll not have to worry about fixing cables in extremely hot conditions as well.
Despite its high bearing capacity against temperature, there are other characteristics for your help. This 700 tape is highly flexible and stretching which allows it to hold heavy equipment or cables at fixed positions. Also, with the UL-listed mark, you’ve no reason left to doubt the quality of the tape.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: Vinyl
- Length: 66 ft
- Width: 3/4 in
- Thickness: 7 mil
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: 0°C to 80°C (32°F to 176°F)
Pros:
- High adhesion and secure hold
- Flexible and easy to apply
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Does not leave a residue upon removal
- Excellent mechanical protection
Cons:
- Slightly less flexible in very cold temperatures
- Could be thicker for more demanding industrial uses
2. Wapodeai Electrical Tape
This Wapodeai electric tape allows you to use it for multiple purposes and situations other than fixing broken cables. The tapes work well even in providing insulation, or any other thing that needs to be stuck together.
Looking at the build material, you’ll know what to expect from the tape. Common Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is used to provide quality material within budget. PVC ensures it works well in external conditions. It’s immune to environmental decomposition forever.
As said earlier, the pack includes 3 packs of Wapodeai tape. Out of these, the single tape is 49 ft long and 0.62 inches wide. Having such a long length will allow you to work with a single product for a long time.
Here, the company has moved one step forward in terms of customer satisfaction. The Wapodeai firmly states a money-back guarantee in case you’re dissatisfied with the quality of the product. Even with such a budget product, you’re getting a worry-free purchase with this tape.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: PVC
- Length: 49 ft
- Width: 0.62 in
- Additional Features: Waterproof, flame retardant
Pros:
- Superior water resistance
- Flame retardant for added safety
- Good flexibility for tight wraps
- Does not leave residue
- Durable in various environments
Cons:
- Adhesion strength could be better on smooth surfaces
- Narrower width might limit some uses
3. Trade Gear Electrical Tape
Trade Gear Electrical Tape pack has 10 rolls in different rainbow colors, so lots of choices for the projects. Each roll is a generous 60 feet long, ensuring more enough tape for the needs. One of the best things is its heavy-duty nature. It’s perfect for both professional tasks and DIY projects. Whenever I need quick insulation for any wiring job, this tape delivers. It easily molds to any shape and stays in place, so I know it won’t let me down.
What’s great is the uses of this tape go beyond insulation. I can easily code cables and identify electrical phases, circuits, feeders, and branches. It’s incredibly versatile! The adhesive material is top-notch, and the sticky rubber resin ensures a secure hold.
This tape has countless uses. It can handle many tasks easily, such as fixing wires, insulating cables, and bundling them together. It’s suitable for many household tasks. Made of strong PVC material, it is certified for safety and can handle up to 600V and temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius (170 degrees Fahrenheit).
One thing that impressed me was its water resistance. Gives me peace of mind, especially when working on outdoor projects or in damp conditions. It has become an essential part of my toolkit. The 10-pack ensures always have enough on hand, and the quality of the tape is exceptional.
Specifications:
- Color: Multicolored
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Length: 60 ft
- Width: 3/4 in
- Thickness: 7 mm
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: Up to 80°C (176°F)
- Additional Features: Flame retardant, UL-certified, resistant to acids, alkalis, UV, oil, and abrasion
Pros:
- Excellent range of colors for organization and safety
- High durability and resistance to harsh conditions
- Great flexibility for easy application on complex surfaces
- Flame retardant and UL-certified for safety
- Sufficient length and width for most electrical tasks
Cons:
- Slightly less effective adhesive in very humid conditions
4. SoundOriginal Electrical Tape
SoundOriginal Electrical Tape is versatile and durable, perfect for any electrician’s toolkit. The set includes six vibrant colors to help manage and distinguish different wires, making maintenance easier. The robust rubber adhesive ensures the tape sticks well, protecting electrical connections from environmental factors and mechanical stress.
This tape can handle up to 600 volts, suitable for both minor home repairs and more demanding commercial electrical systems. It performs well in a wide range of temperatures, from cool basements to sunlit rooftops, making it a reliable choice in any setting.
