Cloth and the heat path
Fiberglass cloth tape is a woven glass fabric with a silicone adhesive. The glass does not melt or char at the temperatures found around motors, manifolds and heating elements, so the tape keeps its shape where a plastic film would sag. It shields wiring, bundles leads against a hot housing and protects a surface during nearby brazing or soldering.
Thickness, weave and adhesion
Fiberglass tape for motors and coils comes in several weaves. Thin glass cloth wraps a harness where bulk matters, heavier cloth resists abrasion next to a metal edge, and a silicone adhesive is what allows service temperatures above 180 C. Wide rolls shield a panel, while narrow rolls wrap a single lead.
- Thin glass cloth for wrapping harnesses where bulk matters.
- Heavier cloth for abrasion resistance next to a metal edge.
- Silicone adhesive for service temperatures above 180 C.
- Wide rolls for shielding a panel, narrow rolls for a bundle.
Application notes
Glass cloth does not stretch, so plan the wrap before starting and cut lengths rather than pulling around a corner. Edges fray, so cut with sharp scissors and tuck the start under the first turn. Wear gloves, because glass fibre edges are abrasive on skin and the cut ends are the worst of it.
For coil work, specify the temperature class and the voltage the insulation must withstand, then keep the tape clear of moving parts and balance weights. Heat shielding tape for coils should be checked on a sample run through the real duty cycle, not just at room temperature.
