Electrician Apprentice HQ #1 Online Resource For Becoming An Electrician 
Last updated on October 22nd, 2026.
When I first heard someone ask for “33”, I did not know what they meant. Electrical tape has uses beyond color coding wires or preparing for a wire pull.
Electrical tape can leave conductors looking messy when it is applied carelessly. Correct use depends on the type of tape and knowing when to avoid it.
Electrical tapes provide long-term electrical insulation, adhesion and corrosion resistance for different applications.
Most Common Electrical Tapes that Electricians Use Daily
Electricians commonly use 3M tapes for their reliability. Each type has its own uses and limits, including the 3M Super 33, 3M Super 35 and 3M Super 88.
3M General Purpose Vinyl Tape
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This general-purpose electrical tape is useful for color-coding or “phasing” wires and motors, or preparing a wire head before a pull. The durable vinyl resists everyday wear, while its flexible backing uses a rubber-based adhesive that bonds to irregular surfaces.
Electricians use this tape for different everyday jobs.
3M Super 33+ Electrical Tape
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The 3M Super 33+ is a premium-grade vinyl electrical insulating tape. On the job, older electricians may ask for “33” when they need to re-insulate a nicked wire.
It is the electrical industry’s most commonly used tape.
Applications for Use:
Its main use is electrical insulation for wire and cable splices up to 600 V and 220°F (105°C).
Tape Properties:
- Provides electrical insulation in applications up to 600 Volt.
- The light tape has a strong adhesive and elastic backing for an easy, water-resistant fit around irregular surfaces.
- This all-weather tape works in hot and cold conditions, with an ideal operating range from 0ºF (-18ºC) to 220ºF (105ºC).
- It resists abrasion, corrosion, acids, alkalis and moisture.
- You can use it indoors or outdoors.
The tape is compatible with solid dielectric insulation and suitable for splicing components up to 600V. It also provides protective jacketing for high-voltage cables and random wire harnesses.
3M Super 35 Electrical Tape
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The 3M Super 35 color coding tape is an electrical-grade tape for phase identification and color-coding motor leads. It is 0.178 mm thick, with a pressure-sensitive rubber adhesive and nine colors for labeling and coding electrical cables.
The all-weather tape provides good electrical insulation and resists moisture and corrosion. It unwinds relatively easily and wraps smoothly around cables, wires and irregular surfaces.
3M Super 88 Electrical Tape
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The Super 88 is another premium-grade electrical tape. This light, 0.2mm thick tape has an elastic PVC backing and works even in harsh weather.
It resists abrasion, moisture, alkalis, acids, UV rays and corrosion. The tape is light to carry and easy to unwind. Its pressure-sensitive rubber adhesive stretches easily to fit irregular surfaces.
You can use it for primary insulation of wires and splices up to 600V, fixed wire joints rated up to 1000V and cable harnessing. Most electricians prefer this tape for outdoor use.
Correct insulation makes electrical components safer and reduces contact with substances such as water.
Choosing The Right Electrical Tape for Each Task.
New apprentices may find it difficult to choose electrical tape. Consider the job, the surrounding conditions and the electrical current the tape needs to insulate against.
Electrical insulation tapes use three main materials: rubber, vinyl and mastic.
Varnished tapes also use cambric, though it is rarely available today.
Rubber tapes are generally non-adhesive. They form an effective moisture barrier and provide electrical insulation.
Vinyl is the most effective and widely used tape material. Its durability and flexibility make it the usual outer layer of insulation in electrical taping.
Vinyl tapes suit a range of electrical jobs.
Mastic pads sit between layers and form the second layer of the insulation assembly.
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Different grades of vinyl tape provide electrical insulation, abrasion protection and corrosion resistance. Vinyl tapes fit irregular surfaces, unwind easily and retain their adhesiveness even in extreme weather conditions.
Download this reference from 3M to your phone: 3M Electrical Tapes Chart.
It describes each product and its applications.
