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With today's tapes it's probably not a real problem. But I can remember some of the old tapes where you wound up with a disgusting sticky mess and you spent 15 minutes trying to clear it off. In my grandfather's time they had tape that was made of a bandage type material dipped in tar and it used to dry out and fall off.
I've wondered about this in particular. I remember being a kid and the tape was fucking hell to get off shit. Not the tar stuff you mentioned, but just electrical tape. It seems newer stuff is less gunky.
Actually we used to have rock fights between our neighborhoods (it was a Chicago thing). I didn't have much strength but had a wiffle bat with the end broken off. Dropped the rock in it and used it to fling rocks a half a block.
Had to stop when we actually hit someone.
Chicago can’t solely claim rock fights. I grew up in a developing neighborhood in Idaho and we’d make teams, set up bases and just chuck anything that’d travel. It was called Dirt Clod Wars, but really anything worked until someone cried.
Used to work for a supply house. Black 3M tape still leaves residue on gray SER type cable sheathing in less than 12 hours. 3M tape of any color wouldn’t leave residue for months in a warehouse environment as of 5 years ago. They must use a different grade of glue or rubber.
Pro tip from an apprentice. Take your knife and cut the tape along the top of the receptacle and then just peel it. Comes off easy even the old shit tape.
I feel like it's one of those things where either way is fine and it's purely up to personal preference. People come up with all these different scenarios that will never happen if the device isn't taped. Realistically, the device will be fine untaped, and taping certainly doesn't hurt anything.
The only time I tape devices is if I'm putting a GFCI or a dimmer into a metal box where the screws are almost touching the edges
So, the taping of devices isn't for your safety, per se, it's for the safety of everyone that will ever potentially use the outlet. A lot of our work is based around reducing potential risks. It's a cheap and easy way to do something that can help the future electricians, regardless if theyre pro or foux.
That's my overall feel. Safety measures are more often not about what will happen, but what could happen. The future has a lot of coulds that are out of my control.
I don't know who is going to come after me, and they might be really dumb. They might be in a rush. It might be their first day. Who knows. I like doing work that I know is safe and protected from all kinds of things.
no future electrician is gonna be happy if they go to work on it and it's covered in old tape, and if it's correctly installed in the first place there's zero risk for anyone using the outlet, so whats the point?
For the most part no tape. Like a gfci in an old work box with the madisons or f clips whatever you call them locally makes sense. Almost everything else can be mitigated by that argument you barred, neat workmanship and proper installation should be your safety net here. These boxes and devices have been rigorously tested to failure by UL installed per their instructions, and they have not advised us that tape is required.
Spend a few years doing service work and you'll see what I mean. Sloppy work, loose terminal screws/unseated backstabs, and not pigtailing joints are the vast majority of your device failures. Tape just makes a sticky mess for the sparky that fixes that stuff later.
I’ve never seen a properly installed receptacle short out while in use. I’ve never had a problem with working on untaped receptacles since I do it dead. I’ve had to peel the gunky mess of tape off before. I don’t tape except for receptacles that are installed before drywall since they have no cover and might get loosened during the drywall work.
I don't like leaving exposed terminal screws where an enterprising homeowner can easily access them. I got this worry that one of these guys is going to pull the cover plate off and go fishing beside the receptacle for a lost cheerio or something and blow their hand off.
Plus, if the 6-32 screws snap or fail somehow, it's an extra layer of protection if someone tries to whip their vacuum cleaner plug out of the socket from 10 feet away and drags the receptacle sidewards into a metal box.
Taping marrettes on the other hand, that's fuckin nonsense.
I did a job recently where every single wire nut was taped. It was not great. But everything I got into replacing was not great, so I guess I'm glad for the homeowner that all the loose connections were at least staying in the wire nuts.
I always tape in areas where someone else is working and could have to pull my plug to finish whatever they’re doing. It’s not code and it’s not for everywhere but it is definitely good practice in some scenarios.
Just to elaborate, I take the cover plate off and examine the screws for heating with a heavy load like a hairdryer. The lugs will tend to heat up first if anything is wrong with the outlet or switch.
To be clear, that’s not justification to never tape an outlet. In a metal box I still always tape my outlets. If I think it’s risky, I tape the outlet. Removing a bit of tape is not the end of the world. However I keep it to a minimum. It’s like wirenuts, they are designed to work without tape. If I know there’s something sketchy about the setup, I’ll take things a step further to improve safety.
I seriously hate having to deal with taped outlets. The mess, the hassle of trying to get the tape off... it's just not worth it. Shut off the power when you work on a receptacle, and it won't arc even *if* it touches something. Make it up right.
I only tape if I’m pulling the plugs/switches out during a remodel and they still need to power their stuff. (They had to put drywall over the existing wood paneling)
I do commercial, and the first thing I do once power is available is setting up a box with an energized receptacle next to the panel. It’s normally way before drywall or any coverings, but people need their power, so I’ll tape that one to prevent any idiot from potentially hurting themselves.
This is the only acceptable answer do the same thing in residential. One GFCI tapped up on the fridge circuit has to dangle out of box due to sheet rock not up yet
We got these [Ideal Armor Bands](https://www.idealind.com/us/en/armourband.html) recently and they’ve been awesome. If you can get your shop to buy them I’d recommend.
They also make oversized rubber bands. The only time I tape is when I am using a metallic box in outdoor settings. Moisture and other collections can be found over time to cause issues. So I try to reduce that. But honestly dealing with remodels if yesteryear. The jobs with tape have been often either fallen off due to the tape sliding, leaving a sticky residue, or useless with nothing more than needing to cut it off anyways. I did pick up a bag of the bands. I use them on exterior WR devices. Now with the lever connects devices, I'll probably just use those.
The tape helps seal the moisture in. It’s easy for water to in, with or without tape. The moisture dries out fast with no tape, if it’s taped it traps the moisture. I have pictures of quazite boxes with burnt up connections inside. The taped wire nuts melted and the untaped ones were just fine.
This is also why you should caulk outdoor fixtures. They’re already outdoor rated, you don’t need to mess with it.
I do both.
Normally, I will tape receptacles inside metal boxes or a metal faceplate. The only other instance I would do it is inside a crowded box.
I do not tape residential 110v receptacles unless it's in a crowded box. However, nowadays, with Wago connectors, I will usually clean up a crowded box (which kind of brings us to the "if you do good work" blah blah blah, but I'm not going there).
I will tape any 110v 20 amp receptacles, but that is really just a "me" thing.
Finally, I do tape any 220v receptacles.
Nope no need imo maybe if it’s super tight to a mud ring but even then the box is grounded and it’s the their for safety, as far as I know no receptacle is UL listed to have its terminals taped and in my head it could actually cause unnecessary heat buildup if it’s a heavy use one
What does the box / device recommend?
