Question about heat tape...

[MonsterCichlids]

hey everyone, so i order 9 feet of 6" flex watt from the bean farm along with connector cords and the metal clips and all that stuff. The one thing i forgot was to order the insulators for the metal connectors (i feel like an idiot). Anyway, I'm in a hurry to set this stuff and id like to have it all set up and running come wednesday which doesn't leave me much time. Are the flex watt insulators completely necessary or could i simply cover the metal connectors with electrical tape? I'm no electrician and i obviously don't want to burn the house down. Im going away on wednesday so i wanted to have all my snakes and tubs and flex watt all set before i left. If i order the connectors now, they won't get here before i have to leave…Any thoughts? thanks!!

[Concept9]

There is another tap you can use. Its called splicing compound. It looks like black electrical tap but its thinker. It more durable and will sorta weld its self together over time. Better insulator.

[mykee]

I've used electrical tape for over a dozen years to cover the open ends of the heat tape, never had an issue.

[MonsterCichlids]

Originally Posted by mykee

I've used electrical tape for over a dozen years to cover the open ends of the heat tape, never had an issue.

gotcha, well I've got plenty of electrical tape on hand, so just use that to cover all parts of the metal connector and ill be fine? I'm assuming the only reason you cover the metal connectors is so you won't get electrocuted if you happen to accidentally touch one of the connectors right?

[Chris72]

Originally Posted by mykee

I've used electrical tape for over a dozen years to cover the open ends of the heat tape, never had an issue.

+1 for electric tape.

Just make sure your design ensures that there will be no friction (from tubs) in the area of the connection and there is nothing to worry about. You will be fine.