Regarding AMP Fusion Tape, I prefer that to any other waterproofing (vs.
moisture proof) tape or adhesive backed (water proof) heat shrink (usually only
2/1 and 3/1), due to no heat required, no application before soldering or
joining. You can dispense with "marine electrical goop" (which needs overlaid
wrap to avoid cracking from UV ...then the overlay wrap needs to be UV resist)
or "sealing in mayonnaise jars", etc, etc.
Descriptive info from Dan Barnes (automotive engr): "Heat-shrink tubing.. is
limited to the sizes on hand, and can adjust to a limited range of diameters.
Plus, it takes heat to install, which is not always desirable. Self-fusing tape
achieves the ideal at which self-adhesive electrical tape aims.
With AMP Fusion self-fusing tape, there is no separate adhesive, so there can
be no shmoo (edit: mess). The tape bonds to itself. My understanding is,
polymer bonds are broken when the material is stretched. When it is wrapped
around itself, it is just as easy to reform those bonds with the material in
the adjacent layer of tape as within the original layer. Thus, the wrapping
becomes a single, homogeneous mass. The result is almost like dipping the
connection in plastic, but the process is dry, free of mess, and happens at
room temperature. Removing it, if necessary, is just like removing any other
insulation, since it sticks only to itself. (edit: Use a straight safety
razor blade, or Exacto knife to cut a line down one side and peel off)." end
quote
Contrary to some of the descrip's that suppliers indicate, this tape is more
than "moisture proof". AMP has assured me that it is "waterproof" (to no
specified immersion depth) and my marine electrical customers use it in
bilges, etc., therein water (two overcoats vs. one, for low voltage DC
applications, but , for liability reasons, WARNING: I must say that a user
must obtain from AMP a written spec before submersion for any application and
this spec from AMP does not exist at present..... bear with me gentlemen......,
if I characterize its waterproof aspect by the marine guys' immersed use, then
some CB'r (ham wannabe of course) monitoring TT will seal his barrel joint from
his RG58 to RG217 with this tape, then lay the cable through his father's
tropical fish pond, turn on the high amp alternators and 10 kW RF, causing a
fish fry as well as executing the neighbors in their swimming pools). HI
Easy to use: you just peel off the backing, stretch it and apply....it is NOT
sticky or messy! Simple instructions come with it from us. You can find this
fusion tape, and 3M33+ (flame/U.V. resistant electrical tape) on our web site
at http://www.davisrf.com/coaxseal.php
Hope this is of some help!
73, Steve Davis, K1PEK DAVIS RF Co.
sdavis@DavisRF.com
978-369-1738
~ Davis RF Co., Div. of Orion Wire Co.,Inc.
Distribution to numerous industries, Andrew
Heliax; Times Microwave LMR; RFS Celwave and others.
Cable design engineering. RF Peripherals.
www.DavisRF.com
Tel: 1-800-328-4773 (1-800-DAVIS RF) Tech'l: 1-978-369-
1738, Fax: 1-978-369-3484
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