While it boasts many strengths, the tape’s rigidity could pose challenges when wrapping around complex or smaller components. Despite this, it is easy to tear by hand, which makes it quick and efficient to use in various situations
Specifications:
- Color: Multicolored
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride Foam
- Length: 30 ft
- Width: 0.7 in
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: Up to 80°C (176°F)
Pros:
- Diverse color selection for easy wire identification
- Strong adhesive properties ensure secure applications
- Suitable for a wide temperature range
- Easy to tear and apply
- Good value pack with multiple rolls
Cons:
- Shorter length per roll might not suit large projects
- The thickness can be a hindrance in very tight spaces
5. Gardner Bender GTPC-550 Electrical Tape
Here comes another big dog of the market, the Garner Bender. This company has been providing seamless solutions through products and hardware tools to customers since 1959. Thus, doubting the quality of their product doesn’t make any sense.
The same expectations are easily visible in GTPC-550 electrical tape as well. It’s one of the popular options to fix thighs with electric tape. And there are many reasons to support this statement. Let’s look at these factors deeply.
Starting with the material used here, PVC which includes zero lead continents. This ensures you provide the utmost durability without affecting your health from harmful lead metals. You can easily rely on the tensile strength of the tape without worrying about the drops or other accidents
The electric tape will provide you with effective insulations against high-current cable systems. The situations under 600V of current will be not effective at all against the tape. Thus, you can use the tape for the majority of household needs.
A similar number goes with the temperature bearing as well. These Gardener Bender tapes will work without any issues up to 80 degrees Celsius of heat. You’ll face no difficulties using the tape in hot conditions.
A single GTPC-550 Electrical Tape package includes 6 different tape rolls for utmost convenience purposes. The best part here is that you’ll get six individual colors of tape, making things easy while using it for complex circuitry.
Specifications:
- Color: Multi-Colored
- Material: Low Lead PVC
- Length: 20 ft
- Width: 1/2 in
- Thickness: 7 mil
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: Up to 80°C (176°F)
Pros:
- Assorted colors aid in wire identification and safety
- Flexible and easy to apply in tight spaces
- Good environmental choice with low-lead PVC
- Effective for both indoor and outdoor use
- Compact size for precision tasks
Cons:
- Not ideal for extensive electrical projects due to shorter length
- Durability under extreme conditions could be better
6. Duck Electrical Tape
Are you someone who’s looking for a single tape roll rather than a bundle? Well, it’s an effective solution if you’re not a frequent user and keep a tape for emergency purposes only. At the same time, you’re saving a good number on the price as well. The Duck brand electric tape has got your back. It comes with a single tape roll that easily competes with other top competitors in the market
This 7-mile thick tape would be the optimal solution for your emergencies wire cuts or leakages. Also, vinyl plastic is another add-on that maintains the durability of the tape along with adhesive properties. Whether it’s extreme cold or scorching heat, you’ll face no difficulties in using the tape.
Also, the tape is flame retardant which makes it a worthy solution in places where short circuits might take place. You’ll not have to worry about the taping area once you’ve done pasting it.
Its excellent stretchability and flexibility in all-weather citations make things even better. By looking at the temperature-bearing points of this tape, you’ll surely get relieved. The working temperature range varies between 14 degrees F and 176 degrees F.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: Vinyl
- Length: 20 ft
- Width: 3/4 in
- Thickness: 7 mil
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: 14°F to 176°F
Pros:
- Excellent adhesion and conformability
- Suitable for a broad temperature range
- Flame retardant and weather-resistant for enhanced safety
- Strong and durable for long-term applications
- Effective for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons:
- Adhesive may ooze under high temperatures
- Stiffness in colder conditions can reduce flexibility
7. Amazon Basics Electrical Tape
The Amazon Commercial electrical tape packages provide you with a 6-pack of the tape roll. Out of this, each of them is ¾ inch wide and comes with a long length of 60 feet.
The tape has both flexibility and stretchable characteristics. This allows you to use the tape in many heavy binding situations as well. You can easily use it for binding, sticking, or fixing broken cables without worrying about their effectiveness.
Knowing the material used here is vinyl plastic, gives a sort of reliability to you. The tapes can be used in multiple scenarios beyond fixing the cables. If you need to use the tapes on vehicles for effective fixing, go for it, the same goes with other lightweight machines and pipes as well.
At the same time, the tape comes with Abrasion-resistant characteristics. Thus, you can easily use it in places where continuous motion takes part such as moving vehicles, or pieces of machinery. Also, the corrosion resistance makes the tape effective for liquid leakage situations for convenience.
