Working in an environment where electrical work is the core focus and a constant on-site demand, you know the job isn’t always done in comfortable conditions.
Sometimes, you’re making splices out in the cold where tape needs to stick fast, even when temperatures try to work against you.
At other times, you’re working under scorching heat and racing to finish the job quickly, especially when wrapping over mastic tapes that become soft and flowy when warm.
In these tough environments, not just any tape will do. That’s why many pros rely on the 3M Scotch Vinyl Electrical tape lineup, known for its premium quality and reliability.
In this article, we’ll compare two popular 3M electrical tape choices from this series: 3M Super 33+ and Tape 35.
They represent the core of what most professionals actually need and apply in the field: durability and organization.
Super 33+ is the go-to choice for everyday reliability in tough environments, while Tape 35 offers the same durability with the added benefit of color coding for phase identification or organization.
Knowing their differences helps electricians and industrial users to choose the right tape for their specific needs.
What Is Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape?
Compared to other electrical insulation tape options, vinyl tape stands out for its unmatched flexibility, durability, and weather resistance.
Vinyl electrical tape is flexible and pressure-sensitive, offering strong resistance to abrasion, moisture, and UV. Such characteristics make it ideal for insulating, protecting, and bundling wires both indoors and out.
Additionally, its high dielectric strength, thermal resistance, and stretchability ensure safe, long-lasting performance, even on irregular surfaces.
3M offers a premium lineup of vinyl electrical tapes, backed by over 75 years of expertise and proven real-world performance.
Their Scotch® Professional Grade Vinyl Electrical Tape series combines trusted innovation with durable reliability for demanding electrical applications.
Designed to handle everything from everyday jobs to harsh industrial environments, these tapes stretch, stick, and stay put, even in extreme weather or tough conditions.
Super 33+ vs. Tape 35
Super 33+ and Tape 35 are trusted staples for many electrical professionals in varying industries. While they share the same high standards, both offer different advantages depending on the job.
Here’s what you need to know.
Your All-Weather Insulation Tape: 3M Scotch® Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape
Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Electrical Tape is a premium, heavy-duty, and all-weather insulation tape, designed to handle tough electrical jobs in nearly any environment.
It’s flexible enough to work in cold temperatures down to -18°C and tough enough to resist abrasion, moisture, acids, and UV exposure, all while providing reliable insulation up to 105°C.
This tape offers strong, moisture-tight protection with minimal bulk, making it a trusted choice for wire splices, cable bundling, and more.
Super 33+™ is ideal for primary electrical insulation on wire and cable splices rated up to 600 volts and protective jacketing for high-voltage cable splices and repairs.
Its compatibility with a range of splicing compounds and cable insulation makes it a versatile solution for electricians, maintenance crews, and industrial users who need durable, long-lasting performance in demanding conditions.
For Your Organization and Insulation Needs: 3M Scotch® Vinyl Color Coding Electrical Tape 35
Scotch® Vinyl Electrical Tape 35 is a go-to option when you need both reliable insulation and easy color coding on the job.
It comes in 10 fade-resistant colors, great for phase identification, marking safety zones, or organizing cables on the fly.
Built with a tough yet flexible PVC backing and a strong rubber-based adhesive, this 3M electrical tape performs well in a wide range of conditions, from -10°C cold to 105°C heat.
It’s rated for up to 1000V (CSA) and works indoors or outdoors, making it perfect for everything from residential fixes to heavy-duty industrial tasks.
Whether you’re fixing cable jackets, covering mastic, or organizing wires, Tape 35 delivers reliable performance, plus the benefit of color coding.
Comparing Key Features
| Feature | Tape 35 | Super 33+ |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Medium to heavy-duty tasks, harsh temperatures, and moist or corrosive environments | Medium to heavy-duty tasks, extreme temperatures, and moist or corrosive environments |
| Use Cases | Color Identification and marking | Permanent, low-voltage primary & secondary insulation, cable jacketing and mechanical protection |
| Operating Temperature | 14 to 221°F (-10 to 105°C) | 0 to 221°F (-18 to 105°C) |
| Thickness | 7 mils (0.177mm) | 7 mils (0.177mm) |
| Dielectric Strength | 1250V/mil | 1150V/mil |
| Available Colors | Red, yellow, blue, brown, grey, white, green, orange, purple, pink | Black |
Which 3M Electrical Tape Should You Choose?
Choosing between 3M electrical tape options like Super 33+ and Tape 35 comes down to what your job requires.
For example, go with Super 33+ for everyday wiring, small repairs, and long-lasting insulation in residential environments. Its flexibility and performance in colder temperatures make it a solid all-rounder.
Tape 35 stands out in commercial setups where multiple wires or phases need to be clearly marked. It adds color-coded clarity while offering the same durability.
Meanwhile, both electrical tape insulation options are ideal for industrial applications as they perform well in harsh environments—Tape 35 for organized wiring systems and Super 33+ for high-performance insulation and protection.
The Right 3M Tape, From the Right Supplier
Ultimately, choosing between 3M’s Super 33+ and Tape 35 depends on what your job calls for, whether it’s flexible black tape for everyday insulation, color-coded tape for clear identification, or perhaps both.
To make sure you get genuine 3M electrical tape products and expert support, buy from an authorized 3M supplier in Singapore like Lim Kim Hai Electric.
Our team can help you pick the right tape according to your needs, allowing you to perform electrical work with safety, peace of mind, and confidence in the tape’s performance, no matter the conditions.
Contact us to learn more.
