Regpre Electrical Tape 3-Pack, Black, Red and White, 32.8 ft

What's in this electrical tape 3-pack?

This electrical tape set gives you three PVC rolls in the colors used most: black for everyday wrapping, plus red and white for marking. Each roll is 0.62 in (about 16 mm) wide and 32.8 ft (10 m) long, so the pack holds 98.4 ft (30 m) of tape in total. The rolls are compact enough for a kitchen drawer, glove box or tool bag.

Why buy red, white and black electrical tape together?

Colored electrical tape is mostly about identification. People who search for red and white electrical tape or red and black electrical tape usually want to tell wires apart at a glance: positive and negative on a low-voltage DC run (red for positive, black for negative), which cable goes where behind a TV or under a car dash, or a bright warning band on a cord.

In North American AC building wiring, black and red usually mark hot conductors and white marks neutral. Re-marking a conductor with tape is covered by electrical code, so follow your local code, and leave household wiring to a licensed electrician if it isn't work you're qualified to do.

How to wrap electrical tape so it holds

1. Clean and dry the surface first. Dust, oil and moisture are the usual reasons tape lifts.
2. Start the wrap on the insulation a little before the area you're covering.
3. Stretch the tape lightly as you wind and overlap each turn; about half the tape width is a common rule of thumb.
4. Don't stretch the last turn. Lay the end down and press it firmly so it doesn't peel back.

The vinyl conforms around bends, connectors and cable jackets. It stiffens in the cold, so warming the roll in a pocket for a few minutes makes it easier to work on a winter job.

Good jobs for this tape, and when to use something else

• Color-coding wire phases, polarity and cable runs
• Labeling cords and extension leads so you can tell them apart
• Insulating wraps on general-purpose wire joints rated up to 600V
• Small garage, automotive, hobby and toolbox fixes

Use it indoors or in protected outdoor spots. It isn't meant for submerged, buried, high-abrasion or permanent contractor installations; those call for a larger professional roll or a specialty tape. If a charger or appliance cord has exposed or damaged wires inside, replace the cord rather than taping it.

The rolls earn their place away from wiring too. A flag of tape on a bit is a quick depth marker if you don't own drill bit depth stop collars, and some players use a wrap of tape to finish off a field hockey stick grip. Find more workshop basics in tools and hardware.