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dr_reverend t1_j5rb0ol wrote

Reply to comment by AbnormalMapStudio in Why does hot air cool? by AspGuy25

Even easier. Just use some masking tape.

Recommended up to 100c but I doubt 105c would be a problem.

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Lampshader t1_j5rzle5 wrote

The FLIR sales rep recommended black electrical tape when I asked about this.

I dunno what its melting point is but 98% of electronics workbenches will have it within arm's reach already so it's got that going for it

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bella_68 t1_j5s8tpz wrote

Idk how hot a car gets when sitting in the sun but it was hot enough to melt the glue on the electrical tape covering my steering wheel. Interestingly, the glue was liquid and the liquid was everywhere but the tape was still on the steering wheel because the way it was wrapped and the fact that the glue was also still there to some extent.

Unfortunately for me, I get a rash anytime I touch glue

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ArchitectOfFate t1_j5u5knj wrote

The tape itself has NEC standards regarding when it melts and burns, and is designed primarily to melt unless exposed to really extreme temperatures. There’s usually a rubberized or vinyl part of the tape that can turn it into a sticky mess. Good electrical tape shouldn’t have problems at “normal” temps, but on a hot day in the south/southwest a car can get upwards of 150 degrees F, which is pushing it even for the good stuff.

Humidity also doesn’t help and can cause some glues to break down faster.

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VoilaVoilaWashington t1_j5vaa02 wrote

> The tape itself has NEC standards

Which is probably not true of random black tape people buy at the dollar store.

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ArchitectOfFate t1_j5vfsry wrote

Exactly. I didn’t want to accuse OP of buying cheap tape, but proper electrical tape will be clearly labeled as electrical or electrician’s tape, will have the NEC standard on it, and costs $3-$5 a roll unless you’re buying in bulk.

And even then the minimum is 170 degrees. 3M and a couple other companies certify their vinyl tapes above that, but one that’s barely compliant could still get hot enough in a hot car for the glue to start to soften.

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