Is It ILLEGAL To Wrap Outlets And Switches With Electrical Tape?! The DIY Great Debate! How To
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2024
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On this video we are going to find out once and for all if is it illegal to wrap outlets and switches with electrical tape. THE DIY GREAT DEBATE! I'll also show you two methods tips and tricks on how you can wrap your outlets and switches properly with electrical tape
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This video is meant for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only! To better your knowledge on the concepts of electricity, electrical circuitry, entertainment component circuitry and all other wiring methods. Electrical codes in my area may be different from yours so always make sure you follow and stay current with your local code. With different codes around the world constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Fix This House cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulation for a project. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY WIRING OF ANY KIND if you lack the knowledge and understanding required. Otherwise, personal injury and/or death as well as property damage or loss could occur. Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. If you are a younger person or are inexperienced with electrical devices, ask for help from a parent, teacher or a licensed professional.
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I just hit an issue that makes me believe this practice is necessary. It's a new construction home and I was replacing a switch to a dimmer. The previous guy installing the left switch, left a hot terminal screw sticking out. Unfortunately the ground wire on the right switch touched that hot screw, and shorted. Luckily the circuit breaker immediately tripped, and all that's damaged is a slightly burnt hot terminal screw and a ground wire. I had to take that switch off, screw the terminal in, put the tape on, before I can confidentally put them back.
Thank you for sharing!
I've been a electrician for 20 years and I've always wrapped tape around my devices. It's a good practice. 👍
You can't just assert "it's good practice" and use argument by authority ("electrician for 20 years") as the support for the claim.
I know plenty of people in the trade with decades of experience who do things wrong all the time.
There is NO NEED for wrapping anything in PVC tape as it is only going to turn into a sticky mess. If you think you need to wrap devices in tape, you're doing something else wrong.
@@DiffEQ Honestly I can see the sticky causing a fire tbh >
Good practice is not a good argument.
I only tape metal boxes with deep rings like masonry rings. Otherwise nah
@@ryankile1264 I done electrical work since 1990. In 1970, back then the idea of taping outlets was rare, and all the boxes were metal.
I have been a maintenance electrician since 2000. I have had to replace hundreds of outlets. I never ran into a duplex out let where the terminal touched the metal box.
I recall one box were the negative wire touched the metal box, and the insulation wore away and caused a burning insulation smell. It was odd because the breaker didn't trip.
I never tape my wires, and I never got call backs.
Although my biggest fear was metal staples on romex.
Romex protection sheath is very thin. If you hit the staple too hard, the it can nick the romex.
This nick can create a small electrical heater, which will create a fire. So I never use steel staples, instead I use one hole romex metal straps.
I do not understand why the code permits using metal romex staples.
Personally, I only wrap if the device is being loaded into a metal box and/or a double (or higher) gang box is used where devices are in close proximity and the possibility of a short exists. Always use quality tape and never the cheap crap.
Thank you for sharing your experience and advice! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊
Same here. Blown an expensive dimmer or two in my career in multi gang boxes (where there was a mixture of dimmers and toggle switches, a few of the dimmers I've installed had screw terminals and needed a neutral) a wrap of good quality tape is cheap insurance, although if you are really neat with packing the wires back there shouldn't be an issue
Vinyl tape should not be used as it is not stable and will just turn brittle and/or a sticky mess. Nature of the beast. If you want to protect the device from accidental shorting to the box, then use a self-vulcanizing rubber tape. Yes, it's more expensive, but it is stable and does not use an adhesive. If you want to do the right thing, saving a few pennies isn't worth it. Do it right, or not at all.
I agree 100% and do the same.
"Personally, I only wrap if the device is being loaded into a metal box..."
I do the same.
AS a Electrical Contractor for over 40 years and I still wrap tape, It also helps on trouble calls if the tape is gone , shows what the customer may have been playing with ....
If In doubt or a tight box, I do it also :-) Currenlty I'm fighting my house wiring that was badly done with the daisychained outlets and back-stab wiring. That push-in concept was not a good idea.
Great idea! Safety is first. I did get shocked because I had the electrical outlet cover off on when I was fixing the drywall and the blade touched the outlet.
It’s interesting how heated discussion develops over topics which are mostly resonate preference. Both sides have valid arguments. I’ve been doing my own electrical work for at least 40 years, and I try to read as much as I can to stay up with best practices and latest codes.
