3M Electrical Product Index
Utility & Marking | Accurate Locating & Marking Of Critical Buried Network Features By 3M
April 13th, 2021
3M Utility & Marking
3M Locators and Markers provide a complete system for locating, marking and mapping vital underground assets.
From markers that give an exact path and estimated depth of underground utilities, to markers that store information, to utility locators that interface with GPS/GIS field mapping instruments, 3M offers the precision tools needed to manage your assets. Together, they provide a complete solution with the performance and reliability you trust from 3M. Learn more about 3M’s utility locating products, line locator industry solutions, or utility locator resources.
Communications Cable Locating
Quickly pinpoint the location of buried facilities with the 3M™ Electronic Marker System (EMS) for Telephone. Using 3M EMS markers during construction, installation and maintenance virtually eliminates the time consuming search for hard-to-locate facilities. Markers used for communications location are colour-coded to APWA standards for visual reference and have their own frequency, helping reduce the risk of accidentally locating and excavating other buried facilities. For communications utilities, all telephone locator markers are orange and CATV markers are orange/black.
3M EMS telecom cable locator series can be used to locate:
- Buried splices of all types
- Buried service drops
- Bends: changes of direction, arcs
- Depth changes: lateral deflection
- Fibre optic facilities with no metallic conductor
- Encasement ends: conduit ends of horizontally directional drilled facilities
- Manhole covers
- Crossings: Water, road and rail
Gas Pipe Locating
Save time and money by quickly pinpointing the location of buried facilities, with the 3M™ Electronic Marker System (EMS). 3M markers operate even in the presence of metal conduit or pipe, metallic conductors, fences, AC power lines and electronic markers of other utilities. All EMS Markers used for gas pipe location are color-coded to APWA standards for visual reference and gas utilities have their own frequency, helping reduce the risk of accidentally locating and excavating other buried facilities. All gas pipe location markers are yellow in colour.
3M EMS gas pipe location series can be used to locate:
- Main and Service Stubs
- Meter Boxes
- Buried valves, stopping valves and squeeze points
- P.C Fittings
- Depth Changes
- E.F Couplings
- Road Crossings, pipeline paths and trees
- Service Stubs
Electrical Power Utility Locating
Know where to dig! The 3M™ Electronic Marker System (EMS) helps save electric utilities time and money by enabling field crews to quickly pinpoint the location of underground electric facilities, including cable runs, splices, vaults, conduits and road crossings. 3M also offers wide product support and service for increased safety, performance and reliability.
EMS markers used for underground electric cable location are colour-coded to APWA standards for visual reference and power utilities have their own frequency, helping reduce the risk of accidentally locating and excavating other underground electric facilities. For power utilities, all underground electric cable markers are red in colour.
3M EMS Power series can be used to locate:
- Service drops
- Buried transformers and splices
- Street lighting
- Distribution loops
- Conduit stubs
- Service laterals
- Manhole covers
- Utility and road crossings
Water and Wastewater Line Locating
Find it the first time! The 3M™ Electronic Marker System (EMS) for Water and Wastewater helps save time and money by enabling field crews to quickly pinpoint the location of buried facilities including valves, bends, clean-outs and road crossings. Using EMS markers for water and sewer pipe location during construction, installation and maintenance virtually eliminates the time consuming search for hard-to-locate facilities.
3M EMS markers used for water and sewer pipe location are color-coded to APWA standards for visual reference and water utilities have their own frequency to reduce location errors. For water and sewer pipe location, markers are colour coded as follows:
Water Utility: Blue
General Purpose/Reclaimed Water: Purple
Wastewater Utility Markers: Green
3M EMS Water series can be used to locate:
- Buried valves
- Clean-outs
- PVC pipeline
- Road crossings
- Pipeline paths
- Service stubs
- Bends
- Trees
THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.
3M Electrical Tapes Guide | The Tape For Every Task
April 8th, 2021
3M SCOTCH ELECTRICAL TAPES
Scotch Tapes from 3M include vinyl electrical insulation, high temperature glass cloth, sealing mastic, rubber self-amalgamating and high voltage tapes to provide track resistance, semi-conductive and sheath repairs to 11kV-33kV power cables.
Thorne & Derrick distribute the complete range of 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes for the insulation, repair, identification, jointing and terminating of LV, MV & HV cables – specialist fire resistant tapes, arc resistant, semi-conductive and rubber splicing tapes up to 69kV enable the protection of LV-HV cables including 11kV-33kV medium voltages, against abrasion, moisture, alkalis and acids.
Insulating, Splicing & Cable Jointing Tapes
Precision electrical tapes for insulating, jointing and splicing low-voltage wires or cables up to 69kV, bus bars and motor leads.
3M Scotch tapes are also suitable for end sealing high voltage cables and are highly conformable for irregularly shaped objects. Scotch tapes are stable and durable for years of maintenance-free service.
