3M Scotch 130C Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape

Overview

3M Scotch 130C, the Scotch Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape 130C, is a highly conformable, linerless ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulating tape designed for splicing and terminating wires and cables from low voltage up to 69 kV. It is rated for 90°C continuous operation and 130°C short-term overload, is formulated for good thermal dissipation of splice heat, and provides immediate moisture seals and void-free build-ups. Because there is no liner to peel, the 3M Scotch 130C is quick to apply and leaves no waste in a cramped joint bay or a motor terminal box.

Seven Star LLC supplies 3M Scotch 130C to cable jointers, power network contractors, oil and gas operators and industrial maintenance teams in the Sultanate of Oman and across the GCC. We provide the 3M technical data sheet, help choose roll widths, and offer engineering support from Muscat for projects from Sohar and Duqm to Salalah.

Working Principle

The 3M Scotch 130C is a self-bonding rubber: when stretched and wound, the layers fuse to each other and form a solid, homogeneous insulation body with no adhesive interface. 3M states that its physical and electrical properties are unaffected by the degree of stretch, so the jointer can elongate the tape heavily in critical areas, such as over connector edges and around stress points, to squeeze out air voids without degrading the insulation. Typical dielectric strength is 750 V/mil (29.5 kV/mm) as received and after 24 hours in water, and 730 V/mil (28.7 kV/mm) after 96 hours at 23°C and 96 percent RH.

Heat management is the other half of the principle. A splice concentrates resistance at the connector, and if the insulation around it traps heat the joint runs hotter than the cable. 3M formulates 130C for high thermal conductivity, typically 0.3 W/m°C, so heat flows out of the connector area. Combined with the 130°C emergency overload rating, this lets the tape insulate splices on cables whose overload temperature can reach 130°C, as the data sheet describes.

Engineering Design of the 3M Scotch 130C

The tape is a 0.762 mm (30 mil) ethylene propylene based compound with typical tensile strength of 1.72 MPa (250 psi) and ultimate elongation of 850 percent. It passes ASTM D4388 ozone, heat and UV resistance tests, is weather resistant, and the data sheet stresses that it must not split, crack, slip or flag when exposed indoors or outdoors. Typical volume resistivity exceeds 10¹⁵ ohm-cm as received and 10¹⁴ ohm-cm after humid ageing; dielectric constant is 3.5 at 23°C and 3.6 at 90°C, with dissipation factor of 0.70 and 3.00 percent at those temperatures.

The linerless design also gives a small roll outside diameter and a uniform unwind. For installation, 3M asks for successive half-lapped, level-wound layers applied tacky side up, so the roll stays close to the work, stretched to at least three quarters of the original width. When using the 3M Scotch 130C on cable above 15 kV the tape should be highly elongated throughout the entire splice. Shelf life is five years when stored between 10 and 27°C below 75 percent RH.

Key Features

Engineers choose 3M Scotch 130C for the following reasons listed by 3M.

• Linerless, self-bonding primary insulating tape rated through 69 kV.
• High thermal conductivity to help dissipate heat from the splice connector.
• Rated 90°C continuous with 130°C emergency overload service.
• Physical and electrical properties are unaffected by the degree of stretch.
• Compatible with common solid dielectric cable insulations.
• Uniform unwind and small roll diameter for work in confined spaces.
• Weather resistant and stable over a wide application temperature range.
• Five-year shelf life under controlled storage.

Industrial Applications

The 3M data sheet lists primary insulation for splicing all types of solid dielectric cables through 69 kV, building stress cones on solid dielectric cables up to 35 kV, bus bar insulation, jacketing of high voltage splices and terminations, moisture sealing of electrical connections, end-sealing of high voltage cables, motor leads and jacket repairs. In Oman, the 3M Scotch 130C is used by 11 kV and 33 kV network crews, by substation contractors insulating bus connections, and by maintenance teams in oil fields, refineries and desalination plants who repair motor leads on large pumps and compressors.

Seven Star LLC supplies 3M Scotch 130C together with jacket tapes and other cable accessories, including the Hawke 501/421 industrial cable gland and the CMP E1FW cable gland for armoured cables, and MV components such as the Crompton Greaves 17.5 kV porcelain bushing. Our Muscat team can help assemble a complete jointing kit list for planned shutdowns as well as urgent repairs.

As general guidance, tape-built insulation remains valuable even where pre-moulded or cold shrink accessories are the main jointing system, because a roll of self-bonding tape can seal a cable end after cutting, rebuild a damaged section of insulation, or fill an irregular connector profile that a moulded part cannot accommodate. The exact build-up thickness, number of layers and testing should always follow the approved jointing procedure of the cable maker and the network owner.

Technical Specifications

The 3M Scotch 130C values below are typical figures from the 3M technical data sheet (November 2020); they are not for specification limits.

How to Order

To order 3M Scotch 130C for jointing crews, substation work or plant maintenance in Oman or the GCC, send Seven Star LLC your widths and quantities for a formal quotation. We can share the 3M Scotch 130C technical data sheet, recommend matching jacket and mastic tapes, and arrange engineering support from our Muscat office.