Self Amalgamating Tape query

[Chris Holmes]

Hi All,

I have recently used SAT to insulate and waterproof some joints in 1.0mm 2 core cable. I used chock block for the joins (staggered) though with hindsight, I think twist and SAT would have been sufficient / neater (12V feeding a 26W LED navigation light)

I am confident of its insulating and weatherproofing capabilities, but I wonder, does it also stop the two cables coming apart.

I.e. if you were to take two lengths of 2 core double insulated flex, cut the ends flush. And then correctly wrap SAT around them.

Would it then be easy to pull the join apart? Or not?

[John Rumm]

IME it's not massively strong (or more to the point, it is quite elastic) - but it does depend on how much you have and over what length etc.

Really the strength should come from elsewhere, and the SAT just doing the sealing and protecting.

[alan_m]

+1 The wires beneath the SAT would pull apart but the SAT wouldn't necessarily fail until stretched too far.

[williamwright]

Could you make a loop with the joint on the loop, make the loop solid by the use of insulating tape pulled very tight as you apply it?

Bill

[Brian Gaff (Sofa]

Exactly you really should not be exerting forces on wiring anyway, alas this can make fatigue cracking of the insulation appear far faster. One assumes this is a marine application. If its near salt water, then all bets are off. Brian