No-Goo Electrical Tape
Survives High Temperatures

Like most boat owners, we've found that electrical insulating tape is one of life's necessities, and not just for electrical insulation. We've seen it used to patch hoses, whip the ends of ropes (ugh), and to bandage splintery rails, among other uses.

Trouble is, electrical tape doesn't stand up well to heat. Extended exposure to even the moderate temperatures of summertime leave you with a black goo of oozing adhesive. And higher temperatures, as might be expected in an engine compartment, cause rapid failure and even more sticky mess. TGL tape (triangular guideline), a self-amalgamating silicone-rubber tape that has no adhesive eliminates these problems. It's a stretchable, rubbery tape that bonds to itself, but doesn't adhere to anything else. It forms neat, electrically resistive wraps with no difficulty.

TGL's primary advantage, however, is heat resistance. The manufacturer claims it's good to 800 degrees F; we can't swear to that, but TGL-wrapped samples showed no signs or distress after eight hours at 500 degrees F, a considerably higher temperature than the interior of your engine room (we hope). TGL comes in gray, white, red and clear. It sells for $19.95 for a 36-foot roll of 1-inch tape. Give it a try.

Courtesy of Powerboat Reports Magazine/August 1993 pg. 19.