Overview
3M Scotch 23 electrical tape is a professional-grade, self-fusing rubber splicing tape designed for high-voltage cable applications. This premium-grade, highly conformable rubber splicing tape is 30-mil (0.76 mm) thick and composed of a self-fusing Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) backing supplied on a removable polyethylene liner. As a high-insulating tape for splicing and terminating medium voltage cables, this self-amalgamating tape creates a secure, tight bond by fusing to itself.
Key Features
- Self-Fusing Adhesive: Forms a solid bond without adhesives — no additional bonding agents required.
- Temperature Range: Withstands temperatures up to 194 °F (90 °C) with an emergency overload rating to 266 °F (130 °C).
- EPR Backing: Highly conformable Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) backing will wrap tightly over most profiles, even irregular and awkward shapes.
- Broad Material Compatibility: Works on PE, XLPE, PVC, butyl, and oil-based rubber insulations.
- Moisture Sealing: Protects electrical connections from water ingress.
- Shelf Life: 5 years with operation at emergency temperatures up to 130 °C (266 °F).
Technical Specifications
- Material: Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR)
- Width: 0.98 inches (25 mm)
- Length: 30 feet (9.15 meters)
- Thickness: 0.03 inches (0.76 mm / 30 mil)
- Voltage Rating: 600 V
- Dielectric Strength: 800 V/mil
- Tensile Strength: 8 lb/in
- Operating Temperature: 0–194 °F (−18 to 90 °C)
- Emergency Temperature: Up to 266 °F (130 °C)
- Color: Black
- Backing Material: Polyethylene Liner
- Adhesive Material: Rubber Resin (self-fusing)
- Standards Compliance: ASTM D4388-08 Type I, II and III
- RoHS Compliant: Yes (EU 2002/95/EC)
Typical Applications
- Medium-voltage cable splicing and jointing (up to 69 kV)
- Cable terminations and repairs on LV, MV, and HV systems
- Protection and sealing of electrical connections against moisture, corrosion, and abrasion
- Splicing of cables with PE, XLPE, PVC, butyl, and oil-based rubber insulations
- Industrial switchgear and busbar wrapping
- Professional electrical construction and maintenance applications
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- PE (polyethylene) insulated cables
- XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulated cables
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) insulated cables
- Butyl rubber insulated cables
- Oil-based rubber insulated cables
- Synthetic cable insulations
- MV/HV electrical systems up to 69 kV
- Low-voltage applications requiring premium insulation
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
Verify compatibility with your system integrator before ordering. Related 3M Scotch tape products include the 2242 Rubber Splicing Tape (smaller 3/4″ width option) and 2228 Rubber Mastic Tape for alternative applications.
Works With
- Cable jointing and termination systems
- Cold-shrink cable accessories
- Heat-shrink tubing systems
- Standard electrical cable repair kits
- Professional splicing and maintenance toolkits