- Scotch 130C Linerless Rubber Splicing Tapes
- Scotch 23 Rubber Splicing & Self Amalgamating Tapes
- Scotch 70 & 70 HDT Self-Fusing Silicone Rubber Electrical Tapes
- Scotch 2510 2520 Varnished Cambric Tapes
- Scotch 13 Semi-Conducting Tapes
Sealing, Padding & Shaping Cable Tapes
Designed to insulate and keep water out, 3M Scotch electrical sealing tapes can be used to pad sharp edges and make smooth transitions over irregular shape electrical equipment and power cables.
Ideal for insulating bolted connections and service drops, lighting connections and grounding rod connections.
- Scotch 2200 2210 Vinyl Mastic Tapes
- Scotch 2229 Sealing Mastic Tapes
- Scotchfil Electrical Insulation Putty
- Scotch 2228 Rubber Mastic Tapes
3M Scotch Electrical Tapes
3M Electrical Tapes Guide
| General Use Tapes | Professional Grade Tapes | ||||
| Typical Values | 3M Temflex Tape 1300 | 3M Temflex Tape 1500 | Scotch Tape 35 | Scotch Super 33+ Tape | Scotch Tape Super 88 |
| Best For | Simple Light Tasks | Medium Duty Applications | Medium to Heavy Duty | Medium to Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty |
| Target Applications | General bundling, marking, and secondary insulation |
Temporary and/or non-critical marking, bundling, holding and secondary insulation |
Permanent low-voltage primary and secondary insulation | Permanent, low -voltage primary and secondary insulation, cable jacketing and mechanical protection |
Permanent low-voltage primary and secondary insulation, cable jacketing, mechanical protection and padding |
| Application Environment | Normal temperatures and ambient conditions |
Moderate temperatures and conditions |
Harsh temperatures and moist or corrosive conditions |
Extreme temperatures and moist or corrosive conditions |
Extreme temperatures and moist, corrosive or rough conditions |
| Certifications | IEC 60454-3-1-1/F-PVCP/60 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-5/FPVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
CSA and VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-6/FPVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
CSA and VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-7/FPVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
CSA and VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-7/F-PVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
| Operating Temperature¹ | 0 to 60°C | 0 to 90°C | -10 to 105°C | -18 to 105°C | -18 to 105°C |
| Thickness | 0.13mm | 0.15mm | 0.18mm | 0.18mm | 0.22mm |
| Sticking Power (Adhesion to Steel) | 1.7 N/10mm | 1.8 N/10mm | 2.2 N/10mm | 3 N/10mm | 3 N/10mm |
| Stretch² (Elongation) | 150% | 170% | 225% | 250% | 250% |
| Strength² (Backing Strength) | 20 N/10mm | 20 N/10mm | 30 N/10mm | 26.3 N/10mm | 35 N/10mm |
| Insulation² (Dielectric Strength) | 38 kV/mm | 40 kV/mm | 49 kV/mm | 45 kV/mm | 45 kV/mm |
| Colour Details | Various | Various | Various | Black | Black |
¹ Temperature range may vary by local agency standards.
² Based on ASTMD 1000. Not for specifications. Values are typical, not to be considered minimum or maximum. Properties measured at room temperature 23°C unless otherwise stated.
³ Not all colours available globally. Other colours may also be available in your local market. Yellow/Green typical values may vary. See local datasheet for details.
Vinyl Electrical Tape | A Toolbox Essential from 3M Electrical
March 26th, 2021
Electrical Tapes
Any electrician will tell you that no toolbox is complete without vinyl electrical tape.
Using it feels like second nature. Whether you’re splicing, re-jacketing or labelling, you can unwind it, stretch it and wrap it with unparalleled ease. In the cold winter months you tuck it into your coat pocket to keep it warm, and in the summertime the empty cases become storage boxes for your fishing flies, kept at the ready for when the day is done.
What would you do
if there was no electrical tape?
A life without this sticky companion might sound like a nightmare, but for early electricians that scenario was a reality – because electrical tape simply didn’t exist.
In fact, the vinyl electrical tape that we all know and love came into existence 70 years ago, when 3M inventors Snell, Oace, and Eastwold created it and saved electricians from the weak, corrosive and rot-prone tape of yore, which was made of tar-coated cotton with a vulcanized rubber adhesive.
Electrical tape has evolved with you in mind so you can find the best tape for your job.
A lot has changed in the world of vinyl electrical tape since its inception in the 1940’s – today there’s almost more tape selection than you can handle. If you’ve ever wondered about the history of tape – look no further. Some of the facts in this infographic may surprise you!
➡ This handy-selector guide shows the differences between 3M’s vinyl electrical tapes so you can be sure that you’re keeping the right one for you – right at hand.
| Best For General Use | Most Versatile | Best In Cold Weather |
| Vinyl Electrical Tape Temflex |
Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 33+ |
Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88 |
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Thorne & Derrick Stockist & Supplier | 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes
3M Electrical | Expert Tip: Why You Should Choose Premium Electrical Tape
March 26th, 2021
3M Electrical Tapes
Electrical tape is second nature to you – used so frequently it’s often something that you don’t think twice about.
But is the electrical tape you’re picking up strong enough for your job?
Choosing a premium electrical tape from 3M Electrical can make a difference in efficiency, quality, workmanship – and overall safety.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing electrical tape for long-lasting performance.