Overall, the tape is smooth and can be cut with bare hands. In emergencies, you can easily use it as needed. For optimal bonding, it’s best to apply the tape on dry surfaces.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: Vinyl
- Length: 60 ft
- Width: 3/4 in
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Long roll length reduces the need for frequent re-purchasing
- User-friendly for beginners and pros alike
- Adequate adhesion for most household applications
- Simple and effective for everyday use
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-voltage or extreme-temperature applications
- May lack the robustness required for professional-grade tasks
8. Lichamp Electrical Tape
The Lichamp electric tape provides you with 10 packs to make a complete thing a one-time long investment. At the same time, the quality of the tape is also non-compressible.
Talking a bit more about the dimension first. Each of these tape rolls is 66ft long, allowing you to use the single tape for a long duration. Apart from the length, the width of the tape is ¾ inches and it’s 7mil thick. Thus, the perfect thickness to bear all the heavy loads.
Despite having highly satisfied customer reviews on Amazon, the tape has more things to back its quality. The tape rolls are UL-listed and completely certified by CSA. Here, you’re only getting industrial-grade premium tapes.
The Lichamp is one of the few companies that provide excellent quality to their customers even for small products like electric tapes. The company firmly claims to refund all your money in case you don’t like the product.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: Vinyl
- Length: 66 ft
- Width: 3/4 in
- Thickness: 7 mil
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: Up to 105°C (221°F)
Pros:
- Superior adhesion and temperature resistance
- Industrial-grade durability
- Suitable for high-voltage applications
- Resistant to chemicals and abrasions
- Offers good value for the quality and quantity
Cons:
- Stiffer in colder conditions, affecting ease of use
9. Scotch 6132-BA-10 Electrical Tape
The Scotch Super 33+ is one of the favorite solutions for the professional. It does come with a bit of a high price tag as compared to the others but that’s worth investing. Moreover, this Scotch Super 33+ electrical tape is one of the highest-reviewed products on the Amazon platform. And let’s find out the reason behind it.
Starting the reason with, this tape is certainly made for professional and industrial usage mostly. If you’re someone who regularly deals with electric failure or cable management, this would be your missing piece. The complete tape is made with lead-free vinyl plastic that provides powerful adhesiveness and wearability.
With that being said, the tape is flame-resistant. There’ll be no further damage from the tape area in case the short circuit happens. At the same time, there is complete protection against abrasion and moisture as well.
Not only for fixing cables or wires, but the flexibility and high tensile strength of the cable allow you to use it in multiple scenarios. Besides the words, the tape is already UL-listed and CSA certified that eradicates every doubt about the quality here.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Material: Vinyl Plastic
- Length: 66 ft
- Width: 3/4 in
- Thickness: 7 mil
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: 0°F to 221°F
Pros:
- Excellent high and low-temperature resistance
- High adhesion level for secure applications
- Flexible enough for complex installations
- Provides robust mechanical protection
- Suitable for a wide range of electrical tasks
Cons:
- Less pliable in extreme cold, which may affect application
- May be overkill for simple household electrical tasks
10. Maveek Electrical Tapes
Ending the list with another praisable brand that offers 10 tape rolls in one package. The Maveek has become a popular brand lately. And the reason behind this is its success on the Amazon platform. The electric tape it provides is another great reason behind its success. Let’s have a deeper insight into it.
Each tape you’ll get is made from popular PVC material. Thus, you’ll only get the utmost insulation against the current. Also, this tape roll comes with a 17mm width that is 64 ft long.
By just looking at the surface of the tape, the quality of the tape is revealed. Its smooth textured tape with powerful flexibility and adhesiveness. At the same time, the tape is completely fire and water-resistant, allowing you to use it in difficult environments or situations.
Talking about the temperature in detail, the tape has got a high bearing capacity too. Anything temperature within -10 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius will cause no damage to the capabilities of the tape. And the same goes for maximum voltage as well. You can easily use the tape in places below 600V of current.
Here comes something unique about the Maveeek electric tape, its build material. The company uses rubber and tackifier resin. It is specially created to withstand extreme weather conditions. The tape will have no effect on heavy rain and contiguous exposure to sunlight as well.
The tape doesn’t only limit you to external conditions. You can use the tape in any place and for any fixing and holding purposes. With the 10-tape roll, you’ll get different colors for easy circuit coding.
Specifications:
- Color: Multicolored
- Material: PVC, Polyethylene, Rubber
- Length: 65.6 ft
- Width: 0.67 in
- Max Voltage: 600V
- Temperature Range: 14°F to 176°F
Pros:
- Wide range of colors for effective organization and identification
- Good flexibility for easy application
- Suitable for a variety of environmental conditions
- Longer roll length for extended use
Cons:
- Adhesion could be improved for heavy-duty applications
- Thickness might not be sufficient for high-stress electrical tasks
Buying Guide For Best Electrical Tapes
These small-sized electric tapes come with several considerations to look for. And this is why it’s highly advisable to look at the buying guide.
