Kapton tape for insulation

[oplholik]

Instructions for installing DCC board,(digitrax), on Athearn locomotive says to put a piece of this tape on the frame above the motor. What is this tape? Thanks.

Paul

 

[bnsf971]

It's a yellowish cellophane insulating tape. You can use electrical tape with the same result, if space allows. Here is a picture of it:

 

[oplholik]

It's a yellowish cellophane insulating tape. You can use electrical tape with the same result, if space allows. Here is a picture of it:

Ok, thanks. that looks like the tape that was wrapped around the DCC board holding it on to a piece of styrofoam.

Paul

 

[UP2CSX]

Electical tape works also but I really prefer the Kapton tape. It's much thinner than electrical tape (only 1 millimeter), has a very agressive and long lasting adhesive, and has a very high dielectic strength. Even a small hole still presents a obstacle to current passing through the tape compared to electrical tape, where any hole is like having no tape at all. It's a little more than common electrical tape but about the same price as high quality 3M electrical tape.

 

[kenw]

Kapton also holds up better, the vinyl or rubber in standard black electrical tape degrades over time. Kapton tape is the industrial choice; and it has a higher dielectric strength (more insulation per thickness). It doesn't stretch so wrapping it around wires is more difficult.

 

[Lexiyntax]

There is a low static Kapton tape for about twice the price of the regular, "with ESD additive to reduce the static charge". This more expensive version is mentioned for use in circuit board installs.

Is this something worth the extra money when installing decoders, or does the cheaper version without the additive work fine?

 

[MGWSY]

It also has a much higher heat tolerance then standard electrical tape.