Shared Knowledge
“Liquid Electrical Tape”
Whenever I go to a hardware store, it is usually for a specific item. However, while I am in the store, I always look about at all the various fasteners, bolts, screws, rope, whatever and make a mental note of it as on my next project I might need something that is readily available.
Recently
I went hardware shopping for some electrical supplies I needed to complete the
wiring of a neighbor’s gazebo outlet and ceiling fan. Being an electrical
engineer, I thought I knew just about all the various hardware there was to be
had in the realm of electric but this time, looking about, I came across a can
of “liquid electrical tape.” What? Liquid electrical tape? Now that would be
useful in some applications as at times, putting regular electrical tape on
junctions has been difficult or almost impossible because of space limitations.
If this stuff, this liquid, worked, then it would be perfect for tight spaces.
And so, I bought a can.
And
it works great. I have already used it several times. Specifically, I have used
it outside where normal electrical tape seems to always deteriorate or come
loose no matter what I do and the liquid electrical tape forms a nice sealed,
flexible coat over the electrical junction. There is no voltage rating on the
can I have, so I assume it is good up to at least 120VAC.
The
other places I have used it is where normal electrical tape would be too bulky
or hard to put into place. For example, when I solder on wires to an LCD cool
compact florescent lamp (CCFL), the electrical ends of the CCFL must be
insulated from the surrounding LCD metal frame. Normal electrical tape is
impossible to use and although I have tried various contact cements as an
insulator, the liquid electrical tape is significantly better.
If
you do electrical wiring, get yourself a can. No, it will not completely
replace your need for normal electrical tape, but it will come in handy now and
again.