The buying guide mentioned below will provide you with a proper understanding of these electric tapes.
1. Tape Dimensions
Starting with the basics, the dimensions of the tape are the first step you should look for. It should be long enough to last for a decent time. At the same time, the universal width of ¾ inches should be maintained and it should be decently thick as well.
In general, the different brands provide different lengths of the tape roll. However, there is a bottom line for better consideration. An electric roll tape should be at least 40ft long.
On the other hand, a tape with 7 mils of thickness is considered perfect for the commercial and even professional grade.
2. Abrasion Resistance
Applying tape on a surface or wire will last long for ages. And this is why your electric tape should be abrasion-resistant. As it’ll be of no use if the tape gets punctured or tear out from external interruption.
If you’re more concerned about the Abrasion or puncture resistivity, go for the vinyl plastic or PVC plastic electric tape. In these situations, the rubber tape might fail to satisfy you.
3. Water Resistance
Almost every material used for different electric tape provides you with decent resistivity against water. And there’s nothing much speculating here.
Both the plastic and rubber tapes will do the job perfectly.
4. High Current Bearing Capacity
This is where you can easily distinguish a quality electric tape over the cheap tapes that fail to provide you with the utmost protection.
In general, the household voltage will not exceed more than 300 Voltage. But it’s always a wise decision to have more powerful tape than that. This is why you should always look for electric tape having a high current bearing capacity of 600V.
Also, if you’re more concerned about this factor it’s highly advisable to go for the rubber tape. The rubber provides more insulation as compared to the plastic electric tapes.
The same solution goes for the high heat resistivity as well.
5. UL Listed And CSA Certified
How will you make sure the tape has gone through all the quality checks and assurance? To make sure, you’re purchasing a reliable electric tape with utmost safety, check its listings and certifications.
In general, there are basic safety assurances and cohesive tests as well. The adhesive power of all the certified tapes will not break your expectations that easily. Moreover, there’s also an assurance about whether the tape can make an airtight seal or not.
The UL Listed and Canadian CSA certification act like a benchmark here. And this allows you to distinguish a quality electric tape. It’s highly advisable to not pick the electric tape that doesn’t come with these certifications.
Fortunately, all the products mentioned in the list are verified and trusted by these authorities. Thus, you’ll not have to worry about the safety factor while considering the above list.
6. Color
If you’re someone who is only buying an electric tape for meeting the basic domestic needs, it’s completely subjective for you. However, different colors provide great relief to the big projects such as wiring the house or dealing with complex circuits.
A dedicated color for different situations allows you to know better about the situation and makes things easier.
However, among all the different colors, black and white are the most common ones.
FAQs:
Vinyl is preferred because it is flexible, durable, and resistant to various environmental factors such as moisture, UV light, and chemicals. These properties make it ideal for insulating electrical connections and ensuring long-lasting performance.
The longevity of electrical tape depends on the quality of the tape and the conditions it’s exposed to. High-quality tapes can last several years, especially if they’re not exposed to extreme conditions. However, it’s always a good practice to check and replace tape periodically.
Electrical tape is not a permanent fix for damaged wires or insulation. It may degrade over time, especially in harsh conditions, and should not be relied upon for structural repairs. Always use it in conjunction with other appropriate methods for long-term solutions.
Yes, outdoor electrical tapes are typically designed to withstand harsher environmental conditions such as UV exposure, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Indoor tapes may not have the same level of durability and protection.
Conclusion
Now you’ve got the lowdown on top electrical tapes! No matter if you’re a seasoned electrician or a weekend warrior tackling a home project, there’s a perfect electrical tape out there for you. Remember, the right tape ensures a safe and secure job. So, grab your top pick, channel your inner MacGyver, and get to work!
To help you finalize your decision, here are our top 3 picks:
- Found yourself lost on the list? In that case, we would love to advise our favorite pick, Scotch 700 Electrical Tape. It’s a perfect spot to meet your high-end fixes including commercial-grade as well.
- As an alternative to this, a decent pick would be the Trade Gear Electrical Tape. It’s trusted by thousands of customers and also comes with multiple rolls in a single pack.
- On other hand, if you’re looking for professional purposes mostly, the Gardner Bender GTPC-550 Electrical Tape is the answer. It might cost you a bit more than others, but its high adhesive power with high-temperature bearing capacity makes the price range worthwhile.