I’m not licensed, but id like to think that I take care in my work. I have used tape in crowded metal boxes, but usually don’t bother in plastic. There are probably unusual circumstances which could cause problems either way.
Tanks for sharing the information. It seems Ike you’ve done your research.
Good video. I have been a I.B.E.W. Union member for 20 years and cert elec. And 6 year military. It is always good practice to have safety layers in all your electrical jobs. I have used electrical tape and 1/2" and 1" industrial rubber bands. Rubber bands don't retain moisture and 99% off inspectors that I have seen. Like it because it works and quick inspections with out having to un- wrap tape.also you can make your own rear safety caps. I have had a few inspectors bark on it, but there is nothing in NEC about it. Stay safe and work smart my brothers and sisters. Stay squared away or get blown away!
Wow, so many professional contractors arguing over taping up your electrical connections with tape. I did read many comments on here and I agree with both sides. Over 42 yrs as a general contractor I also do all my own wiring and all I can say about this topic is this.... I only found taped up switches or receptacles in metal boxes. This is just my findings when gutting homes or commercial buildings. I myself used tape in metal boxes only, because of the material surrounding the connection and the tolerances on the sides of the boxes. Again, it's preference. I give this guy credit, no way could I make a video for 45 min on how to tape up your electrical switches, god, how long can toilet paper video go....
The code mandates clearances and capacities for devices and wires by box size. If your work meets those mandates, you should not need tape. If you are NOT meeting those mandates, why not ?
I'm a home DIYer and I've always done this.
Some electrician once told me it's an easy way to increase safety.
They are correct! I personally do this with mine 👍🏽😊
Great instructional video on safety. Very good work. Lot's of good stuff here for us electrical DIY'ers! Thank you for all the great videos! Keep them coming! 👍👍
Yes, you're right that it should be wrapped for protecting the curious children at home! Well done!
I was trained ed to wrap, because we often (in my facility) couldn't secure the power. We also had legacy 3 phase 480V that looked like a light switch. In a damp location, every step to protect the circuit.
Super 33 is what I carry every day.
Myself being a J Man Electrician , I always wrapped my outlets and switches especially when there’s metal boxes involved , I’m surprised you mentioned Hospital work , thats what I’ve been doing for the last ten years , those places is where you can’t really can’t turn off the power ( you have no idea 🤷🏼♂️ what is being fed on that circuit as I have found out over the years ) so when you have to go change out an outlet ( Live ) it makes it exciting
Hello my friend,
Well said, all perfect.
One more too add, it prevents corrosion if taped correctly it’s the best! Always use super88 by 3M.
I do it... it is a good practice & makes it easier & safer to work on in the future.
I remodeled apartments for a retired electrical engineer from the army for about a year and he taught me everything I know about electrical. His biggest thing was ensuring every switch, outlet, and wire connector got wrapped with electrical tape. With switches and outlets the reason being is if someone behind you decides to work on that device live when they pull it out of the box they don't risk touching the terminals and getting shocked. At the time of this comment I'm remodeling a house my wife and I just bought and I've spend several hours now wiring pig tails to all outlets to have them ready for install as soon as drywall is done. 80 outlets total and every single one of them got wrapped twice with electrical tape with a dog ear. Out of my 13 years of experience in construction since working with the electrical engineer every outlet or switch I've worked on never goes back into the box without tape I refuse to not wrap them. It's the guys that wrap them but don't leave a dog ear are the guys I want to hunt down and have their butt meet my steel toe boot....
I'm not an electrician but I have been a general contractor for the last 30 years with a degree in applied science construction engineering. The cover plate is your primary protection against little fingers getting zapped, make sure they are properly attached.
I do not recall any n.e.c code governing the taping of outlets but in my opinion a secondary level of protection seems more professional. It looks like you have taken the time to do the job properly and the customers will appreciate the added safety. It makes you look cheap that you didn't wrap 2 cents of tape around your outlets.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and expert advice! 👍🏽😊👍🏽
I wonder if customers even care that you added 2 cents of tape around an outlet. If they are not planning on doing anything inside the j box or removing face plates anytime soon how would they ever know? And why would they ever ask?
@@Jrfusion08 The customers that won't care don't, the customers that do care might cost you your reputation. My reputation is worth more to me than 2 cents worth of electrical tape. I hope yours is as well.
Also you can guarantee that the face plates will be removed at some point as most are removed when painting.
Last thing, even if there was no additional layer of safety involved the perception of the customer that you are a professional gets referrals and sells more jobs.