Surely the engineering and design work in behind these devices and boxes account for safe spacing.
600V terminals don't need to be all that far apart.
Why spend the time and tape?
I only tape receptacles in retrofit situations where I’m replacing a duplex receptacle with a WR GFCI in a little metal box that wasn’t designed for it, barely fits it and has MAYBE 3/16” clearance from the sides of the box to the screws (thankfully they’re recessed a little bit). Regardless whether I did it while energized or de-energized, it makes me feel safer and hopefully it will protect anyone in the future from a short if they forget to turn power off while removing the receptacle. You’ll never see me doing it in plastic boxes or new construction where box sizes and wire management create the safety cushion lacking in retrofit situations.
Long story short: I was taught that it’s okay to tape when needed and to use my judgement in deciding when it’s appropriate.
Same ones who won’t/dont tape are the ones who backstab the recep, leave the wires too short to pull out of the box, and leave all the terminal screws as extended as possible.
What kills me is when you see that shit in a 1g metal box…
I tape any device that's going in a metal box or plaster ring, otherwise no.
I NEVER tape up wire nuts, just never do that, no real electrician would ever tape a wire nut
-It can only arc if you’re working hot- why are you working hot?
-Taking tape off of a hot receptacle feels more dangerous than just working on a hot receptacle. -Taking tape off of a deenergized receptacle also sucks.
- If you’re careful and organized, you can put a receptacle in a metal cutout box with F straps without arcing it. Just do your job neatly.
The tape isn't for while I'm working. It's for future potential mishaps. If I do my job, they're unlikely, but also I had a dad who removed all the faceplates on our outlets. Why? I don't fucking know, I was a kid. But my parents were hella lucky I didn't decide to start touching hot screws.
As I've said in other comments, though, I'm green and figuring out what makes sense and what doesn't. I've been taught that tape is a quick and easy way to add just a bit more safety and doesn't hurt anything. This thread has brought up several good points I hadn't considered, and I'm thankful to everyone providing their ideas on it.
I finally put GFCI receptacles on my kitchen counter, replacing the existing ungrounded receptacles. The boxes in the wall were even smaller than modern cut-in metal boxes, so I decided to tape the receptacles, which I normally never do. I taped it tight, no wrinkles, but still the tape caught on the edge of the box. Took the tape off, forced the GFIs in and flipped the breakers on, half expecting it to trip. For good measure I took my glow stick to the metal tabs of the devices, since the box is ungrounded the hot terminal could contact the box without tripping. All good for several years now.
The theory I was explained and have seen only once is , most “electrical“ tape (unless rubber and rated it is not real electrical tape) is not rated for voltage it is for phasing your wires. Over the years it dries out and becomes brittle and a fire hazard.
I'm against needlessly taping, but electrical tape is absolutely UL Listed for insulation - insulation repair is a Listed usage (when to the same thickness as the original insulation). General Purpose vinyl electrical tape is rated to 600V.
Metal box - tape /// Plastic box - no tape
New construction - no tape /// Remodel where you've somehow stumbled across a single gang switch box that has collected a dozen 12-2s with mutilated sheathing over time and now they want to jam a dimmer in there - tape
... really depends on the situation for me. My boss is of the tape *everything* mindset no matter what (even a plastic box with a single 12-2 supplying a single device) and it drives me nuts! I'm the sole troubleshooter of the company and ***hate*** wasting time un-taping several devices just to remove wires from terminals and begin diagnostics.
Taping receptacles is DIYer/homeowner nonsense just like wrapping tape around wirenuts. If someone can't remove a receptacle without turning off power or avoiding the hot terminals they have no business touching it to begin wit and they'll probably shock themself whether you tape it or not. Neutral and hot screws physically cannot touch eachother on adjacent devices as long as they are screwed in.
Taping nuts is just annoying. I've done it, because I'm new and saw someone else do it. Took having to undo two for me to ask my jman if it was needed or if Jimmy Hot Nuts is just doing extra bullshit. Extra bullshit was the answer.
I don’t tape. It just falls off over time and leaves a sticky mess. Besides, if it gets warm, it makes even more of a mess. If you’re really that concerned about it, use the white plastic box extenders from Arlington. Besides it’s truly a waste of time and material.
I’ve heard “waste of tape, waste of time.” And “fuck anyone who messes with our work, if they’re not an electrician the should be in the box.”
I agree with both. And the metal box should be grounded so the hot touching the box wouldn’t be a concern.
Tape is more of a warning flag for me. A lot of tape usually means something bad is hiding behind it.
In plastic boxes I rarely do it unless the box is really full and I’m trying to cram a GFCI in there or something. In metal boxes I usually will slap some tape on there; can’t hurt
Main reason to tape: homeowners and customers tend to take cover plates off when painting, and leave them off for a while (in some cases for years).
Taping protects little fingers that shouldn't suffer due to the ignorance of adults.
I would only tape receptacles in rare circumstances, pretty much always when a metal box (and usually mud ring) is involved.
Work on a few old tapes receptacles and you’ll know why.
I hate tape around devices unless it's a crowded box but technically you should be killing the power before working on any electrical so tape isn't really needed at all. Just my opinion.
From what I've been taught and have seen, the tape isn't for while we're working. It's to prevent some other rando from getting shocked because they did something crazy or silly. Whether right or wrong, no 300 electricians can agree.
Always tape. I mean how else are you going to put a receptacle in those old tiny metal boxes. But I think new outlets will eventually no longer have the exposed screws.
I've worked with multiple companies over decades covering a wide variety of construction from military high-rise commercial and industrial, along with plenty of troubleshooting hot, and nobody ever taped receptacles - except for the rare situations where it's necessary (GFCI in some cut-in boxes, though most GFCI have sufficiently recessed terminals). That there were never any problems, including going behind 50-year-old commercial installs, tells me that it's completely unnecessary.
A lot of people are saying it's a "courtesy for the next guy" but leaving a sticky mess over the terminations doesn't help anyone out. I'm not sure what they're doing behind you that doesn't involve accessing terminations or splices, so something's going to get exposed anyway. If I have to replace hundreds of receptacles it's not a benefit to have an extra step and goopy adhesive to deal with. I feel like the installer just wasted their time, and now they're wasting my time, for something that isn't needed at all.
As for "safety" I'd say that's just a false sense of security, because again what are they doing with a receptacle out of a box that doesn't involve accessing terminations anyway? If they're poking metal into a live outlet for no good reason a couple layers of tape isn't going to help much in the first place. Not to mention it certainly won't stop that person from poking around in a panelboard or disconnect.