What is the difference between premium and general use electrical tape?
Premium tapes like Scotch® Super 88 and Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Electrical Tape can help improve performance versus a mid-grade or general use electrical tape that is designed for bundling and pulling wire and cable.
3M Electrical Tapes
➡ Did you know? 3M invented vinyl electrical tape in 1946!
What makes premium electrical tape “premium”?
The elongation (high-stretch), elasticity (memory), and adhesion (bond) capabilities of the electrical tape contributes to an overall better underlying seal aiding in weather and corrosion resistance – the Scotch tape also acts as an outer layer for extra UV and abrasion resistance.
What should you look for when choosing a premium electrical tape?
For me it comes down to efficiency, performance, and elasticity.
That’s why I recommend Scotch® Professional Grade Heavy Duty Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88 and Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Electrical Tape.
Key benefits of these premium, professional grade electrical tapes include:
- excellent cold weather performance
- water resistance
- mechanical protection
- stretch and memory for easier taping of irregular objects
Another added bonus is that Scotch® Professional Grade Heavy Duty Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88 is available in various widths.
Oftentimes, when talking electrical tape with electricians I reinforce a “decision-making trifecta”, which really means factoring in application(s), weather, and environmental/field conditions when it’s time for them to restock on electrical tape.
Thorne & Derrick International | MV HV Joints, Terminations & Cable Connectors
3M Scotch | Choosing The Right Electrical Tape For Your Application
March 26th, 2021
3M Scotch Electrical Tapes
There are many electrical tapes on the market, and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your specific application.
Each type of Scotch Electrical tape is designed for specific applications and using the wrong one can impact the quality of your installation and/or repair.
Here are three applications and my recommendations for the most suitable electrical tapes for each. These applications are:
- Environmental sealing and re-jacketing of cables LV MV HV
- Low-voltage primary insulating
- Medium-voltage primary insulating and waterproofing of cables, joints and accessories
1. Choose mastic tapes for environmental sealing and re-jacketing
Mastic tapes are effective for environmental sealing applications – and for good reason.
Their sticky adhesive allows them to seal on most surfaces and they can easily fuse to themselves. This is important because, as you wrap the tape, it creates a strong and reliable seal. It’s important to remember that, when working on a cable jacket, you will need abrasion resistance. Also, keep in mind that not all mastic tapes are created equal and each have their own purposes.
Here is what you need to know when choosing a 3M™ Mastic Tape:
- For normal sealing and filling, I recommend using 3M™ Scotch-Seal™ Mastic Tape 2229 or Scotch® Rubber Mastic Tape 2228. They’re designed to help you get your job done just right and efficiently. From the thick construction of 3M™ Scotch-Seal™ Mastic Tape 2229 to the easy release liner on Scotch® Rubber Mastic Tape 2228 that allows for quick application build–up. Both options work well for environmental sealing applications, especially 3M™ Scotch-Seal™ Mastic Tape 2229 for filling.
- For re-jacking applications, I recommend using Scotch® Cable Jacket Repair Tape 2234. This flame-retardant mastic acts as a barrier and offers optimized adhesion on jacket materials for longer lasting seals, and great abrasion resistance.
Watch this video on how to apply 3M™ Scotch-Seal™ Mastic Tape 2229.
Watch this video to see how you can repair a cable jacket with 3M™ Mastic Tapes.
2. Choose vinyl tapes for low-voltage primary insulating.
Before you start your low-voltage cable splicing (600V and less) project, ask yourself where the cable splice is going to be.
If it’s in a sealed box, or in an environment that is always dry, vinyl electrical tape is the best choice because it has excellent dielectric strength and durability.
If the splice will be buried or could become wet, vinyl electrical tape alone won’t be enough.
To ensure the longevity and durability of the application, you will also need to seal the splice. The easiest way to do this is by using a rubber tape first and then covering it with vinyl electrical tape.
Here is what you need to know when choosing a 3M™ Vinyl Tape:
- For dry low-voltage splicing, I recommend Scotch® Professional Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88 because it is thicker and will help provide additional protection.
- For wet low-voltage splicing, I recommend starting first with a rubber tape like Scotch® Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape, 130C – it’s highly conformable and self-fusing. Next, apply Scotch® Professional Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88 or Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Electrical Tape on top for abrasion resistance and additional UV protection.
Watch this video on how to apply Scotch® Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88.
3. Choose rubber tapes for medium-voltage primary insulating and waterproofing.
If you need to splice a primary cable and for whatever reason using a cold shrink product like 3M™ Cold Shrink Splice QS-III is not an option, a splice can be made of tape as long as the proper steps are followed.
To do this, you will need two different types of rubber tape: Scotch® Electrical Semi-Conducting Tape 13 to rebuild the semi-conductive layers, and Scotch® Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape, 130C to rebuild the insulation. When installed correctly, these two rubber tapes self-fuse without leaving any air gaps behind – and this is key in these applications. You can cover the splice using rejacketing tapes or vinyl tapes.
Watch this video on how to apply Scotch® Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape, 130C.
Thorne & Derrick Stockist & Supplier | 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes
