Question 1

Does anyone who has used this for electrical purposes determine what kind of current this tape can handle?

Accepted Answer

I'm surprised the manufacturer doesn't seem to state the current rating of this tape. Fortunately, it can be determined fairly easily.

Current rating = Current Density * Cross-sectional area

I measured this tape (1/4") to be 6.2mm wide and approximately 0.1mm thick. I made efforts to remove the glue with both Acetone and Rubbing Alcohol, but I was not completely successful, so the thickness measurement does include at least some of the glue. So, 6.2mm * 0.1mm gives us a cross-sectional area of 0.62mm. NIST Seems to use a current density of around 2.8 for Copper, so I'll do the same:

0.62 * 2.8 = 1.736 Amperes

However, NIST uses very conservative values in their calculations. So let's round up to 2 Amps. To test my calculation, I took an approximately 4-inch piece of the tape and connected it between the terminals of my bench-top power supply. The tape was not attached to anything else, I left it floating in the air between its two connection points. I made sure no fans were running and turned off the Air Conditioner/Heat. I also took efforts to not breathe on or in the direction of the tape. Overkill? Perhaps.

What I'm testing is to see if the tape significantly increases in temperature when exposed to 2.0A of current. Before applying power, I took a temperature measurement of the tape @ 72.0F (22.2C) using an infrared thermometer with an Emissivity setting of 0.95. I then set the bench top power supply to 12V @ 2A (voltage doesn't really matter here, but for sake of completeness...) and let it sit for 5 minutes. I took a temperature measurement about once every minute, but saw no gain in temperature. After 5 minutes, the temperature was still 72.0F. Immediately after removing power, I placed my finger on the tape, which felt slightly cool to the touch.

Given everything outlined above, I'm pretty confident that it is safe to run 2A of current over this tape for long periods of time. I used pretty conservative numbers, so it is likely safe to go a bit higher even. However, if you want a good, safe limit, then 2.0 Amps seems to be a good number.

Disclaimer: I am a stranger on the internet. While I have put in my best effort to give correct and accurate information, I still advise you to do your own research before applying the information contained within this answer. I bear no responsibility for loss of opportunity, finances, life, limb or property, or for any other damages you may incur as a result of following the advice contained within this answer.

Question 2

will a magnet stick to the tape? If so, how powerfully?

Accepted Answer

A magnet will not stick to the tape because copper is effectively not magnetic.

Question 3

Has anyone used this to prevent slugs from getting in flower pots?

Accepted Answer

I haven't yet but come spring, I plan to try it out.  Slugs hate silver foil which I have used in my own garden to protect a patch of early black eyed susan transplants that these pests just love to eat.  I will try the copper foil tape around the base of clay pots as suggested from information I read about the many uses of this foil tape.  Sorry I dont have an exact answet for you.  Happy Gardening.

Question 4

Can i use it to fix a rear window defogger tab in my car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It has good electrical properties. You will have to solder it, since the adhesive backing does not conduct.

ASIN	B01MR5DSCM
Adhesive Format	Narrow Tape
Adhesive Location	Double Sided
Adhesive Side Count	2
Best Sellers Rank	#11,868 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ( See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ) #3 in Stained Glass Lead & Foil
Brand Name	Zehhe
Color	Golden
Compatible Material	Glass
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,206)
Included Components	copper tape
Item Dimensions L x W x Thickness	0.25"W x 0.25"Th
Item Thickness	0.25 Inches
Item Weight	0.04 Kilograms
Manufacturer	Zehhe
Material Type	Copper
Model	BF4964
Number of Items	1
Other Special Features of the Product	Double Sided, Strong
Part Number	BF4964
Recommended Uses For Product	EMI Shielding, Grounding, Paper Circuits, Stained Glass
Size Name	1/4 inch
Surface Recommendation	Glass
UPC	613468786234
Unit Count	65.4 Feet
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant

Zehhe Copper Foil Tape with Double-Sided Conductive (1/4inch X 21.8yards)- EMI Shielding,Stained Glass,Soldering,Electrical Repairs,Slug Repellent,Paper Circuits,Grounding (1/4inch)

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