Exactly wrong. I am not cheap for not using tape....I am knowledgeable for not using tape. You don't have the credentials to give the incorrect advice on this subject. It's wrong for many reasons that you don't have the experience to comprehend. Again, if it was needed then the devices/equipment would have been designed poorly and therefore not even legal to use.
@@jeffreycoe1665 my reputation would ensure that no customer thinks poorly of me because I didn't use 2 cents worth of tape. They would know if I didn't do something it's because no substantive value could be found. But others may have fickle customers and fickle reputations they feel they need to defend. Either way, I've never heard a customer say "where's the electrical tape" lol.
Thanks, I have thought about doing that, can't remember if I ever have. All good points.
Central California Watching
I always wrap all switches and receptacles! Start on the bottom left and wrap two full turns going clockwise (three for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors). I only use Scotch Super 33+, it doesn't leave the residue that other tapes do.
Thanks Jay for sharing your knowledge.
Master electrician of 10 years in Kentucky - In non-metallic boxes there is no point in wrapping the devices. If your worried about the ground touching a terminal, you did not tuck your wires correctly to begin with. If you are putting a device in a multi-gang box next to other devices or maybe a cut-in metallic box where the sides of box or support bracket may come in contact with the terminals on side of device we always use 3M 33+ or 88+ electrical tape (not jap-wrap dollar store tape) because just like solder, when things get warm the cheap stuff falls off like butter.
If you are a residential, commercial, industrial electrician who can also troubleshoot ,most construction boys CAN'T TROUBLESHOOT LOL..
@@davidcooper4385 right, thats when all the "this is weird" "never seen anything like this" "hmm must be the harmonics" start coming out and itchy and scratchy hop back in the van and start googling how to wire a 3-way sw. Or what is a relay. Service Van work is the best experience you can get as an apprentice, that coupled with working with someone twice your age. Show up on the job, figure out the problem, and fabricate a solution with 3 toothpicks, a few connectors, a hand full of wire nuts, and whatever you have available on your van, nearest HW store is 100 miles away.
I am a DIYer, and always do it. 2 main reasons: 1 the extra safety. 2 I often get into projects that last months. Have had a live switch/outlet with no cover or even pulled from wall for days while I repair drywall and paint around it. Having it taped is a good way to ensure i don't get zapped when fumbling for the switch.
I just graduated as an apprentice electrician. The master electrician instructor recommends wrapping the outlet/switch. If the next electrician needs to remove the tape, a knife cut will enable removing the tape, a 10 second operation.
I worked as a maintenance mechanic/ electrician for 40 years. I have always believed that if the the device is wired correctly, and the box not crowded with wires, and the box sized right for the devices, you shouldn't need tape, metal box or not. I do it sometimes...
Very good video man!! Thx
3:58 Box too small is a code violation in itself. Use properly sized box and problem solved. Nearly every switch and plug has a specification of size of box to make wires comfortable in them and to provide clearance for the intended insert. Too many ignore those specs.
Plugs don't go in boxes - so they have no such specification on box size. In my 50 years in the industry I have never seen a switch or receptacle with a box size specification. Boxes are sized by their volume versus the number and AWG of wires in the box. 2020 NEC 314.16.
I've heard some inspectors fail you on new installs but I always wrap receptacles on old metal boxes when doing replacements, I've seen narrow old metal boxes.
I prefer devices not be wrapped unless a need facilitates it, such as where you mention the GFI into a metal box, which I run into often on repairing outdoor circuits. Otherwise its usually an inconvenience to troubleshooting and repairs for me.
Thank you for sharing your experience! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊
As of 2022 the GFIs that I usually see have terminals that are extremely recessed unlike before
Thanks for video ! In future if you could do how to hook up 240V electric cooktop to panel that would be very informative.
I will try this brother. Thank you for the video idea! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
I use these they work great and are reusable. Great fix to the sticky residue tape as someone say. Ideal Industries 47-110J Insulating Wrap Silicone Blue Tape ArmourBand
I agree, these are the best.
I don’t think they sell these anymore
Why have two GFCI outlets in the same box?
Here's the real reason why the practice of taping outlets started in commercial work back in the day. In those days you were expected to work the majority of circuits hot. It was done so the next guy after you had less of a chance shorting out the device when pulling it out of the box to either replace it or having to fish new wires into the box.
makes sense....think of the next guy even if its 20 years later...
