Muchas Gracias!
OLD SAYINGS
These old sayings could relate to the importance of proper cable
preparation.BASIC CATEGORIES OF ELECTRICAL TAPES
NOTE: All data sheets available off the web at
www.3M.com./elpd/
NOTE: All PVC tape products are now LEADfree, in compliance with
Californias proposition #13.
CURRENT ELECTRICAL INSULATING VINYL PRODUCTSPremium = Super 33+
( 7 mil ) ; Super 88 ( 8.5 mil ); Scotch 35 ( Color Coding 7 mil)
Scotch 22 ( Heavy Duty 10 mil )
Commercial Grade = 700 ( 7 mil )
General Purpose = 1700 ( 7 mil ) Primary reasons for the
different thicknesses:
Thinner tapes usually apply easier and conform more readily.
Thicker tapes offer faster build up , higher dielectric strength,
better abrasion and cut through resistance and higher mechanical
strength. Some industry specifications also require different
thicknesses.
Application Tips & Demonstration:
Apply tape with enough stretch to conform smoothly to the object
you are wrapping. Be sure to let the last inch or so relax before
tabbing it down to prevent unwinding (flagging) as the tape
recovers.Keep fingers close together when tearing tape. The farther
apart they are, the more the tape will stretch before it tearsWrap
an irregular mechanical connector, such as a split bolt, with
rubber tape to pad sharp edges, before wrapping with vinyl
electrical tape.
GLOSSARY HAND-OUTGlossary describes some typical terms that you
will see on a data sheet, product specification or description of
an electrical tape.IMPORTANT PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
ARE:Adhesion to Backing - the bond produced by contact between a
pressure sensitive adhesive and the tape backing when one piece of
tape is applied to the back of another piece of the same tape.
Adhesive Transfer - the transfer of adhesive from its normal
position on the tape to the surface to which the tape was attached,
either during unwind or removal.Conformability - the ability of the
tape to fit snugly or make complete contact with the surface of an
irregular object without creasing or folding. Any tape can be
applied to any surface, but it may not conform. Elastic Memory - A
tendency of some tape backings to attempt to return to their
original length after being elongated. Elongation - The distance a
tape will stretch lengthwise before breaking, expressed in a
percentage. Elongation is an indication of conformability.Flagging
- When the end of a length of tape peels away from the surface
after the tape has been applied. Tensile Strength - the force
required to break a piece of tape by pulling on opposite ends of
the piece.
COMPARISON OF PREMIUM vs. GENERAL USE TAPES
Not all vinyl electrical tapes are the same. There are
significant differences in performance between various tapes. Some
of the key differences are:
Very cold and very hot temperature performance. Conformability
Plasticizer permanence
Elastic memory is one of premium vinyl electrical tapes most
desirable properties. It helps force the tape to conform and the
memory action continuously holds the tape in place to provide
moisture seal and eliminate voids.
INGREDIENTS OF VINYL ELECTRICAL TAPES
This list is to give you an idea of the complexity of the
formulation of an all weather PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tape. Vinyl
can be formulated to allow easy application at temperatures as low
as -18C and stable for continuous use as high as 105C, although
most vinyl tapes are formulated for 0C application and 80C
continuous operating temperature. Vinyl can be formulated for UV
stability. Black vinyl is the most UV stable. Vinyl tapes also come
in a variety of colors to make them suitable for use in color
coding and identification.
Plasticized vinyl tapes are very conformable. The formulation
can be adjusted to have excellent dielectric strength, good
mechanical strength and provide abrasion and cut through
resistance.
There are some tapes that do not have electrical insulating
properties. Look for the UL labelAGENCIES & TEST
REQUIREMENTS
ASTM D-1000 defines industry accepted test methods for
determining physical and electrical property performance for
pressure sensitive adhesive coated electrical tapes.
UL 510 covers thermoplastic and rubber tapes for use as
electrical insulation up to 600 Volts at 80C and lower temperatures
on joints and splices in wires and cables in accordance with the
NEC.
CSA 22.2 applies to PVC insulating tapes for use up to a maximum
temperature of 60, 80, 90 or 105C for insulating joints and splices
in wires and cables having voltage ratings up to 1000V in
accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.
