What is Self Fusing Rubber Tape and Why Do We Use Them?

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. 

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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. 

Are you interested in learning more about Self Fusing Rubber Tape? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

You can read a quick summary of each of our main types below or click here to browse our full range.

Self-amalgamating tape is a non-tacky silicone rubber tape that when stretched and wrapped around cables, electrical joints, hoses, and pipes combines or unites itself into a strong, seamless, rubbery, waterproof, and electrically insulating layer.[1][2] Unlike many other polymers and fibers, it is heat-, sunlight-, and weather-resistant. This type of tape is also described, particularly in the United States, as "self-fusing",[3][4] or "self-vulcanizing". In the US Air Force (and elsewhere) it is called centerline tape due to a colored line running down the center of some varieties, used to assist with even wrapping. It is sold under a variety of brand names, including "F4 tape", "Tommy Tape", "Rescue Tape", and "Fix-It Tape".[5][6][7][8] Certified versions of this tape for aviation/marine/military use meet A-A- (was MIL-I-) and MIL-I- Specifications - FlameShield's website shows the parameters for each type.[1]

Description

While not adhesive to the repaired object, it is cohesive, sticking to itself and securing the bond well. It is supplied in rolls with an interleaving layer, to prevent the tape from amalgamating before use. It may optionally be made with an iron-oxide additive which adds high thermal conductivity. This tape is used extensively in aviation and aerospace wiring applications as a splice or wrapping tape due to its non-flammability.[citation needed] It can be used for emergency repair of leaking low-pressure hoses and pipes.

Compared to most other electrical and utility tapes, centerline tape is not particularly tough mechanically. Silicone rubber feels soft and is also susceptible to cuts and abrasion, having low tear resistance. This weakness is made worse because this tape is wrapped while stretched, and remains under internal tension even while fused, so that any nicks or cuts may start to tear and expand without additional external tension.[9] However, these same properties, combined with the lack of traditional gum adhesive, make tape removal, if needed, quick, clean, and easy.

Another form of self-amalgamating tape is made from ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) and has similar uses as silicone self-amalgamating tape but is non-vulcanising and has good moisture resistance. It is primarily used for insulating moisture sealing joints, splices and connections in electrical cables up to high voltages. A similar tape, PIB (polyisobutylene) rubber self-amalgamating tape, is used for more general purpose electrical lower voltage sealing and insulating cable applications.[10]

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