Damn. I hope there was hazard pay.
45 year Electrition, I wrap tape when working and installing outlets in a metal box while doing it live circuits
I am an electrician and an electrical engineer for more than 30 tears, ande always I wrap the insulating tape around the outlet, just for safety and I think is a very goos practices for all situation.
Much respect to you sir and thank you for the feedback! 🙏🏽😊
20+ years electrician. I base wrapping on the situation of NM boxes, but always in metal boxes. It facilitates device removal and installation. 98% of the time you are working hot, and have plenty of other stuff demanding your attention, so one simple safety habit can save yourself and the next guy.
My father was a certified electrician many years ago. He taught me to always wrap the switch.
Thank you for the feedback
And for sharing!🙏🏽😊
He taught you incorrectly. Just because he was your dad and an electrician isn't an argument for doing something incorrectly. Did your dad teach you to go back several years later and see what a mess it makes? Do the job correctly and you don't need to wrap devices. If you feel so compelled, then use a self-vulcanizing rubber tape.
@@DiffEQ lol you said “he taught you incorrectly” my dude there is no code on which way is correct or not so your personal opinion of it being “incorrect” carries zero weight. I’ve never seen an inspector fail something for electrical tape being on it so.... who’s wrong here? It’s more a do it your way and respect others for doing it their way. You’re calling it out as though he was taught wrong... there is no right or wrong in this situation 🙄
I always wrap even if it’s a plastic box. I also tighten up the unused screw that’s sometimes not tighten and left sticking out.
Interesting seeing how the components themselves, with their exposed terminals, set you up for failure.
i am an electrician over 50 years and still doing small jobs i always wrap recps. and switches to prevent shorts .i saw they sell rubber bands now to replace tape
Is the ground touching the junction box ok?
I would wrap the outlets for a little added short protection. It’s funny you had a name for the folded edge of the tape. I would call it a courtesy end!
In commercial electrical it's standard practice here in South Carolina. It is good practice too.
Been wrapping them for 30 years . Adds that extra buffer .
Thank you for sharing! 👍🏽😊
Honestly the only time I feel the need to wrap anything comes with power skirting or trunking for offices and such.. the trunking sometimes fits so tightly around the plug that there is like a few mm at best of clearance between hot and essentially a completely metal exposed surface which is usually earthed but you never know
Thank you for sharing and your feedback! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
If they go into a metal box , YES , I wrap them 3 layers
If they go into a plastic box , NO , I do not wrap them.
When installing the devices , I bury the grounds into the back of the box first to prevent any ground from migrating onto a hot wire .
Thank you for sharing my friend 🙏🏽😊
Same. My boss has said before that you shouldn't need tape if you're doing it correctly.
I mainly only tape in cramp metal boxes and in questionable instances.
I tape mine for safety and identification. I gives me a place to write notes or label the switch for later. For example, my office has 5 different circuits for different things. I have computer circuits, general plugs, dedicated ones for my laser and 3d printers. Basically lots of electrical. As I installed them I wrapped the outlets with different colors the same as if I was labeling the wires.
I've had shorting issues with bare ground wires touching both the hot and neutral receptacle screws--with the screws all the way in--and even with back-wired receptacles--and even in plastic boxes--doesn't matter. And I'm neat, take my time, and try to fold wires carefully. Tired of tracking down issues--I wrap everything now.
Congrats on the 100K!! Welcome to the Club!!☻
Thank you! 🙏🏽😊
I was a commercial electrician many years ago n we did it by putting n junkshion box. Here n florida
Excellent video! Your perspectives and explanations are right on point! Thanks for caring and sharing your knowledge/experience with us.
37yrs in the trade. I only wrap a temporary device with tape during construction. It's a working site receptacle or site switch in an open box. If you have worth your salt, follow box fill limits and keep safety first, taping device in a finished closed box is a waste of time. Taping a GFCI is an outdoor T11 box will not protect the device from additional moisture and corrosion. I've done electrical work from Key West to Massachusetts. Nowhere in any of all those local code revisions, does it suggest taping devices. .
Chicago Sparky here. I wrap every receptacle I install in tape for 2 reasons. 1, to combat shorts, you never know who's coming after you or if another workers work banged on a box. 2, I don't wanna get zapped when I'm doing a rewire. Lots of old homes in Chicago and I see cloth wire everyday. Doing a rewire right now in a 120 year old home. Half is already THHN but there is so much cloth yall.
Personally, I use tape around the receptacle or switch if I am installing in a metal box, or if installing switches in multi-gang boxes (3 or 4 gang) where there's a higher chance of the ground wire inadvertently shorting out against the device terminals. I've fried one more expensive dimmer than I want to admit, from this happening, so a little tape is cheap insurance.
Otherwise, I don't use tape.
8:47 YOUR SON IS NOW TALL ENOUGH TO REACH THE LIGHTS SWITCH HAHAHHAHAHAAH. My son is almost 3 and he LOVES being light switch man.
The cons with electrical tape tend to be from using inferior quality tape. Use super 33 like you do and you’ll be good. Inferior quality tape tends to harden and it loses its adhesive or leaves adhesive residue. Inferior tape also is not as stretchy as you mentioned and I’ve seen many instances where it comes right off when it’s old because it loses its “tension”.
Thanks for your vids brother. Much appreciated from Hawaii.
Never purchase or use any electrical tape, safety or test equipment or tools from cheating scum bag lack of quality control communist China. Best practice is to always apply a few wraps of a quality tape around all devices. Prevents arcing or major sparking if water enters the box, helps to keep wire close if it breaks off due to Johnnie home owner knocking the wire due stripping insulation, makes it safer if a metal box is installed into an existing wall using metal Madison bar supports that can short out.
Thank you. Very educational. I am a DIYer and do wrap electrical tape primarily for safety purposes and peace of mind. 👍
Interesting, I have always done my own repairs so maybe I have always taped any exposed wires but I have never heard of taping around a switch or outlet.
But I could see taping the area if it extends beyond the box.
It's good practice to never have any "exposed copper" in a box with exception of a ground. "Shiners" can cause problems in the future. If you have enough wire to work with, do it right and trim your wire to the lengths required by the rec, or switch. Never leave exposed wire bare. And in the event there isn't enough wire to properly do the repair or replacement, move the box up or down to gain more wire to keep the issue within code requirements. An electrical fire is a life safety concern. Always better safe, than sorry
What are your thoughts about the Ideal ArmourBand product? It appears to be a listed product and easily removable, unlike electrical tape.
I really like it! Stay tuned for a follow up video 👍🏽🙏🏽😊
*HELP!!!*
So, i have 2 front rooms upstairs (adjacent bedrooms), and whenever you plug in a vacuum into either rooms outlet, it kills the power to both rooms. The weird thing is, the breaker box switch never flips off, but stays on, amd in order for me to restore power to both rooms, i feel like i have to plug something into a random outlet and just wait. Today, i decided to check on all the outlets in both rooms (and i did cut the power in the box 😊), and i notoced every wall outlet does indeed have electrical tape wrapped around them, but then I found the issue! One specific wall outlet had 2 postivie black wires on their own screw, but the electrical tape was MELTED from the bottom black wire. After i took the tape off, i also noticed about 1 inch of the rubber had a long sliver exposing the actual wire. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I primarily only wrap with metal boxes. Just to prevent any issues in the future if the homeowner wants to change cover plates or the receptacle itself. Metal boxes, especially handy boxes are tight for a normal 15/20 amp rec. And sometimes with an energized circuit, the receptacle may tilt and contact hot or neutral to ground often times resulting in tripping the breaker. (Hopefully it trips ground to hot) without arc fault breakers, hot to neutral may not trip unless it exceeds amp rating. On a side note, double gang GFCI receptacles Should only be used if they are both home runs. If both on same circuit, only one needs to be a GFCI and the other a matched rating receptacle fed from load side of the GFCI. Boom.
I was taught to always wrap tape around my receptacles, also, who puts TWO GFCIs in a quad, you can jump between them and have both GFCI protected and save $20.
Very Good
Another cool video bro 😎
Thank you so much! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
i'm with you.. safety v
Liked the video...and the Buddy tabs.
Thank you so much! Buddy tabs! 👍🏽😊
15 year electrician here I only feel it
Necessary to use tape on devices when using metal boxes.
Occasionally I will use tape when using plastic boxes when some other factor is at play.
Thank you so much for sharing your professional advice! 🙏🏽
As an electrician the only time I use tape is when I have a standard outlet with a metal box. GFCI outlets have recessed screws so that it won't touch the edge of the box. The tape just makes it harder to troubleshoot, test, or replace the outlet. It just looks tacky as an electrician opening up and outlet.
Great examples, but you usually don’t put two GFCI in series in a box. Thanks for sharing
If wired correctly 1 gfci outlet works as the ground fault interruptor for the 2nd or even 3rd outlet.
two GFCI in parallel.
How about installing 2 GFCI into a 2-gang box where they are fed from a multi-wire branch circuit? This provides 20A x2 for locations with heavy loads.
@@electricboyo absolutely!
I've never seen it in the code, if asked, I use Sec. 110-16. 50 year Master electrician, followed by EE in power, and mostly worked in heavy plants. (Mills, refineries, auto assm, forging, casting). Many times the power circuit can't be turned off easily due to other equipment on the line. Wrapping it gives a guy a fighting chance to repair during "normal" hours.
The goo is usually cheap tape that won't hold up. I've gone back to 20 year old 33+, 88+ tape and while not great, didn't leave a mess. Yes the tape will stretch, it was designed to do that. Leave your last lap unstretched and it won't creep.
Note: NEC is about minimums, most Electricians and Contractors do better than minimums in work or jobs they do. I use tape around devices as I by experience feel it may be good idea or necessary. Think on this example: 200 metal boxes to install 200 devices , do I want a call back to trouble shoot an inadvertent ground fault due to a device ungrounded terminal touching metal or bare grounding conductor? If you have ever worked the Electrical trade installing devices you know you will install the devices as fast as you can to get the job done and move on to the next job- at least that is how it was in the good old days.
Thank you so much for sharing and taking your time to share your experience! 😊🙏🏽
Great point on the stretching of the tape - I've seen that and now makes sense. Great information as usual bro. Congratulations on the 100k. Well deserved and keep up the great work!
When I wrap I stretch the first two wraps to keep everything together then a third loose wrap to keep it from unrolling. Sometimes even a wrap around the wires in the back of heavy gauge solid wire so they don't bend and break. Everything depends on the situation.
Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏽😊
On my apprenticeship I was told to wrap my connections so the next non electrician doesn't shock themselves if they remove previous work by touching the receptacle with their unwitting fingers.. I wrap all my installed receptacles... Safety first ...✌❤
Worked at a large slaughterhouse then a large candy factory that had nightly cleaning using hi pressure washers so water intrusion was always a problem. The tape around devices helps the power from arcing to ground. We had to take every wire nut to keep water from rusting wire nut spring.
5:10
Apprentice: "How many conductors can we fit in that conduit?"
Elek'chicken: "One more."
From buffalo, N.Y. Very Good video post. I'm not an electrician but I have done electrical work on my houses many, many times. I ALWAYS tape around the plug or switch, always. And as you did, those screws have to come off in order for the tape to go around the plug or switch. I like useing deep well (metal) boxes especially when using 12 gauge wire. I had to replace a 3 way switch and that OLD black metal box was so tight that taping that switch gave me peace of mind. I like using the screws to secure the wire to the plug and taping around the plug seems to make alot of sense to me, especially when using ground fault plugs. I had it were 3 switches were in 3 gained boxes and on different lines, YUK. You know for certain each switch was taped. In older homes often a work box is used as a junction box housing so many wires, especially ceiling light fixtures were you'd think it's the end of the run, but nope other things are tapped off that light switch controlling other things and then they're those old thin pancake round box, YUK. Once again, you explained this video post very well, Thank you.
I really appreciate the thoughtful response! Thank you so much for taking your time to share your experience and feedback! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
I am an electrician. When we do a receptacle we do not wrap it in tape. Looks unprofessional and is a PITA to deal with, more important to screw down all the un used screw terminals to stay away from box edge. When there is a metal box, we do wrap. LOVE THAT SUPER 33! I also use a torque screwdriver and cut every wire to exactly the same length, That copper bar won't melt itself. As a result of the torque driver, the connections are CRAZY secure.
I'll be sure to give my customers the option for an additional cost. $.75 cents per device more. Then this video can get more views!! And back around we go.
You do an excellent job of explaining things. I have found that not wrapping could be an accident waiting to happen 😉. I absolutely love the body tab idea as well!
Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊
My dad never taped any of his outlets and box extensions were required by local code if you daisy chained the outlets. Upstairs dad got deeper boxes. I would use doubles and front plate reducers for EMT wiring. I seen that in commercial wiring. 73
Thank you for sharing! 👍🏽😊
I worked in a hospital as an electrician, and all boxes are metal, with "E.M.T. or rigid pipe" with "mud rings", the wiring was "THHN WIRE" with the receptacle wiring "PIG TAILED"( this was done so current will not pass through the receptacle), unless it was the end of the line for that circuit. not only did we wrap the receptacle/ switch, we also wrapped the wire connectors( wire nuts). the "3M- SCOTCH" brand electrical tape is an excellent tape to use, it is also "FIRE RETARDANT ". there is nothing in the "N.E.C." about this topic( just like receptacles installed ground side up or down). when dealing with electrical inspectors, lets face it, when you are having electrical work inspected on a regular basis they get to know who you are ,and what kind of work that you do. so if you do electrical work in a "PROFESSIONAL AND WORKMAN LIKE MANNOR" ( that is in the" N.E.C."), the inspector will test "GFCI" receptacles for polarity/ ground and perform a ground fault test on the final inspection. the only time an inspector will "NIT-PIC" your work is when you have "PISSED OFF" the inspector in the past, or the inspector does not know you, just remember the inspector has the final say in your work ,the reason why, is that inspector is "ON THE HOOK" for your electrical work for as long as that person is living!!!!. it is always a good idea to have electrical work inspected if you are a contractor. in case something should happen( FIRE!!! ) trust me you are liable for what happened, so with inspection, you shift the liability off of you and on to the inspector. it is not worth getting financially crushed!!!!( those contractors who carry/should carry liability insurance, and you did electrical work without inspection, and a fire broke out and it was listed as "ELECTRICAL", and it turns out that is was the work that you did------ you just let your insurance company off the hook---you are not covered)
Can (maybe cheap) electrical tape adhesive pass current? As a kid I used to play around with electronic components and did not have a soldering iron. I used to twist wires around terminals and use electrical tape to keep things in place. I remember having a small switch in circuit with a battery and an LED. I had tape on the switch terminals for insulation and 'strain relief', and even in the off position, the LED gave off a dim glow.
So it is not Illegal, and its better to do it , makes a safer installation!
Yes! 👍🏽😊
Ideql the wire nut people make a rubber band that is wide and can be stretched around the outlet or switch and can protect but be easily removed without tape residue. Probably the best way to handle this.
I use electrical tape when using metal boxes only.
I am a DIYer and always wrap my switches and outlets. I feel it's better safe than sorry. Great video.
NM cable uses conductor insulation that is rated up to 90 deg. C. Previous NM was only rated at 60 C. The typical NM cable insulator is PVC, which is the same substrate at Super 33 and most electrical tapes. Super 33 is rated up to 105 C. The biggest issue with vinyl electrical tape is that it is not stable and will harden/crack and/or turn into a black, slimy mess. I will not let my guys use electrical tape even to tie up wire rolls. Quality tape like 33 or 33+ helps, but none of them are designed for long-term insulation. I worked on a home where every electrical connection was mechanically twisted and then soldered and wrapped in friction tape (that's what they used to call it). It's just a black, icky mess to deal with. Sometime before wire nuts (circa 1963), I suppose. Interesting fact: Wago connectors predate twist connectors by more than a decade and you will not find twist connectors used in Europe. Most didn't even know what wire nuts were before the Internet.
This is not a practice that has ever been used in the UK. However, what is done is that the bare copper ground (called earth in the UK) wires have a length of loose sleeving cut to length and slid over them. That way, there is no chance of it coming into contact with either a live (hot) or neutral terminal.
In general, I don't like insulation tape. Over time, the glue often goes gooey and the whole thing becomes a mess. We also use a lot of metal boxes too, but the terminal screws are shrouded to avoid them coming into contact with the boxes. Only the ground (earth) terminal being an exception.
I've been an electrician for over 26 years, and I find the wrapped devices to be unnecessary if you do your wiring properly. The tape takes time and is a pain to the next guy doing an upgrade.
I’ve always had the idea of developing some kind of synthetic rubber or silicone band that you could put around an outlet that would perform the same function as tape but without leaving all kinds of nasty residue
Ideal ArmourBand is exactly what you're talking about.
As an electrician for 30 years,before sometimes I wrap also my convenience outlet if it is screw type and if I use metal utility box but now never because the utility box now is pastic and the oulet is not screw type.
