4 July 2006

21 Feb 2009

Summary: if you do wiring of any kind, you need liquid electrical tape. Applied with a brush out of a can, this stuff forms a tight electrical seal around wires and is ever so much better than normal, black, electrical tape in many situations.

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, 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.

22 Feb 2009 Update For whatever reason (gets old or gets air in can or gets cold being in unheated garage) stuff can get too thick to use BUT not really. Boil up a pan of water and once off the stove, place the electrical tape metal container in the water and let it sit for 5 minutes or so. Remove can carefully as to not burn yourself, open can and stir. Liquid may not be liquid enough yet and if not, back in the hot water.