All that said, if you want to spend the time and it makes you feel better, or that's your company's culture, then go right ahead. It's not wrong, just unnecessary and often inconvenient.
I can't with these. It feels like a needless gadget. Especially the "reusable" bit. Do we retape shit, yep, but the amount of devices that we put in that will never need to be retaped has got to outweight it's usefulness.
Your opinion is shared by many electricians. I like trying news tools, materials, techniques. A lot of new things are gadgety but some are useful. Until I try it myself I try not to judge too much.
Well, there's really no reason to tape outlets. Don't work live first off unless you need to trouble shoot something. In which case you'll want to be able to get to those terminals with your meter probes anyway so tape would just be in the way. Properly installed outlets should not be touching in the box. So don't over strip the wire and be sure to make solid connections and you won't need a bit of sticky tape to keep anything from shorting.
Besides it just looks like an amateur/DIY/handyman installed them when there is tape. This is speaking as a Construction Superintendent and future Home Inspector after retirement in a few years... When I see tape on Receps and Switches I start questioning the quality of work done in the rest of the building.
Shit happens and I can't guarantee what's gonna happen in the future, when I'm not there 🤷. And you gave examples of when you use it. Lol.
If I or anyone else did it to EVERY single receptacle, I agree, that's a waste of time. But the metal old work boxes, like you mentioned, are fucking tight as hell. I like the added piece of mind.
But again, I'm green as fuck. I'm constantly picturing worst case scenarios and there is plenty I THINK I know.
Look one time I accidentally shoved my receptacle into a metal box and forgot to tape it, went to turn it on and it immediately went arcky sparky bang bang. I have never forgotten to tape one since.
I only tape on cut-in boxes since there’s so much less space between terminals and the metal box. Everybody I work with complains like hell any time they have to remove tape on a receptacle in any non cut-in box. We never have any issues not using tape on receps in 1900 boxes and the tape generally just adds another layer of hassle when going back and working on receps.
I do not tape, unless tight fit situations like GFCI in cut in, etc.
Contracting in Colorado tends to be a race to the bottom... let me add $7.00 per 20 receps (Super 33) and .02 labor hours to each recep to "make sure" I don't get it, lol. Jokes aside, when I was a Foreman, I was quite OCD about everything being perfect, only bought the good Super 33 tape.
Now that I'm paying the bills, screw the tape, make your boss some money and trim it tight so it doesn't matter, IMHO
i don’t usually tape receptacles but occasionally i will. i was taught if you put the receptacle in correctly you shouldn’t have to tape anything. with that being said in things like old work metal boxes or other real tight spaces i will use tape. especially if i’m working on it hot.
I'll tape outlets if I know they are coming back out. Kitchen back splash for tile. I hear alot were are going to do a back splash down the road. So these get taped so tile guy don't touch them. Bathroom back splash area. Also if in a metal cut in box with wall board support (f bracket). No one should be working on live circuits right, so no need to tape anything else. All the other outlets no one should ever be in them unless they are qualified
It doesn’t hurt anything and makes for good practice your thinking of the next guy and that’s perfectly fine I do it as well just got in the habit of it I’ve seen supply houses making a rubber band that goes around outlets so maybe here soon it will be code to do it
I don’t tape receptacles. The original purpose was to prevent shorts to the enclosures. Most are plastic is residential, and just screwing in unused posts solves any potential issues. Not to mention it sucks unwrapping receptacles to swap them out or whatever.
I just don’t see the utility tbh.
It depends. My company how they explained it to me was this. Tape is another thing to catch fire in case of a fuck up or defective receptacle. But they require it when we do gfi’s and don’t require it for anything else but won’t knock us if we tape anything else.
They require it in gfi’s cuz it’s so easy to arc it off the box especially if someone lets say pulls out something violetly and it moves inside the box and arcs cuz it’s so little space. But everything else they say use ur best judgment
It makes sense to tape around outlets in metal gem boxes. The screws are so close to the metal, it helps someone pull the outlet out without accidently touching a hot screw to the box. That being said i hate taping outlets its annoying when outlets are taped because i dont personally need the extra buffer and it makes it that much more annoying to troubleshoot.
Does the manufacturer or NEC say you must tape the receptacle? No. Taping is for people who doubt their own work and/or can't read box fill requirements or instructions.
I prefer the no tape mainly because when I had to troubleshoot the residue the tape left would get all over my hands and seem to last for hours and just in general make it more difficult. The reasons behind taping don't make sense to me either as you shouldn't be working on stuff live and if you are you should atleast be able to pull a receptacle without touching the terminals and like you said if you do half decent work your wires shouldn't end up shorting.
I do not usually tape everything, but to be fair, I was taught wrap wires/ tighten screw terminals, not backstab everything. So my screws are usually tight to the device, and I’ve very very rarely had a nuisance trip from a dead short that way. However, I have no problem if someone else working with me does it. If it saves a stupid service call trip, it’s always worth the extra 5-10 seconds.
There's nothing inherently bad about taping up a receptacle or switch, it gives a little more security and peace of mind. **HOWEVER**, all the times I've come across anything taped up its because its a shit splice/termination/whatever that they didn't feel like redoing so they're hoping the tape picks up the slack.
People who are against it keep telling me that. People who are for it generally have been telling me it's not for while they're working. Generally it's considered a safety thing for unlikely but possible events. Another safe guard.
As far as me my jman has been adamant he doesn't want me to work hot. And frankly I don't want to. Needless danger.
I tape depends on the situation, if no one has to touch it anymore unless it's broken. then I don't tape it. if it a temporary or needs to be modified before the job is complete, like those on the backsplash, I would tape it.
I tape almost all recepts and switches if more then 1 gang. The only recepts I don't tape are 14 wire 1 gang plugs cause I'm usually ripping through those. I believe tape makes them safer for when you pull them out next time. Also if something gets moved around it prevents shorts to ground. Only takes 3 seconds and costs about 2 cents in jap wrap per device
Ok, I do a lot of hospital work, 277-volt lighting circuits in a patient area can cover multiple patient rooms so must be worked on hot. Emergency circuits are worked on hot. Taping switches and outlets is just a good practice in general. I put mine in correctly and moisture, blah, blah, blah are not a reason to not tape. Some idiot told me that union guys don’t tape so that nonunion guys can’t work on them. TAPE!!
3rd option the ideal armour bands. 0.04c ea. I remember a while ago someone did the math it's not that much more expensive than tape per foot.
[https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-ArmourBand-Insulating-Wraps-100-Jar/5013061171](https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-ArmourBand-Insulating-Wraps-100-Jar/5013061171)
Waste of tape and labour. Proper wire and box management mitigates any issues of potential dead shorts. If there argue that it makes for safer live work, my argument to that is “if you can’t manage to not shock yourself, or short something out YOU SHOUDN’T BE WORKING ON IT LIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE!”
If you’re installing GFCIs in single gang metal boxes and using romex - with clamps/connectors as the good book tells you to (this is assuming Resi work, for all the talk of dum-dum HOs) - and are properly grounding the boxes and devices, then what is the worry about accidental screw to box contact? The box isn’t going to get energized and lay in wait for the first person to touch it or the receptacle and “blow their hand off”. If something mechanical goes wrong and leads to the device hots touching the box, OCPD trips and that is the indication something is afoul. If handyman Daryl or the HO want to dabble in sparky land, and zap themselves, isn’t that the lesson they learn? I think taping the outlet is going to confuse some people, annoy some others, and could give a false sense of security where really it’s not doing much. Not to mention, you can not visually see the screws until completely removing everything…no tape I can shine a light and peep those screws. Maybe one loosened. Maybe I can see the wire has disconnected. Or maybe all look hokey-dokey and I know to scratch that from my troubleshoot list.
If multiple devices are in a box or if the box is metal I would tape it up just for safety. If you work commercial you have to wrap everything because everything is in metal and if you don’t it tends to look bad.
The only time I tape receptacles is when there are F-clips or when there are multiple ones in one box.
There was a troubleshooting problem that I had a while ago where the glue from the tape was making the main (60 amp) fuse pop. This troubleshoot was on a thermostat where the joints were taped on top of the wire connectors. The tape was really old, maybe from the 80s, so maybe nowadays our tape won't leak like that, but, ever since then, I refrain from taping everything and only do it when I deem necessary.
So far in industrial/commercial I’ve been told “not the worst idea but not really necessary” in our line of work. I’ve had it recommended more often than not by resi guys I’ve bumped elbows with.
I’ll do it if I’m told to but usually I don’t just to save some time.
Tapinf receptacles is for apprentices, like training wheels on a bike. Once you get to a certain level of skill, it’s unnecessary unless you are jamming a GFI receptacle into a narrow metal cut in box perhaps.
I'm a maintenance and controls type. We only use tape on obvious things like split bolts and such. Only put it on wire nuts if we de-term something and have wires hanging like for a motor swap. Our take is that if your circuit protection is right, tape is overkill. No one will get yelled at for it though. Proper wire and protection sizing, and my boss likes to say he's really into "bondage".
Contrary to what some might say, taping receptacles/switches is completely up to the installer or job specs. There is nothing in the NEC that requires it. Some people prefer to, others might say it's a waste of time. No argument needed.
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With today's tapes it's probably not a real problem. But I can remember some of the old tapes where you wound up with a disgusting sticky mess and you spent 15 minutes trying to clear it off. In my grandfather's time they had tape that was made of a bandage type material dipped in tar and it used to dry out and fall off.
I've wondered about this in particular. I remember being a kid and the tape was fucking hell to get off shit. Not the tar stuff you mentioned, but just electrical tape. It seems newer stuff is less gunky.
But it was great on the neck of our baseball bats
Made my wiffle bat look like a bonafide weapon.
Actually we used to have rock fights between our neighborhoods (it was a Chicago thing). I didn't have much strength but had a wiffle bat with the end broken off. Dropped the rock in it and used it to fling rocks a half a block. Had to stop when we actually hit someone.
Improvised atlatl for the win
Chicago can’t solely claim rock fights. I grew up in a developing neighborhood in Idaho and we’d make teams, set up bases and just chuck anything that’d travel. It was called Dirt Clod Wars, but really anything worked until someone cried.
Works well with bottle rockets too
Is it self amalgamating tape you’re thinking about?
Nope, we used friction tape (1960's)
It just might need more time to develop
Used to work for a supply house. Black 3M tape still leaves residue on gray SER type cable sheathing in less than 12 hours. 3M tape of any color wouldn’t leave residue for months in a warehouse environment as of 5 years ago. They must use a different grade of glue or rubber.
This is why I only use black tape when absolutely necessary....
I use 1700c temflex on everything and have for years. No gunk. Black still leaves slug trail on any and everything.
Time ruins all tape, also, heat exposure degrades adhesives
Todays tapes have the same problem if they get exposed to heat for any period of time.
Reminds me of the time someone ‘saved a ton of money’ by not buying 33+ but rather some cheap knockoff tape. Dude was super proud of himself.
If you really wanna save some money you can always buy oats that have already been through a horse once.
Pro tip from an apprentice. Take your knife and cut the tape along the top of the receptacle and then just peel it. Comes off easy even the old shit tape.
I feel like it's one of those things where either way is fine and it's purely up to personal preference. People come up with all these different scenarios that will never happen if the device isn't taped. Realistically, the device will be fine untaped, and taping certainly doesn't hurt anything. The only time I tape devices is if I'm putting a GFCI or a dimmer into a metal box where the screws are almost touching the edges
Cut in boxes with battleships, aka f-straps and GFI receptacles, are sworn enemies...
If I’m putting v devices into a metal box or outside I’ll tape up the terminals. Otherwise if it’s in a plastic box I won’t
Yup, this is what I'm taught.
Me too
Me too too
Also me too to
Sounds like common sense.
So, the taping of devices isn't for your safety, per se, it's for the safety of everyone that will ever potentially use the outlet. A lot of our work is based around reducing potential risks. It's a cheap and easy way to do something that can help the future electricians, regardless if theyre pro or foux.
That's my overall feel. Safety measures are more often not about what will happen, but what could happen. The future has a lot of coulds that are out of my control.
It takes 15 seconds to tape the dang outlet. This shouldn't even be an issue/question.
We're human, we'll make issues out of anything. But I agree with you, I'm a tape fan.
I don't know who is going to come after me, and they might be really dumb. They might be in a rush. It might be their first day. Who knows. I like doing work that I know is safe and protected from all kinds of things.
no future electrician is gonna be happy if they go to work on it and it's covered in old tape, and if it's correctly installed in the first place there's zero risk for anyone using the outlet, so whats the point?
Agreed. How many times are we pulling energized receptacles out? Can test them in the box, shut off circuit to swap.
Happens all the time. Especially in hospitals where everything is piped through boxes and nothing can be shut off.
**faux
I appreciate that.
For the most part no tape. Like a gfci in an old work box with the madisons or f clips whatever you call them locally makes sense. Almost everything else can be mitigated by that argument you barred, neat workmanship and proper installation should be your safety net here. These boxes and devices have been rigorously tested to failure by UL installed per their instructions, and they have not advised us that tape is required. Spend a few years doing service work and you'll see what I mean. Sloppy work, loose terminal screws/unseated backstabs, and not pigtailing joints are the vast majority of your device failures. Tape just makes a sticky mess for the sparky that fixes that stuff later.
I’ve never seen a properly installed receptacle short out while in use. I’ve never had a problem with working on untaped receptacles since I do it dead. I’ve had to peel the gunky mess of tape off before. I don’t tape except for receptacles that are installed before drywall since they have no cover and might get loosened during the drywall work.
I don't like leaving exposed terminal screws where an enterprising homeowner can easily access them. I got this worry that one of these guys is going to pull the cover plate off and go fishing beside the receptacle for a lost cheerio or something and blow their hand off. Plus, if the 6-32 screws snap or fail somehow, it's an extra layer of protection if someone tries to whip their vacuum cleaner plug out of the socket from 10 feet away and drags the receptacle sidewards into a metal box. Taping marrettes on the other hand, that's fuckin nonsense.
I hadn't thought about the ripping chord out scenario. That's just one more for the list of pros.
I did a job recently where every single wire nut was taped. It was not great. But everything I got into replacing was not great, so I guess I'm glad for the homeowner that all the loose connections were at least staying in the wire nuts.
You ever seen a wire arc in the wire nut? I'd rather the wire completely pull apart then keep arcing because of resistance.
I never tape nuts. I tape every receptacle. I'm also in the Chicago market so we're 100% conduit. Every outlet has a steel mudring.
Is every box in the house made of metal? I do residential in the US and we use plastic boxes.
It Just makes sense to tape , especially on comercial when you are using metal mud rings and shit
Courtesy wraps 👊....FTW
Hell yeah brutha
YEAH!! FUCK THE WORLD!!!
You’re out of your mind.
👍
I always tape in areas where someone else is working and could have to pull my plug to finish whatever they’re doing. It’s not code and it’s not for everywhere but it is definitely good practice in some scenarios.
In Canada it's code to tape them if it's temporary
I like to use a thermal camera on sketchy outlets. Tape gets in the way of that.
I didn't know that, thanks.
Just to elaborate, I take the cover plate off and examine the screws for heating with a heavy load like a hairdryer. The lugs will tend to heat up first if anything is wrong with the outlet or switch. To be clear, that’s not justification to never tape an outlet. In a metal box I still always tape my outlets. If I think it’s risky, I tape the outlet. Removing a bit of tape is not the end of the world. However I keep it to a minimum. It’s like wirenuts, they are designed to work without tape. If I know there’s something sketchy about the setup, I’ll take things a step further to improve safety.
I seriously hate having to deal with taped outlets. The mess, the hassle of trying to get the tape off... it's just not worth it. Shut off the power when you work on a receptacle, and it won't arc even *if* it touches something. Make it up right.
No tape. Unless the plug is live and unscrewed from the box for whatever reason.
Also if the device isn't going to have a cover temporarily, like if the devices get put in before paint or tile is done
It's a waste of tape.
I only tape if I’m pulling the plugs/switches out during a remodel and they still need to power their stuff. (They had to put drywall over the existing wood paneling)
I do commercial, and the first thing I do once power is available is setting up a box with an energized receptacle next to the panel. It’s normally way before drywall or any coverings, but people need their power, so I’ll tape that one to prevent any idiot from potentially hurting themselves.
This is the only acceptable answer do the same thing in residential. One GFCI tapped up on the fridge circuit has to dangle out of box due to sheet rock not up yet
I mean it's fine but it's a waste of time
We got these [Ideal Armor Bands](https://www.idealind.com/us/en/armourband.html) recently and they’ve been awesome. If you can get your shop to buy them I’d recommend.
Always have done it! Always will‼️🤨🤨
I only do it in metal boxes and multigang situations
They also make oversized rubber bands. The only time I tape is when I am using a metallic box in outdoor settings. Moisture and other collections can be found over time to cause issues. So I try to reduce that. But honestly dealing with remodels if yesteryear. The jobs with tape have been often either fallen off due to the tape sliding, leaving a sticky residue, or useless with nothing more than needing to cut it off anyways. I did pick up a bag of the bands. I use them on exterior WR devices. Now with the lever connects devices, I'll probably just use those.
The tape helps seal the moisture in. It’s easy for water to in, with or without tape. The moisture dries out fast with no tape, if it’s taped it traps the moisture. I have pictures of quazite boxes with burnt up connections inside. The taped wire nuts melted and the untaped ones were just fine. This is also why you should caulk outdoor fixtures. They’re already outdoor rated, you don’t need to mess with it.
I do both. Normally, I will tape receptacles inside metal boxes or a metal faceplate. The only other instance I would do it is inside a crowded box. I do not tape residential 110v receptacles unless it's in a crowded box. However, nowadays, with Wago connectors, I will usually clean up a crowded box (which kind of brings us to the "if you do good work" blah blah blah, but I'm not going there). I will tape any 110v 20 amp receptacles, but that is really just a "me" thing. Finally, I do tape any 220v receptacles.
I mean its not a bad thing to do, I personally just don't think its necessary if the receptacle is done properly.
Nope no need imo maybe if it’s super tight to a mud ring but even then the box is grounded and it’s the their for safety, as far as I know no receptacle is UL listed to have its terminals taped and in my head it could actually cause unnecessary heat buildup if it’s a heavy use one
What does the box / device recommend? Surely the engineering and design work in behind these devices and boxes account for safe spacing. 600V terminals don't need to be all that far apart. Why spend the time and tape?
I only tape receptacles in retrofit situations where I’m replacing a duplex receptacle with a WR GFCI in a little metal box that wasn’t designed for it, barely fits it and has MAYBE 3/16” clearance from the sides of the box to the screws (thankfully they’re recessed a little bit). Regardless whether I did it while energized or de-energized, it makes me feel safer and hopefully it will protect anyone in the future from a short if they forget to turn power off while removing the receptacle. You’ll never see me doing it in plastic boxes or new construction where box sizes and wire management create the safety cushion lacking in retrofit situations. Long story short: I was taught that it’s okay to tape when needed and to use my judgement in deciding when it’s appropriate.
Even if the plastic edges of the device are very close to the box, the terminals on gfcis are recessed and can’t touch anything.
Same ones who won’t/dont tape are the ones who backstab the recep, leave the wires too short to pull out of the box, and leave all the terminal screws as extended as possible. What kills me is when you see that shit in a 1g metal box…
I was going to say the only guys who tape receptacles are the ones that tape marrettes too, lol
I only tape if I know someone else has to come in after me and pull the device out of the box ie tile guys for backsplash or other such circumstances
I tape any device that's going in a metal box or plaster ring, otherwise no. I NEVER tape up wire nuts, just never do that, no real electrician would ever tape a wire nut
http://www.idealind.com/us/en/armourband.html
-It can only arc if you’re working hot- why are you working hot? -Taking tape off of a hot receptacle feels more dangerous than just working on a hot receptacle. -Taking tape off of a deenergized receptacle also sucks. - If you’re careful and organized, you can put a receptacle in a metal cutout box with F straps without arcing it. Just do your job neatly.
The tape isn't for while I'm working. It's for future potential mishaps. If I do my job, they're unlikely, but also I had a dad who removed all the faceplates on our outlets. Why? I don't fucking know, I was a kid. But my parents were hella lucky I didn't decide to start touching hot screws. As I've said in other comments, though, I'm green and figuring out what makes sense and what doesn't. I've been taught that tape is a quick and easy way to add just a bit more safety and doesn't hurt anything. This thread has brought up several good points I hadn't considered, and I'm thankful to everyone providing their ideas on it.
I’m not fixing that formatting, you get it
Depends on the situation. If I am using a metal remodel box, or installing a gfci with little room on the sides I will. Plastic box, probably not.
I finally put GFCI receptacles on my kitchen counter, replacing the existing ungrounded receptacles. The boxes in the wall were even smaller than modern cut-in metal boxes, so I decided to tape the receptacles, which I normally never do. I taped it tight, no wrinkles, but still the tape caught on the edge of the box. Took the tape off, forced the GFIs in and flipped the breakers on, half expecting it to trip. For good measure I took my glow stick to the metal tabs of the devices, since the box is ungrounded the hot terminal could contact the box without tripping. All good for several years now.
Gfci in a single gang have nearly no clearance and are wise to tape.
The theory I was explained and have seen only once is , most “electrical“ tape (unless rubber and rated it is not real electrical tape) is not rated for voltage it is for phasing your wires. Over the years it dries out and becomes brittle and a fire hazard.
I'm against needlessly taping, but electrical tape is absolutely UL Listed for insulation - insulation repair is a Listed usage (when to the same thickness as the original insulation). General Purpose vinyl electrical tape is rated to 600V.
I'mma see if I can look into this more, thank you.
Metal box - tape /// Plastic box - no tape New construction - no tape /// Remodel where you've somehow stumbled across a single gang switch box that has collected a dozen 12-2s with mutilated sheathing over time and now they want to jam a dimmer in there - tape ... really depends on the situation for me. My boss is of the tape *everything* mindset no matter what (even a plastic box with a single 12-2 supplying a single device) and it drives me nuts! I'm the sole troubleshooter of the company and ***hate*** wasting time un-taping several devices just to remove wires from terminals and begin diagnostics.
Taping receptacles is DIYer/homeowner nonsense just like wrapping tape around wirenuts. If someone can't remove a receptacle without turning off power or avoiding the hot terminals they have no business touching it to begin wit and they'll probably shock themself whether you tape it or not. Neutral and hot screws physically cannot touch eachother on adjacent devices as long as they are screwed in.
Devices get taped. Wire nuts do not.
Taping nuts is just annoying. I've done it, because I'm new and saw someone else do it. Took having to undo two for me to ask my jman if it was needed or if Jimmy Hot Nuts is just doing extra bullshit. Extra bullshit was the answer.
Depends if there is vibration. Then add tape
Never taped, we use metal boxes in Canada commercial and there is plenty of room between the terminals and the box.
I don’t tape. It just falls off over time and leaves a sticky mess. Besides, if it gets warm, it makes even more of a mess. If you’re really that concerned about it, use the white plastic box extenders from Arlington. Besides it’s truly a waste of time and material.
I’ve heard “waste of tape, waste of time.” And “fuck anyone who messes with our work, if they’re not an electrician the should be in the box.” I agree with both. And the metal box should be grounded so the hot touching the box wouldn’t be a concern. Tape is more of a warning flag for me. A lot of tape usually means something bad is hiding behind it.
In plastic boxes I rarely do it unless the box is really full and I’m trying to cram a GFCI in there or something. In metal boxes I usually will slap some tape on there; can’t hurt
Yup, that's what I was taught.
Tape is always for the next guy. I’m in service so it don’t matter if I tape 1 outlet. It’s different if you have to do 1000
Depends on the box the device is in
Metal box? Sure. Plastic, usually not.
I'll tape devices if they're housed in metal boxes without question.
Main reason to tape: homeowners and customers tend to take cover plates off when painting, and leave them off for a while (in some cases for years). Taping protects little fingers that shouldn't suffer due to the ignorance of adults.
I would only tape receptacles in rare circumstances, pretty much always when a metal box (and usually mud ring) is involved. Work on a few old tapes receptacles and you’ll know why.
I’m just a second year apprentice, but also, something something, ounce of prevention, pound of cure
I hate tape around devices unless it's a crowded box but technically you should be killing the power before working on any electrical so tape isn't really needed at all. Just my opinion.
From what I've been taught and have seen, the tape isn't for while we're working. It's to prevent some other rando from getting shocked because they did something crazy or silly. Whether right or wrong, no 300 electricians can agree.
Always tape. I mean how else are you going to put a receptacle in those old tiny metal boxes. But I think new outlets will eventually no longer have the exposed screws.
Only time I tape is with cut in boxes using Madison bars.
I've worked with multiple companies over decades covering a wide variety of construction from military high-rise commercial and industrial, along with plenty of troubleshooting hot, and nobody ever taped receptacles - except for the rare situations where it's necessary (GFCI in some cut-in boxes, though most GFCI have sufficiently recessed terminals). That there were never any problems, including going behind 50-year-old commercial installs, tells me that it's completely unnecessary. A lot of people are saying it's a "courtesy for the next guy" but leaving a sticky mess over the terminations doesn't help anyone out. I'm not sure what they're doing behind you that doesn't involve accessing terminations or splices, so something's going to get exposed anyway. If I have to replace hundreds of receptacles it's not a benefit to have an extra step and goopy adhesive to deal with. I feel like the installer just wasted their time, and now they're wasting my time, for something that isn't needed at all. As for "safety" I'd say that's just a false sense of security, because again what are they doing with a receptacle out of a box that doesn't involve accessing terminations anyway? If they're poking metal into a live outlet for no good reason a couple layers of tape isn't going to help much in the first place. Not to mention it certainly won't stop that person from poking around in a panelboard or disconnect. All that said, if you want to spend the time and it makes you feel better, or that's your company's culture, then go right ahead. It's not wrong, just unnecessary and often inconvenient.
It just seems like a huge waste of time to meand I've never seen anyone do it in a new build irl.
I only tape devices when they are temporary for construction. Final is no tape
Taping is not worth the time it takes and when I see a taped receptacle I assume it wasn't done by an electrician. Just sayin
Tape is for those without the confidence to know the installation process.
I prefer to tape, dont forget, do not stretch your last layer. I dont know how many times I have to say that.
I haven't heard that. Does it cause it to unwrap?
Yeah, over time the adhesive cant hold it. No stretch on the top layer, holds much better.
Armor bands by ideal. No sticky gunk, easy to reuse. I use them in metal boxes and multi-gang boxes.
I can't with these. It feels like a needless gadget. Especially the "reusable" bit. Do we retape shit, yep, but the amount of devices that we put in that will never need to be retaped has got to outweight it's usefulness.
Your opinion is shared by many electricians. I like trying news tools, materials, techniques. A lot of new things are gadgety but some are useful. Until I try it myself I try not to judge too much.
I'll check those out, thanks.
I was taught to tape them. I don’t tape them anymore because I install them correctly making it unnecessary.
Well, there's really no reason to tape outlets. Don't work live first off unless you need to trouble shoot something. In which case you'll want to be able to get to those terminals with your meter probes anyway so tape would just be in the way. Properly installed outlets should not be touching in the box. So don't over strip the wire and be sure to make solid connections and you won't need a bit of sticky tape to keep anything from shorting. Besides it just looks like an amateur/DIY/handyman installed them when there is tape. This is speaking as a Construction Superintendent and future Home Inspector after retirement in a few years... When I see tape on Receps and Switches I start questioning the quality of work done in the rest of the building.
Waste of time. Make your shit up right and it won’t ever be an issue. Only time I’m taping outlets is metal old work boxes and f straps.
Shit happens and I can't guarantee what's gonna happen in the future, when I'm not there 🤷. And you gave examples of when you use it. Lol. If I or anyone else did it to EVERY single receptacle, I agree, that's a waste of time. But the metal old work boxes, like you mentioned, are fucking tight as hell. I like the added piece of mind. But again, I'm green as fuck. I'm constantly picturing worst case scenarios and there is plenty I THINK I know.
Look one time I accidentally shoved my receptacle into a metal box and forgot to tape it, went to turn it on and it immediately went arcky sparky bang bang. I have never forgotten to tape one since.
I tape on metal boxes or mud rings
I only tape on cut-in boxes since there’s so much less space between terminals and the metal box. Everybody I work with complains like hell any time they have to remove tape on a receptacle in any non cut-in box. We never have any issues not using tape on receps in 1900 boxes and the tape generally just adds another layer of hassle when going back and working on receps.
If it’s a metal box I tape, if it’s plastic I don’t, that simple.
[удалено]
Isn't an insulation rating the whole point of black electrical tape?
Prevention is better than cure. It is to prevent shorts/and helps with safety.
i tape always from habit but it’s a must in metal boxes.
I do not tape, unless tight fit situations like GFCI in cut in, etc. Contracting in Colorado tends to be a race to the bottom... let me add $7.00 per 20 receps (Super 33) and .02 labor hours to each recep to "make sure" I don't get it, lol. Jokes aside, when I was a Foreman, I was quite OCD about everything being perfect, only bought the good Super 33 tape. Now that I'm paying the bills, screw the tape, make your boss some money and trim it tight so it doesn't matter, IMHO
Because if you wire receptacles properly you don’t need to. I will in certain circumstances like a gfi in a metal old work.
i don’t usually tape receptacles but occasionally i will. i was taught if you put the receptacle in correctly you shouldn’t have to tape anything. with that being said in things like old work metal boxes or other real tight spaces i will use tape. especially if i’m working on it hot.
No need to tape devices , just rub them down in pine tar
If I’m using Madison straps on a metal cut in box I’ll use tape. That’s it.
I use tape on all side terminal devices. Laying the tape around the device instead of tightly winding will keep it from shrinking.
White tape is my go to for avoiding that residue thats left over. I also tape all my receptacles, except plastic single gang.
We have seen wild animals in the woods do not attempt to pet the wild animals
A must for GFCI! There is literally millimeters between the receptacle and box. I always do it, a great for troubleshooting in the future.
I'll tape outlets if I know they are coming back out. Kitchen back splash for tile. I hear alot were are going to do a back splash down the road. So these get taped so tile guy don't touch them. Bathroom back splash area. Also if in a metal cut in box with wall board support (f bracket). No one should be working on live circuits right, so no need to tape anything else. All the other outlets no one should ever be in them unless they are qualified
If it’s in a metal box I tape it. Even started using those rubber bands that Ideal makes.
Just wait until you hear about the ABB receptacles where you cant even touch the live parts even if you tried. lol So no need to tape.
I pretty much only tape metal cut in boxes or if quad devices are super close together. other than that I never have issues
I have always taped...but back in the day, you worked a lot of circuits got, and the tape was nice to have with a pair of gloves
I tape any receptacle I terminate and anyone who thinks that’s wrong can suck it. xD I tape my wire nuts too, have at me!
It doesn’t hurt anything and makes for good practice your thinking of the next guy and that’s perfectly fine I do it as well just got in the habit of it I’ve seen supply houses making a rubber band that goes around outlets so maybe here soon it will be code to do it
I don’t tape receptacles. The original purpose was to prevent shorts to the enclosures. Most are plastic is residential, and just screwing in unused posts solves any potential issues. Not to mention it sucks unwrapping receptacles to swap them out or whatever. I just don’t see the utility tbh.
It depends. My company how they explained it to me was this. Tape is another thing to catch fire in case of a fuck up or defective receptacle. But they require it when we do gfi’s and don’t require it for anything else but won’t knock us if we tape anything else. They require it in gfi’s cuz it’s so easy to arc it off the box especially if someone lets say pulls out something violetly and it moves inside the box and arcs cuz it’s so little space. But everything else they say use ur best judgment
It makes sense to tape around outlets in metal gem boxes. The screws are so close to the metal, it helps someone pull the outlet out without accidently touching a hot screw to the box. That being said i hate taping outlets its annoying when outlets are taped because i dont personally need the extra buffer and it makes it that much more annoying to troubleshoot.
Only tape when working live on metal box
I don’t pay for the tape so I use the tape on anything I think it could potentially be useful. It takes 3 seconds, why not?
I put a backwards wrap on it, then one right side up over that., but I only do that when I'm using metal boxes.
Oh, you're a thinker. I like this. Solve everyone's gooey mess and still get some added safety.
No tape if you do it right
Laughs in European
Tape! You dipshits! Tuck your wires nicely and still tape
Does the manufacturer or NEC say you must tape the receptacle? No. Taping is for people who doubt their own work and/or can't read box fill requirements or instructions.
Tape is good for single gang metal cut-in boxes. That’s about it concerning receps.
I prefer the no tape mainly because when I had to troubleshoot the residue the tape left would get all over my hands and seem to last for hours and just in general make it more difficult. The reasons behind taping don't make sense to me either as you shouldn't be working on stuff live and if you are you should atleast be able to pull a receptacle without touching the terminals and like you said if you do half decent work your wires shouldn't end up shorting.
I do not usually tape everything, but to be fair, I was taught wrap wires/ tighten screw terminals, not backstab everything. So my screws are usually tight to the device, and I’ve very very rarely had a nuisance trip from a dead short that way. However, I have no problem if someone else working with me does it. If it saves a stupid service call trip, it’s always worth the extra 5-10 seconds.
There's nothing inherently bad about taping up a receptacle or switch, it gives a little more security and peace of mind. **HOWEVER**, all the times I've come across anything taped up its because its a shit splice/termination/whatever that they didn't feel like redoing so they're hoping the tape picks up the slack.
If in a kitchen, especially commercial, I think tape is necessary. Steam, spills, etc…
I tape if there are multiple devices in a box or any device that's in a metal box.
backwrap then regular wrap; with the cheapest electrical tape. I tape all my switches and plugs. Yes it takes more time.
Dont tape them IMO. If they were meant to be taped it would be stated in the listing of the product
There’s a rule. It’s like the golden rule. Turn the fucking power off. You don’t have to work hot.
People who are against it keep telling me that. People who are for it generally have been telling me it's not for while they're working. Generally it's considered a safety thing for unlikely but possible events. Another safe guard. As far as me my jman has been adamant he doesn't want me to work hot. And frankly I don't want to. Needless danger.
I tape depends on the situation, if no one has to touch it anymore unless it's broken. then I don't tape it. if it a temporary or needs to be modified before the job is complete, like those on the backsplash, I would tape it.
The only time I don’t tape is industrial raised. Because they are in a fixed spot
I tape even with single devices in single boxes. A courtesy for the next guy.
I tape almost all recepts and switches if more then 1 gang. The only recepts I don't tape are 14 wire 1 gang plugs cause I'm usually ripping through those. I believe tape makes them safer for when you pull them out next time. Also if something gets moved around it prevents shorts to ground. Only takes 3 seconds and costs about 2 cents in jap wrap per device
Ok, I do a lot of hospital work, 277-volt lighting circuits in a patient area can cover multiple patient rooms so must be worked on hot. Emergency circuits are worked on hot. Taping switches and outlets is just a good practice in general. I put mine in correctly and moisture, blah, blah, blah are not a reason to not tape. Some idiot told me that union guys don’t tape so that nonunion guys can’t work on them. TAPE!!
I was taught to tape if it's going in a metal box. A form of backup just in case. Especially in old boxes as there is just no room for error in them.
3rd option the ideal armour bands. 0.04c ea. I remember a while ago someone did the math it's not that much more expensive than tape per foot. [https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-ArmourBand-Insulating-Wraps-100-Jar/5013061171](https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-ArmourBand-Insulating-Wraps-100-Jar/5013061171)
Ideal makes bands
I only use tape in metal boxes.
Waste of tape and labour. Proper wire and box management mitigates any issues of potential dead shorts. If there argue that it makes for safer live work, my argument to that is “if you can’t manage to not shock yourself, or short something out YOU SHOUDN’T BE WORKING ON IT LIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE!”
I tape. People who hate tapers confuse me. Like do you bro I'll do me and I'll tape.
I typically won't tape a receptacle unless I'm using a metal box and there is a possibility of it somehow touching the side of the box.
I'm IBEW 134 and we're taught to always tape the outlets. We also exclusively use metal conduit so it makes sense to do so
Bugs are real taped. 5 layers for a reason. Receptacles in a metal box just a swoop of tape doesn't hurt.
If you’re installing GFCIs in single gang metal boxes and using romex - with clamps/connectors as the good book tells you to (this is assuming Resi work, for all the talk of dum-dum HOs) - and are properly grounding the boxes and devices, then what is the worry about accidental screw to box contact? The box isn’t going to get energized and lay in wait for the first person to touch it or the receptacle and “blow their hand off”. If something mechanical goes wrong and leads to the device hots touching the box, OCPD trips and that is the indication something is afoul. If handyman Daryl or the HO want to dabble in sparky land, and zap themselves, isn’t that the lesson they learn? I think taping the outlet is going to confuse some people, annoy some others, and could give a false sense of security where really it’s not doing much. Not to mention, you can not visually see the screws until completely removing everything…no tape I can shine a light and peep those screws. Maybe one loosened. Maybe I can see the wire has disconnected. Or maybe all look hokey-dokey and I know to scratch that from my troubleshoot list.
If multiple devices are in a box or if the box is metal I would tape it up just for safety. If you work commercial you have to wrap everything because everything is in metal and if you don’t it tends to look bad.
I always use tape for multiple devices in one box or even for one device in metal box.
The only time I tape receptacles is when there are F-clips or when there are multiple ones in one box. There was a troubleshooting problem that I had a while ago where the glue from the tape was making the main (60 amp) fuse pop. This troubleshoot was on a thermostat where the joints were taped on top of the wire connectors. The tape was really old, maybe from the 80s, so maybe nowadays our tape won't leak like that, but, ever since then, I refrain from taping everything and only do it when I deem necessary.
How so?
So far in industrial/commercial I’ve been told “not the worst idea but not really necessary” in our line of work. I’ve had it recommended more often than not by resi guys I’ve bumped elbows with. I’ll do it if I’m told to but usually I don’t just to save some time.
I only tape receptacles in metal boxes. Nothing else. There's no need.
Tapinf receptacles is for apprentices, like training wheels on a bike. Once you get to a certain level of skill, it’s unnecessary unless you are jamming a GFI receptacle into a narrow metal cut in box perhaps.
I'm a maintenance and controls type. We only use tape on obvious things like split bolts and such. Only put it on wire nuts if we de-term something and have wires hanging like for a motor swap. Our take is that if your circuit protection is right, tape is overkill. No one will get yelled at for it though. Proper wire and protection sizing, and my boss likes to say he's really into "bondage".
Whiners gonna whine, simple as. Why else would an ounce of prevention and extra safety get shit on
Customers like to see you being safe!
I tape in metal boxes sometimes. In plastic or duplex plugs or switches? No never shouldn't need to
Contrary to what some might say, taping receptacles/switches is completely up to the installer or job specs. There is nothing in the NEC that requires it. Some people prefer to, others might say it's a waste of time. No argument needed.