| By :
Autumn Lockwood
Electrical tape is used in the home to make minor fixes, but your better option is often getting in contact with a electrician if you need assistance. However, unfortunately it is often used improperly, at times with tragic results. Every homeowner should be aware of when and when never to use electrical tape. Here are some guidelines concerning how to properly use electrical tape around your own home. Electrical Tape is NOT the Equal of Wire Nuts Do-it-yourself electricians often make the common mistake of utilizing electrical tape instead of wire nuts. When you're making permanent connections in junction boxes, light switches, or wiring outlets, wire nuts should be used instead of electrical tape. Once the electrical current passes through these connections, heat is produced. Electrical tape can deteriorate over time due to this amount of heat, and this can cause an unsafe condition. Although there are several kinds of electrical tape manufactured to face up to this kind of heat, it is always a better idea to work with wire nuts. Your best choice when you require help making these types of repairs is always to speak to a electrician. Just Use for Minor Wire or Cord Repair Even though electrical tape is often utilized to repair wires or cords which are damaged, this kind of usage has certain limitations. In the event the inner insulation of the wire remains intact, then electrical tape usually can be used to repair small defects inside the wire's outer sheath. Electrical tape should never be employed for repair, though, if your wire or cord is severely damaged. It's also not preferable to use electrical tape to repair any cord or wire that is located in close proximity to fabric, rugs or any flammable materials. Only Buy Top Quality Tape If you are purchasing electrical tape for home repair, make sure that you don't scrimp in the quality. Inexpensive tape may be bought at discount stores, but it's a way better idea to purchase high quality tape from your hardware or home improvement store. Not only will the tape be of higher quality, but it is also probably going to be newer. Electrical tape degrades after a while, so it makes very little sense to acquire low quality tape which is already showing its age. When the tape you utilize is already old before you buy it, there is no way your repairs will last as long as they should. You will ensure your electrical repairs will be safe repairs by using high quality, fresh tape. Methods for Proper Electrical Tape Application Many inexperienced do-it-yourselfers make the common mistake to put on the electrical tape too loosely. Because this tape is designed to perform properly when it fits closely to the thing it is been applied to, you will need to always stretch the tape a little bit while you apply it. Not only will this enhance the overall adhesion and efficiency of your tape, but it will also provide better insulating properties. You also need to be sure that you are playing it safe whenever using electrical tape in close proximity to insulating materials. As an example, if you use electrical tape to help insulate your water pipes in cold temperatures, don't ever cover your taped areas with insulation. When trapped between domestic hot water pipes and insulation, electrical tape could become hot enough to result in a fire. So, if you are going to be using electrical tape, just be sure you apply it correctly. And, should you ever have questions about your work, make certain you call your helpful electrician.
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