Professional Guide

Best Electrical Tape for Safe Wiring: 2025 Expert Review

OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

Electrical tape is one of those items everyone has in a drawer, but few people realise there's a massive difference between the cheap stuff and professional-grade insulation tape. In my line of work, a poor quality tape that loses its stickiness or becomes brittle in the cold isn't just annoying; it can be a safety hazard.

Commonly used for phase identification (colour coding), temporary insulation during fault finding, or bundling cables in conduit, tape needs to be reliable. Working in Leeds, where we deal with everything from damp back-to-back terraces to modern builds, I need tape that handles temperature changes without peeling.

In this review, I've selected three options I've encountered: a budget-friendly roll for general use, a top-tier Schneider Electric roll for professional safety, and a heavy-duty option for tougher environments. I'll explain exactly when and where to use each.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Electrical Insulation"

The Theory

"Tape claims to safely insulate bare wires."

The Reality

Whilst good tape insulates to 600V, it should NEVER be used as a permanent repair for damaged cable insulation on a circuit. If the sheath is cut, the cable usually needs replacing or a proper maintenance-free junction box. Tape is for marking and minor protection only.

The Spec: "Weatherproof/Waterproof"

The Theory

"Manufacturer claims tape works outdoors in rain."

The Reality

Standard PVC tape will peel outdoors eventually due to UV exposure and frost. Even 'weatherproof' tape is not a substitute for a proper IP-rated enclosure or resin joint. Don't rely on tape alone to stop water ingress.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Faithfull FAITAPEPVCBK Black PVC Electrical Tape 19 mm x 20 m

Budget Pick

Faithfull

This is your standard 'van stock' tape. At this price point, it's perfect for non-critical tasks like bundling cables together to pull them through a wall or temporary marking. It does the job without breaking the bank.

Price£1.49 (at the time of writing)

BrandFaithfull

Length20 metres

MaterialPVC

The Good

Extremely affordable
Decent tear resistance for general DIY
Good for bundling and cable management

The Bad

Adhesive struggles in very cold environments (like unheated Leeds lofts)
Not fire-rated like premium brands

Installer Tip:

Use this tape when pulling cables through conduit. Wrap the head of the cables tightly to create a smooth, snag-free leading edge. It's cheap enough that you don't mind cutting it off and throwing it away afterwards.

Priced at £1.49 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Schneider Electric Premium PVC Electrical Tape Black 19mm x 20m

Quality Choice

Schneider Electric

Schneider is a massive name in our industry (they make the consumer units and breakers we install daily). This tape is fire retardant and has superior elasticity, meaning it stretches tight around a connection giving a safer seal.

Price£3.99 (at the time of writing)

BrandSchneider Electric

Safety FeatureFire Retardant

AdhesiveHigh-strength, non-peeling

The Good

Fire retardant – essential for consumer unit work
Excellent elasticity (stretch) for a tight wrap
Trusted industry brand (Schneider)

The Bad

More expensive than generic options
Overkill for simple non-electrical tying jobs

Installer Tip:

I use this specifically inside Consumer Units. When we need to sleeve a wire or add extra protection near a busbar, the fire retardant property provides that extra peace of mind that complies with safety regulations.

Priced at £3.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Black Electrical Tape Waterproof Heat Resistant Tape 20m x 19mm

Problem-solving

WINSOME

Leeds weather can be unforgiving, and sometimes standard tape just falls off in damp or UV-heavy conditions. This WINSOME tape is designed to be tougher, with better resistance to heat, moisture, and UV light.

Price£3.98 (at the time of writing)

BrandWINSOME

ResistanceWaterproof, Heat, UV

ApplicationOutdoor/Automotive/Harsh environments

The Good

UV resistant – won't crack in sunlight
High heat resistance for hotter environments
Strong waterproofing properties

The Bad

Slightly thicker to handle
Price per roll is higher than budget options

Installer Tip:

If you are tidying up cabling in a garage or shed where damp is an issue, use this. While it doesn't replace a waterproof junction box, wrapping the cable entry points with this adds a decent secondary layer of defence against moisture ingress.

Priced at £3.98 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use electrical tape to fix a cut wire?

No. Never use tape as a permanent repair for a cut or damaged conductive core. If the copper is exposed, the cable continuity is compromised and it's a fire risk. The cable section should be replaced or joined with a maintenance-free connector (like a Wago box) inside a proper enclosure.

What do the different colours of electrical tape mean?

In the UK (BS 7671), we use specifics: Brown (Line 1), Black (Line 2), Grey (Line 3), and Blue (Neutral). Green/Yellow is strictly for Earth. We often use 'sleeving' (coloured tape or tubing) to identify a wire's function if the cable core colour doesn't match the usage—for example, putting brown sleeving on a blue wire used as a switched live.

Why does my electrical tape peel off after a few months?

This is usually down to cheap adhesive or 'plasticiser migration'. Poor quality tape loses its stickiness, especially in cold attics or damp basements common in Leeds. Switching to a quality brand like Schneider or 3M usually solves this.

Is electrical tape actually waterproof?

It is water-resistant, but not waterproof in the sense of being submersible. It will shed rain, but moisture will eventually creep under the gummy adhesive layers. For true waterproofing, you need self-amalgamating tape or resin joints.

Do I need an electrician for minor wiring repairs?

For anything involving the fixed wiring of your home (sockets, switches, consumer units), it is safer and often a legal requirement to use a competent person. At OR Electrics, we can quickly identify if a 'simple' fault is actually a sign of dangerous wiring deterioration.

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