In medium- and high-voltage cable manufacturing, effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding combined with high electrical conductivity is essential for signal stability, fault current handling, and overall system reliability. Copper Tape for Cable — also known as Copper Foil Tape or Soft-Annealed Copper Shielding Tape — is a high-purity, precision-slit copper foil engineered specifically for the cable industry. Produced from 99.9%+ pure electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper and soft-annealed to O temper, it delivers near-100% IACS conductivity, excellent formability, and superior mechanical properties for longitudinal or helical wrapping applications.
As a trusted B2B supplier of complete cable materials and technical solutions with decades of global project experience, we recognize copper tape as the premium choice for manufacturers requiring maximum shielding effectiveness, fault-current capacity, and long-term durability in power cables, XLPE-insulated cables, transformers, and busway systems.
Composition & Engineered Manufacturing Process
Copper Tape for Cable is manufactured from high-purity copper strip that undergoes precision cold rolling, annealing, and slitting. Key characteristics include:
- Base material: Electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper with ≥99.9% purity
- Temper: Soft-annealed (O temper) for maximum flexibility and wrapability
- Surface finish: Bright, clean, and burr-free edges for smooth high-speed processing
The tape is available in thicknesses from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm and widths from 10 mm to 1000 mm, with optional adhesive backing or copolymer coating for enhanced bonding and moisture resistance.
Key Technical Advantages & Performance Benefits
Near-100% IACS Electrical Conductivity Copper tape provides the highest conductivity among common shielding materials, enabling excellent EMI/RFI attenuation and low transfer impedance — critical for maintaining signal integrity in sensitive power and communication cables.
Superior Formability & High-Speed Processability Soft-annealed temper combined with high elongation ensures wrinkle-free longitudinal or helical wrapping on high-speed lines without cracking or spring-back, reducing production defects and scrap rates.
Excellent EMI Shielding & Fault-Current Capacity The high-purity copper core delivers near-100% optical coverage and high fault-current carrying capability, making it ideal for metallic shielding layers in MV/HV cables and grounding applications in transformers and busway systems.
Mechanical Strength & Durability
- Tensile strength: High (typically 200–300 MPa in annealed condition)
- Elongation: Excellent (≥30–45%)
These properties ensure the tape withstands mechanical stresses during manufacturing, installation, and service life.
Versatile & Customizable Available in bare, adhesive-backed, or copolymer-coated versions to suit different cable designs, with custom widths and thicknesses for precise matching to your production equipment and performance requirements.
Copper Tape vs. Aluminum Tape for Cable Shielding
| Feature | Copper Tape for Cable | Aluminum Tape for Cable | Best For |
|---|
| Conductivity | ~100% IACS | ~61% IACS | High-fault-current & low-impedance applications |
| Weight | Heavier | Significantly lighter | Weight-sensitive long-distance cables |
| Cost | Higher material cost | Lower | Budget-optimized large-scale projects |
| EMI Shielding Effectiveness | Superior (lower transfer impedance) | Excellent for high-frequency | Critical power & data cables |
| Fault-Current Capacity | Excellent | Moderate | MV/HV power cables |
| Formability & Coverage | Excellent | Excellent | High-speed longitudinal wrapping |
Primary Applications in Cable & Electrical Systems
Copper Tape for Cable is widely specified for:
- Medium- and High-Voltage Power Cables (MV/HV): Longitudinal or helical shielding layer to block EMI and carry fault currents
- XLPE-Insulated Cables: Metallic screen for dielectric stress control and interference protection
- Transformers & Busway Systems: Conductive windings, grounding layers, and current-carrying components
- Telecom, Data & Specialty Cables: High-performance EMI shielding where maximum conductivity is required
It is frequently used in combination with drain wires, copolymer coated tapes, or braided shields for hybrid shielding solutions that meet stringent EMC and safety standards.
Technical Specifications
For Shielding of Power Cable
For Transformer and Busway Applications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Condition / Standard |
|---|
| Conductivity | Up to 100% IACS | High-purity copper |
| Tensile Strength | High | Suitable for high-speed wrapping |
| Elongation | Excellent | Soft-annealed temper |
| Thickness Range | 0.05–0.20 mm | Precision slitting |
| Width Range | 10–1000 mm | Clean edges, no burrs |
| Standards | IEC 60502, ASTM B152 | International compliance |
(Custom thicknesses, widths, and tempers available upon request.)
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Copper Tape for Cable complies with:
- IEC 60502 (Power cables with extruded insulation)
- ASTM B152 (Copper sheet, strip, plate, and rolled bar)
Every batch undergoes rigorous testing for conductivity, mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality to ensure consistent performance and full traceability.
Packaging & Logistics
Supplied in rolls with standard inner diameters of 76 mm, 102 mm, or 150 mm. Coils are securely packed in wooden cases or on pallets for safe global transportation and storage.
Premium Conductivity & Shielding for Demanding Cable Applications
Copper Tape for Cable combines near-100% IACS conductivity, superior formability, and excellent EMI shielding performance to deliver a high-reliability shielding and conductive solution for modern power, XLPE, transformer, and busway systems. Its precision engineering and compliance with IEC 60502 and ASTM B152 make it the technical upgrade for manufacturers seeking maximum performance and long-term cable integrity.
For cable manufacturers and EPC contractors focused on reliable quality, customized technical solutions, and long-term partnership value, this tape ensures your cables meet the highest conductivity and shielding standards while optimizing production efficiency.
Inquiry Now to request detailed technical data sheets, samples, custom specifications, or competitive bulk quotations tailored to your production line and cable designs. Our expert team provides full technical consultation and one-stop material solutions that strengthen your competitive advantage in global cable markets.
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