Rubber tapes are generally non-adhesive, and are either equipped with a liner or are linerless. Stretched and overlapped layers will fuse or bond together to form an effective electrical insulation and moisture barrier. For low-voltage (1000V or less) applications, rubber tapes should be stretched during wrapping so that tape width is reduced to approximately 75%. For high- and medium-voltage applications — where the electrical stresses are high (e.g. connector areas, lug areas, and cable shield cut-back areas) — tape should be stretched just short of its breaking point.

Butyl Rubber Tape

Hot melt adhesive is the default adhesive for many tapes. It is used in polypropylene (PolyPro) tapes. It is made of thermoplastic polymers and as a result, it has good adhesion, excellent holding power, and a high tensile strength. Hot melt adhesive tapes have three layers: the non-adhesive surface layer, the release layer, and the adhesive layer. Holt melt adhesives tend to be more durable than acrylic adhesives. They can withstand large temperature fluctuations without warping or becoming brittle.