Wrapped and haven't wrapped. As long as you secure your romex before it goes into the box, those wires aren't going to move around. If you are in a hurry you shouldn't be working with something that could possibly kill someone or burn a structure down. Take some time, and arrange the wires in the box so when you push that device into a box, your bare ground won't lay on the side of the box and contact the screws. The main reason I wrap is because I happen to have a role of tape with me and I remember to do it. Now if you are working with conduit and there is a possibility of someone pushing or pulling wire into or out of the box, wrapping is a good idea
I use no tape. Don’t overstuff boxes. Box covers/switch-plates are for safety, not tape. Tape is a compromise.
No tape. No condoms. I keep it to a minimum.
IMHO, it's worse than a compromise, it's sloppy and unprofessional.
I do sometimes...
I've been a electrician for since I was 12 years old. Yes my father broke child labor and minimum wage laws, paying me $2 a hour in 1998. Well taping outlets and switches, no matter what, was burned into my brain. To me it's all about looking out for the next person that will be working on the device. After 6 years of tripping breakers just before final inspections, I finally got my boss to agree with taping all outlet. He would say it take to much time. It takes 15 whole seconds to tape the devices. I personally work hot 90% of the time. Now and days you can't just trip the breaker cause you can short out smart switches. Also flipping through breakers can interrupt customers that work from home and such. So I tape the hot and neutral wire and then I can remove from box or pipes. And yes I have been buzzed more times then I can count. 277v high leg in meter was the worst. Never listen to your power company when they say it's off. Always check with your widow makers at least I basically kind of measure it out. Sorry 2 years late. Found your video searching for any info on using alien tape to hold a 1900 box on metal siding. It's just for the wall pack switch leg j box.
If In doubt or a tight box, I do it also :-) Currenlty I'm fighting my house wiring that was badly done with the daisychained outlets and back-stab wiring. That push-in concept was not a good idea.
I don't do this on outlets that are getting a cover in the moment. Of course while the house is being built, a circuit could be turned on to help out the trades or maybe the home owner needs the circuit during a renovation. Of course you won't be able to put a cover (well you could but it could get scratched up) prior to drywalling and such. So to keep everyone safe you can tape the outlet or switch. That's usually when i would do it. Is it wrong to do it for every outlet? No it can be safer, but possibly a waste of tape if its already got a cover. Plus if you go to fix things or add to the circuit, the tape may be an extra step.
Nothing wrong to tape or not, Just if the box has no plate, its safer to tape.
Plastic Box extenders helps prevent arcing instead of electrical tape
LOL, In 1950, there was a broken cover plate on a 3 way switch going to the basement.
The old 3 way switches had a terminal directly under the switch plate.
So I would get shocked.
I got mad at my Dad, and told him to put a new plate on.
He laughed. He had some electrical training, and never thought an electrical shock was a big deal.
I guess that is why I became an Electrician.
People always asked my Dad for electrical help on simple electrical repairs.
My Dad taught me. It aways seemed odd to me how some people were afraid of electricity.
I became an Electrician. Getting shocked never really bothered me.
Although I took some big hits, the largest one was 270 volt. Since I was always careful about not being ground, it did bother me, and I continued working.
As I hit my 60's, I became much more careful, because your heart can only take so many hits. I retire at 73.
Thanks for giving the pros AND cons. Personally, I'm a wrapper. The eventual failure and the goo were the only two reasons I could see not to wrap, and neither one trumped safety. I hadn't thought about inspection, so thanks for opening my eyes on that.
The buddy tab/gentleman's collar never occurred to me. That's a major take-away.
Agreed that code is only a minimum. We should all be working "better than code" where possible. It sets you apart in an ocean of mediocrity and, big picture, over time it helps elevate the trades in the eyes of the public. Plus, don't you want to be proud of your work?
I think technically the boxes in the video are utility boxes, not J-boxes? I'm not an electrician so maybe I'm wrong.
After watching two videos I'm subscribing. Keep up the good work.
I personally don't like wrapping. I've dealt with old tape it's a pain in the ass. Mostly all boxes in residential anymore is mostly plastic where I'm at. You are right, code is bare minimum, but wrapping is not needed, and it's sometimes a pain for the next guy coming in. I don't like wrapping them, this is always a debate, and each has their own ways. You do whatever you feel comfortable doing, and do as good and clean as you can. 👊
Technically they are defined as an outlet box but depending on the use can also be a j-box at least in my corner of the electrical world in Aspen Colorado, either way taping the devices is always a good practice, especially with some of the high end devices that are required here.
Why not sleeve the ground wire, as in uk practice?
Many of the issues brought up amount to a variation of overcrowding the box and a code violation