This Standard covers thermoplastic and rubber tapes for use as electrical insulation at not more than 600 V and at 80??(176?? and lower temperatures on joints and splices in wires and cables in accordance with the National Electrical Code@ NFPA 70. It is intended that rubber tape on a joint or splice be mechanically protected by a covering such as friction tape. Thermoplastic tape is acceptable without the additional mechanical protection. The characteristic constituent of the thermoplastic tape covered in this Standard is either PVC (polyvinyl chloride or a copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate)@ or PE (thermoplastic polyethylene). For the characteristic constituent(s) of rubber tape@ see 18.1.