Battery ground strap

[riber.bentsen]

So, cut the insulation open on my ground strap today, because I had the sneaky suspicion it might be the cause of some funny issues, and it looked a bit "fuzzy" and corroded at the ends - turned out to be literally like-new under the plastic. I mean, bright-shiny-copper new Good news I guess, as I don't have a leaky hatch.

But my question is, if it is okay to run it without the insulation? Is it just for looks, or does it serve a purpose? Other than keeping moisture away of course, but that does not seem to be an issue with my car..

Thanks,
Niels.

[Landseer]

Often its just deep graying at the ends.
Can happen on either end.
Some have the plastic covering the joint, some don't.
Some I've seen where the graying is a few inches up from either end.

[riber.bentsen]

Yeah it was exactly that - graying. Only a mm. or so under the plastic.

I wish I hadn't cut it, but hey, better safe than sorry. But is it ok to use without covering, or should i wrap it in electrical tape or something?

[JhwShark]

I'd wrap it...either electrical tape or silicone tape...I use silicone it bonds to itself and seems to be better at sticking in heat than electrical tape...just my opinion.

[MPDano]

That Silicone tape stuff is awesome. That is what I used to wrap my Harness Rebuild since it was going to a heated area.

[riber.bentsen]

Where would something like that be available, and could someone post a pic?

Appreciate it, thanks

[JhwShark]

You can get rolls of it from auto stores usually 10 ft or so but pricy from them. I got a large roll 36ft from Duluth Trading company (Bing it); they sell all sorts of stuff not car related but they have a great price on large rolls.

Silicone Tape - 36 ft Roll X-Treme Tape - Duluth Trading Company
Jon

[riber.bentsen]

"Originally developed for the military, this new silicone based repair tape will be an essential for your tool box! It's self-fusing, and requires no adhesive since it only bonds to itself. X-Treme TapeŽ stretches to 3 times its length, conforms to irregular shapes easily, and withstands UV rays, acids and fuels. Won't melt to 500° F, so it can be used for emergency muffler repairs. Remains flexible to -60°F. Insulates to 8000 volts – ideal for short term electrical repairs."

Yikes, that sounds kinda crazy! Don't know if something like that is available in DK

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by riber.bentsen

"Originally developed for the military, this new silicone based repair tape will be an essential for your tool box! It's self-fusing, and requires no adhesive since it only bonds to itself. X-Treme TapeŽ stretches to 3 times its length, conforms to irregular shapes easily, and withstands UV rays, acids and fuels. Won't melt to 500° F, so it can be used for emergency muffler repairs. Remains flexible to -60°F. Insulates to 8000 volts – ideal for short term electrical repairs."

Yikes, that sounds kinda crazy! Don't know if something like that is available in DK

How far is UK from you? Here's some from eBay UK

Find Kraken Silicone Self Fusing Repair Rescue Tape - WHITE on eBay International Market, with worldwide deals on items in all your top categories

[Mrmerlin]

do some shopping,
Harbor freight sells rolls of heat shrink in various sizes,
you can find the right size and reshrink a new covering,
I know HF isnt in DK but there should be some available maybe at a marine supply store.
You do want the flat cable covered because if its not then you will have to remove the terminal from the battery to remove power from the car,
this is important when working on the elex system

[Anthony10370]

liquid electrical tape is also a great option, it brushes on and seals completely to the insulation and the copper wire so it would even protect in a submerged application (like that'll ever happen). It dries in about 30 seconds too so you can do a few coats within a couple minutes.

[JhwShark]

Originally Posted by Anthony10370

liquid electrical tape is also a great option, it brushes on and seals completely to the insulation and the copper wire so it would even protect in a submerged application (like that'll ever happen). It dries in about 30 seconds too so you can do a few coats within a couple minutes.

+1..I use it on end/crimp points/connections when I don't want heat shrink.

[riber.bentsen]

My GF's dad is an Electrical Engineer, so maybe he has something that would work. Like big size heat shrink..