Tape
In the truck workshop and trailer construction environment, tape is used on a daily basis for a wide range of electrical and mechanical tasks. Whether the application involves insulating connections, colour-coding wiring harnesses, or bundling and protecting cables on a trailer or HGV, the correct type of tape directly determines the quality and longevity of the finished installation. Dekoff supplies a focused range of tape products matched to the specific requirements of vehicle wiring and body building.
PVC insulation tape is the most widely used tape type in the truck workshop. The flexible PVC backing conforms to irregular shapes and seals connections and terminations securely. PVC insulation tape resists common fluids such as engine oil, coolant and cleaning agents that are present in a professional workshop setting. In trailer construction and when wiring an HGV, temperature resistance is essential, as cabling is exposed to heat from braking systems as well as cold in winter conditions. PVC tape provides stable electrical insulation across a broad temperature range, which makes it a reliable choice for these environments.
Colour coding of wiring is a functional requirement in vehicle electrics. Red is used for live conductors and phase identification, blue for neutral conductors or specific circuits, brown and grey in line with European colour conventions for phase conductors, green for earth-related wiring, and black as the universal standard colour for insulation and finishing. In a trailer with an extensive electrical installation, such as lighting, ABS wiring, hydraulic controls or refrigeration systems, consistent colour coding makes maintenance and fault diagnosis significantly more efficient. Technicians in the truck workshop can work quickly and accurately using colour-coded insulation tape, even when multiple people are working on the same installation.
Elastic insulation tape occupies a distinct position within the range. The stretchable composition allows this tape to wrap conical connections, junction sleeves and irregularly shaped termination points completely and without air pockets. In trailer construction such connections are frequently found where wiring harnesses transition to connectors or where cabling passes through hollow section profiles. Elastic tape provides a seamless seal in these situations that remains in place even under vibration and mechanical load.
Linen tape, also known as cloth tape or woven tape, has different application properties from insulation tape. The woven backing gives linen tape high tear strength in the transverse direction, allowing it to be torn by hand without tools. In trailer construction and at body builders, linen tape is used for temporarily fixing wiring harnesses, bundling cables along frames and hollow sections, and protecting wiring at points where mechanical abrasion occurs. The adhesion of linen tape is suited to surfaces such as painted metal, plastic and slightly damp substrates, making it practical for use on a trailer in outdoor or workshop conditions.
Coroplast is one of the reference brands for tape in the automotive and vehicle electrics sector. Coroplast tape is characterised by a stable PVC composition, consistent adhesion and reliable electrical insulation values. These properties make Coroplast tape suited for use in vehicle wiring where long-term reliability is required, including in environments with vibration, moisture and temperature fluctuations. Tesa supplies linen tape that is widely used for mechanical protection and bundling in the truck workshop and by trailer manufacturers.
In the practical context of the truck and trailer sector, tape is used during the installation and repair of lighting wiring, the finishing of cable harnesses in the cab and on the chassis, the colour coding of multi-function connectors on trailers, and the mechanical protection of cables in areas subject to heavy wear from vibration or contact with the frame. A well-equipped workshop maintains multiple colours of insulation tape for coding purposes, black tape for standard insulation and finishing, and linen tape for mechanical bundling and securing. Dekoff supplies this tape specifically matched to the requirements of the truck and trailer sector.