IEC is a new European Standard. OVERVIEW OF VINYL TAPE
APPLICATIONS
Typical applications include: Electrical insulation up to 600VWe
also encounter many unusual applications like:Vinyl tape is used as
an electricians tool for low voltage insulation and all sorts of
strapping, bundling, identifying and holding applications (both
temporary and permanent).Apply in half lapped layers with enough
tension (or stretch) to conform to the object being wrapped. Apply
with no tension on the last wrap to prevent end lift. Always use a
minimum of two half-lapped layers. More layers = more insulation,
more abrasion and cut through resistance.Rule of thumb for
replacing insulation: Build tape thickness to 1 + 1/2 times the
existing wire or cable insulation thickness. Color Coding (outside
application)- Apply several layers directly over itself for UV
protection(unprotected outdoor application)for underlying layers.
Remove outer layer as tape fades.TITLE SLIDE
Connectors -Discuss Connector TerminologyProduct LinesHands
on
As noted on the overhead, square wire generally produces a
higher pullout value due to the sharp edges actually cutting into
the conductors. The oval wire also includes a sharp point which
will bite into the conductors.
The lubrication offers a smooth and easier wire feed along with
corrosion resistant protection.
The Performance + connector line are our premium connectors.They
are manufactured using a unique 2 step injection process which
allows the connector to have a hard main shell with a flexible
bottom. This flexible bottom or skirt protects against conductor
over-strips and also allows the connector to conform to tight
environments.Performance + connectors feature lubricated square
spring wire with room for expansion.The design allows the 3
connectors to incorporate all wire combinations used on 6 standard
connectors thus resulting in less inventory.Notice the slanted
wings for comfort and gripping performance.
These connectors are also color coded to industry standards.OB+
- Orange and BlueRY+ - Red and YellowBG+ - Blue and GrayWhen
purchased in bulk quantity they come in convenient plastic jugs
instead of bags.Available in boxes of 100 or 50 and jugs of 500 or
250. (Page 25 ELPD catalog.)
Datasheets contain specific and more detailed product
information than does a brochure or catalog. As shown, they contain
material, regulatory and installation information which may be
needed if the customer is trying to set specifications around an
individual product.
Most datasheets can be found on our Web-Site, if they are
unavailable there they can obtained by calling the Low Voltage
helpline. To use the wire combination portion of the datasheet,
choose a wire type and number on the bottom row. Once chosen, move
up the chart on the same rowand choose the other wire type and
number of conductors.If there is a dot, this combination is U.L.
listed, if there is not dot, then the combination is not
recommended.
These 3M underground electrical wire connectors splice and
effectively moisture-seal two or more conductors for remote-control
circuits in irrigation and landscape lighting systems.
The connector consist of either a Scotchlok Yellow or Red
connector hencethe name DBY or DBR and a grease filled tube. This
product gives the user the flexibility of utilizing the complete
wire range for which the spring connector is listed.
The DBR/Y products use a mineral based grease while the -6
version incorporates a high performance silicone grease.
U.L. 486D is a standard for direct bury products. The tests
included in this standard involve product submersion.
This product is available in a 2 connector per pack kit or a 100
per box bulk. Each includes connectors and tubes. Ordering
information can be found on page 259 of the Electrical Products
catalog.CONNECTOR FUNCTIONS
Example is 3M DB (Direct Bury) Series Splice, which contains a
sealant for moisture sealing a twist-on type connector.
These functions occur in all types of splicing or connecting
whether it be a spring connector, Terminal or even a tape splice.
IDC connectors are designed for making a quick reliable connection
with no wire stripping. Simply push down on the element or cap and
the connection is made.
Imagine a light ballast, an electrician could take 2-3 wires,
strip them and install a spring connector. With this method you end
up with insulation pieces all over and it is also time consuming.
With an IDC the user can take the 2-3 wires and simply insert them
into a 314 connector and crimp the cap resulting in less mess and a
time savings.
The same can be related to an automobile. For instance, a user
can simply tap into the ignition wire with no cutting or stripping.
IDC INSTALLATION
IDCs for the most part offer trouble free connections. When
there is a quality issue it is normally due to the improper tool be
used. Slip joint pliers, lineman pliers or a tool that has the jaws
parallel to each other when crimping should be used. Vice Grips,
channel locks are tools that should not be used. These tools have a
pinching action which could cause the element to be crimped
un-evenly. 3M also carries special tools for these connectors.E-9BM
- for electrical and communication connectors and the E-9Y for
communication connectors.The E-9BM features reversible jaws for the
ability to change crimp heights.There are basically 2 different
styles of IDCs which require different crimp methods.1) Connectors
with the element in the cap such as the 314 series, T-Taps and
communication connectors require one step. The wire is to be placed
in the connector or element and the cap crimped.2) All other
connectors which have the element in the body and a separate hinged
cover require the element to be crimped then the cap closed in 2
separate steps.
