Instructions on how to properly protect connections
with SCAPA 2501 self-amalgamating tape

Original Polish version by Lukasz Sawicki
Self-amalgamating SCAPA 2501 tape is based on PIB (Polyisobutylene) rubber. It is a versatile material for waterproofing, corrosion protection, jointing and repair of cables - used indoors and outdoors. Product properties and correct application ensure waterproof connections (for fresh and sea water) in a wide range of temperatures.SCAPA 2501 is available in two lengths:
  • E9751 - 3 meters of self-amalgamating tape PIB SCAPA 2501 0.50*19mm
  • E9755 - 10 meters of self-amalgamating tape PIB SCAPA 2501 0.50*19mm
This self-amalgamating tape provides basic protection of connections in power distribution systems, telecommunications, RF installations - especially outdoors, e.g.:
  • Connections of coaxial cables (F-connectors)
  • Connections of CCTV cables (BNC and F connectors)
  • Connections of UTP/FTP cables
  • Connections of coaxial cables in WLAN devices (N, SMA, SMA/RP and other connectors)
  • Connections of coaxial cables from WLAN devices to external antennas or access points (N, SMA/RP connectors)
The surface for applying has to be clean and dry (no dust, grease, oil, or petroleum-type solvent).
Application method: wrap the tape (without plastic liner) around the object, stretching it to the point that its width reduces to about 2/3, and make 50% overlap. It guaranties tight adhesion of the tape to the object and between its layers. Proper stretching is very important for the self-amalgamating process between the layers of the tape as well as tight adhesion to the surface. The full process takes up to 24 hours and can be reduced to several hours at higher temperatures.
The instructions below enable the installer to do the job correctly - the examples show how to protect BNC coupling and WLAN antenna connection.
It is non-adhesive tape - the sealing effect is maintained due to self-amalgamating between the layers of the tape. The surface for applying has to be dry, dust- and grease-free. Installation temperature has to be above 0oC (the higher temperature the shorter time needed for self-amalgamating - at 20oC it takes about 24 hours). The final wrapping is void-free and homogeneous, tightly bound to the surface. It cannot be unwrapped - the only way of removing the tape is longitudinal incision. The tape does not react with the substrate nor does it leave marks on it.
Self-Amalgamating Tape: PIB SCAPA 2501 0.50*19mm/3m
View of the tape in its protective packaging
Take the tape out of the packaging and remove the sticker protecting it against unwinding
Unwind the end of the tape (it goes with the plastic liner - take it off before applying the tape)
The plastic liner has to be left on the rest of the tape - it protects the tape against self-amalgamating on the roll
It is important to remember about proper tension in the tape during applying on the surface being protected - it is the condition of adequate protection. This picture shows a piece of the tape
before stretching.
Proper application requires to wrap the tape around the object stretching it to the point that its width reduces to about 2/3. For comparison - exactly the same piece of the tape after proper stretching.
The tape is tensile and durable.
Example 1 - protection of BNC coupling
View of BNC coupling
Start with the cable before the connector - it will guarantee proper protection of the whole assembly
Advice: To avoid tangling of the protective liner just keep it with your thumb.
Stretch the tape properly, as mentioned above - it will allow to get tight and durable protection. With one hand hold the end of the tape at the start point, with the other pull it with enough force
to reduce its width to 2/3
Wrapping up the assembly keep the tension and make 50% overlap
The coupling has been fully protected against any weather and environmental conditions
- humidity, water, dust
After wrapping up the object, the tape tends to restore its original length, tightening around it and taking its shape. It allows to protect even very irregular elements.
Example 2 - WLAN antenna connection
View of the connection of the cable with N plug and a WLAN antenna
Start with the cable before the connector - it will guarantee proper protection of the whole assembly
Stretch the tape properly, as mentioned above - it will allow to get tight and durable protection.
With one hand hold the end of the tape at the start point, with the other pull it with enough force
to reduce its width to 2/3
Advice: To avoid tangling of the protective liner just keep it with your thumb.
Wrapping up the assembly keep the tension and make 50% overlap
The connection and the space between the connector and antenna has been fully protected
against any weather and environmental conditions - humidity, water, dust
After wrapping up the object, the tape tends to restore its original length, tightening around it and taking its shape. It allows to protect even very irregular elements.