Here at Swift, we stock a number of different electrical tapes. Some are adhesive, some are not and somewhere in the middle are our self-fusing tapes. These don't stick to surfaces but they do stick to themselves.
In this post, we'll briefly explain why you would use a self-fusing electrical tape and the typical applications for them.
What Is A Self-Fusing Tape?
Self fusing tape is a type of self-adhesive tape that can be used for emergency or temporary repairs to electrical wires, plumbing and hoses.
The tape fuses or seals itself to create a waterproof and airtight layer when stretched and wrapped around objects.
To use the tape, simply stretch it around the material you are trying to repair. As you wrap the tape in a circular motion, it begins to seal and “fuse” itself to the material. The most common forms of self-fusing / self-amalgamating tapes are made of silicone rubber (though other types also exist). They are designed to create a strong, seamless, rubbery, waterproof, and electrically insulating layer.
Why Would You Use A Self-Fusing Tape Instead of a Adhesive Tape?
- Self-fusing electrical tape is stretchy and can wrap around a wire junction and still grab the insulation to either side. This helps keep the tape in place. Regular tape is likely to get stiff, lose adhesion, and slide away from the joint, leaving it exposed.
- Self-fusing rubber tape is a type of self-adhesive tape that can be used for emergency or temporary repairs to electrical wires, plumbing and hoses. The tape fuses or seals itself to create a waterproof and airtight layer when stretched and wrapped around objects.
- Over time, the adhesive on many tapes lose their effectiveness. Factors like temperature changes, physical stress, and exposure to direct sunlight impact them over time.
- It’s waterproof and airtight when stretched and wrapped around objects.
- Less preparation is required. With an adhesive tape, the rules of any adhesive apply: surface must be cleaned. With a self-fusing tape, this is less important as the tape will onyl be sticking to itself.
Our Self-Fusing Tape Range.
We are pleased to stock a number of different self-fusing tapes. All are electrically insulating though some are often used for sealing work (e.g. fixing a leaking hose) in addition to electrical applications.
You can read a quick summary of each of our main types below or click here to browse our full range.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We'll do what we can to help.
3M Scotch 23 Rubber Splicing Electrical Tape.
| Colour | Black | |
| Material | Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) | |
| Elongation | 1,000% | |
| Dielectric Strength | 31.5 mV/m | |
| Learn More or Buy Now. | ||
A high quality grade of rubber self-fusing tape, 3M Scotch 23 Rubber Splicing Electrical tape has excellent conformability and is easy to use.
This tape is really designed for electrical insulation applications and is a popular choice here. It isn't made from Silicone like the others on this page, rather it is made from Ethylene Propylene; a different type of rubber compound. Manufactured by 3M, this quality tape is kept in two different widths (19mm & 25mm). Rolls are 9 Metres Long.
3M Scotch 70 Self Fusing Silicone Tape.
| Colour | Grey | |
| Material | Silicone Rubber | |
| Elongation | 450% | |
| Dielectric Strength | 34 kV/mm | |
| Learn More or Buy Now. | ||
High quality self fusing silicone tape for demanding applications and long term performance. 3M 70 is grey, withstands elevated temperatures and has good UV resistance.
This sealing tape fuses to itself instantly and is very long lasting.
3M Scotch 70 Tape can withstand temperatures up to 180°C and features very fast self-adhesion making application to really tricky shapes possible.
We keep this tape in just the one size: 25mm Wide x 9 Metre Long rolls.
Black Silicone Self-Fusing Sealing and Insulating Tape.
| Colour | Black | |
| Material | Silicone Rubber | |
| Elongation | 450% | |
| Dielectric Strength | 30 kV/mm | |
| Learn More or Buy Now. | ||
A versatile tape that can be used for everything from sealing pipes and hoses to general waterproofing and electrical cable splicing.
This tape is easy to use, sticks to itself well and is available in convenient, 6 metre long rolls.
This black sealing & insulating tape is our most economical option in our self-fusing tape family. It's a popular choice for everyone from electricians and plumbers through to DIYers.
Rolls are 25mm Wide.
Self Levelling Silicone Self Fusing Tape.
| Colour | Red | |
| Material | Silicone Rubber | |
| Elongation | 480% | |
| Dielectric Strength | 340 Volts/Mil | |
| Learn More or Buy Now. | ||
High quality Self Levelling Silicone Self Fusing Tape has excellent temperature resistance, dielectric strength and resiliency.
It creates watertight, impenetrable seals and has a triangular cross section for a smooth surface finish.
Look closely at this tape and you'll see it has a tapered design. This is so that when it is applied with 50% overwrap (the green centreline helps with this) you end up with a smooth finish and less overall bulk.
Made from silicone, this quality tape handles over 200°C and is used primarily for electrical insulation applications where efficiency to size added is of concern.