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enter image description here I've run across this a few times in the house where I've been doing repairs. Normally, I would just tape it up and call it good. I mean, the tape itself is rated at 600 volts. Someone told me recently tape is not listed for repair, only marking. I am a bit confused about UL listings. Where do you find them? And how do you know what something is listed for? And finally, what is the proper way to repair cracks or cuts in wiring insulation?

Nicknamednick
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  • By the way, the wiring coming out of the hole in the wall was removed from its box, which I took out of the wall. I'm replacing it with a bigger box in order to fit a GFCI along with the four cables. You can see from the pictures if you look carefully at the wiring they were being pinched in places. – Nicknamednick Apr 08 '18 at 03:24
  • It is possible that the insulation separation that you are showing in that white wire is due to (a) it having older relatively soft PVC insulation and (b) the wire was squeezed very tight in a clamp against other wires so that (c) the copper conductor pinched the insulation and made it separate. To be honest it does not really look like a cut. – Michael Karas Apr 08 '18 at 04:56
  • Michael Karas, believe me, it is a cut. You can see the score that continues downward at the bottom of the slice. The diy'er before me was quite handy with his razor knife and did not bother with repairs of suchlike in other boxes. At any rate, the question is, Repairs: The proper material or method for nicked wiring. – Nicknamednick Apr 08 '18 at 13:14
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    What about heat shrink tubing? Of course, one problem is that one has to disconnect wires to get it on. But is there some grade of heat-shrink which is code approved or is any grade allowed? – Jim Stewart Apr 08 '18 at 14:48
  • @JimStewart -- oddly enough, I haven't found anything in the White Book for a fully UL-listed heat shrink...most of the good stuff is tested by UL, but only for component recognition, not a full listing. – ThreePhaseEel Apr 08 '18 at 15:42
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    @Nicknamednick - On closer look I guess I agree with you. Must have happened when using a sharp utility knife to slit the insulation jacket on the cable. On the other hand I have seen an over aggressive tightening of a metal cable clamp squeeze right through the insulation or the cable entering a 50A RV outlet box. – Michael Karas Apr 08 '18 at 17:04
  • Is there an NEC-compliant method of repairing minor damage to electrical wire insulation without a junction box? – J... Mar 20 '21 at 11:01

3 Answers3

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Electrical tape can insulate a splice all on its own, so this should be fine

UL-listed thermoplastic electrical tapes are intended to be the sole insulating means on a splice or joint (the White Book says as much), and are tested for their capacity as an insulating material, so using them to repair damaged wire insulation within a junction box should be fine in practice, even though neither the NEC nor the UL White Book speak directly to this use of the product.

ThreePhaseEel
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  • Well said, I started to type “tape” this morning and decided against it since everybody around here wants things listed, no “off label” uses around here – Tyson Apr 08 '18 at 14:49
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PVC and rubber Electrical tape has been used for decades to insulate electrical joints. It is sufficient for the job. Nothing else is required.

Here is the 2015 UL White Book listing for insulating tape.(somewhat formatted)

INSULATING TAPE (OANZ) USE

This category covers rubber insulating tape for insulating joints and splices in electrical conductors where an outer covering of protective mate-rial, such as friction tape, is intended to be applied over the insulating tape. This category also covers thermoplastic tape intended for use as the sole insulation and covering of joints and splices in electrical conductors. This tape is suitable as electrical insulation at not more than 600 V and at temperatures not exceeding 80°C (176°F).

PRODUCT MARKINGS

The wrapper or carton containing a single roll of tape, or the central paper core on which the tape is wrapped, is marked with (1) the manufacturer's name or trademark, (2) the catalog or type number, and (3) the words ‘‘For use at not more than 600 V and at not more than 80°C (176°F),'' or an equivalent statement. Tape determined to be flame retardant is marked ‘‘Flame Retardant.'' Tape determined to be suitable for exposure to sunlight is marked ‘‘Sun-light Resistant.'' Tape determined to be suitable to insulate splices while subjected to tem-peratures down to -10°C is marked ‘‘Cold Resistant.''

PRODUCT IDENTITY

One of the following product identities appears on the product: Elect. Insul. Tape Elec. Tape Electrical Insulating Tape Electrical Tape Insul. Tape Insulating Tape Other product identities may be used as shown in the individual certifications.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, see Electrical Equipment for Use in Ordinary Locations (AALZ ). REQUIREMENTS The basic standard used to investigate products in this category is UL 510, ‘‘Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene, and Rubber Insulating Tape.'' UL MARK The Certification Mark of UL on the product, or the UL symbol on the product and the Certification Mark on the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufactured under its Certification and Follow-Up Service. The Certification Mark for these products includes the UL symbol, the words ‘‘CERTIFIED'' and ‘‘SAFETY,'' the geographic identifier(s), and a file num-ber. Alternate UL Mark UL MARK The Listing Mark of UL on the product, or the UL symbol on the product and the Listing Mark on the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged, is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufac-tured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark for these products includes the UL symbol (as illustrated in the Introduction of this Directory) together with the word ‘‘LISTED,'' a control number, and the product name ‘‘Insulating Tape'' (or ‘‘Insul. Tape''), ‘‘Electrical Tape'' (or ‘‘Elec. Tape'') or ‘‘Electrical Insulating Tape'' (or ‘‘Elect. Insul. Tape''), or other appropriate product name as shown in the individual Listings.

UL, in performing its functions in accordance with its objectives, does not assume or undertake to discharge any responsibility of the manufacturer or any other party. UL shall not incur any obligation or liability for any loss, expense or damages, including incidental or consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the use, interpretation of, or reliance upon this Guide Information.

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ArchonOSX
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Read NEC 110.3.

When a manufacturer sends equipment to UL for testing, they include its labeling and instructions. UL tests the equipment consistent with those instructions.

As a result the equipment is now listed for use according to instructions.

Use contrary to instructions violates 110.3 because the item has not been tested for that use.

Harper - Reinstate Monica
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