Thermal classification of electrical pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes

Design engineers have traditionally selected electrical pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes to match the temperatures ratings of their equipment. With the advent of thermosetting adhesives a few years ago, these types advanced from their temporary-holding role to that of “Pressure-Sensitive Electrical Tapes as Designed-In Components”¹. Having a permanent job to do, an electrical tape´s behavior during overload and transient conditions became important. General information on this subject was first published by 3M in technical form in 1959². This covered 9 classes of tape and listed temperatures suitable for “Days to Weeks” operation as well as temperature limits for “Short Time Surge” conditions.