TE Connectivity's Raychem HVBT (High Voltage Busbar insulation Tapes) are heat shrink, adhesive-coated tapes that provide insulation enhancement and protection against accidentally induced flashovers. This guide covers what HVBT is, what TE lists for its ratings and materials, and how much tape to use for your busbar.
TE designed Raychem HVBT to combine the integrity of a heat shrink tubing with the versatility of wraparound products. It is compatible with TE's Raychem medium voltage insulation enhancement systems.
Upon application of heat, the tapes shrink and the adhesive lining melts, amalgamating the overlapping layers to produce a complete lap to lap seal. A single layer of HVBT, two-thirds overlapped, provides AC voltage withstand (flashover protection) of at least 17.5 kV, increasing to 36 kV if a second layer is applied.
Although HVBT adheres to itself and other insulating materials, it will not adhere to metal or porcelain, allowing easy removal for maintenance.
TE describes HVBT as a simple and effective solution to the problems of retrofit insulation of busbars, particularly where existing equipment cannot be dismantled. It can be used for indoor and outdoor applications and is easily installed over a wide variety of shapes, including complex connections.
TE offers busbar insulation as heat shrink tubing (BBIT and BPTM) and as heat shrink tape (HVBT). The details below come from TE's data sheets for each product. See our Raychem BBIT vs BPTM guide for the tubing in full.
| BBIT | BPTM | HVBT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Heat shrink tubing | Heat shrink tubing | Heat shrink, adhesive-coated tape |
| Wall | Heavy-wall | Medium-wall | Tape, applied in overlapped layers |
| Voltage, as listed by TE | Flashover protection up to 36 kV | Specified applications up to 25 kV | At least 17.5 kV AC withstand with one layer, 36 kV with two layers |
| Temperature, as listed by TE | Thermal endurance 125 C minimum | Thermal endurance 105 C minimum | Continuous operating temperature up to 90 C |
| Low temperature | No cracking after 4 hrs at -40 C | No cracking after 4 hrs at -40 C | No cracking after 4 hrs at -40 C |
| Busbar shapes | Straight or bent copper and aluminum busbars | Straight or bent copper and aluminum busbars | Wide variety of shapes, including complex connections |
| Installation | Tubing is installed over the busbar, so access to one end of the busbar is needed | Tubing is installed over the busbar, so access to one end of the busbar is needed | Wrapped with overlap, then heated. TE lists it for retrofit where equipment cannot be dismantled |
| Indoor and outdoor | Indoor and outdoor, per specified conditions | Indoor and outdoor, per specified conditions | Indoor and outdoor |
Voltage ratings for each product are listed differently by TE, so check each data sheet before choosing. Clearance reductions depend on the equipment design and should be tested by the user.
From TE's data sheet. The information refers to the backing material only.
| Key Material Property | Test Method | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | ||
| Resistance to Transformer Oil (Tensile Strength, Ultimate Elongation) | VDE 0370 | 168 hrs. at 23 C, 10 MPa (1450 psi) min., 300% min. |
| Low Temperature Flexibility 4 hrs at -40 C | ASTM D2671, Procedure D | No Cracking |
| Accelerated Ageing 168 hrs at 120 C Tensile Strength | ASTM D638 | 10 MPa (1450 psi) |
| Accelerated Ageing 168 hrs at 120 C Ultimate Elongation | ASTM D638 | 300% min. |
| Electrical | ||
| Dielectric Strength | ASTM D149, IEC 243 | 130 kV/cm (330 V/mil) |
| Volume Resistivity | ASTM D257, IEC 93 | 1 x 10^13 Ohm cm min. |
| Smoke Index | NES 711 | Less than 50 |
| Acid gas generation | TE's Raychem PPS 3010 4.23 | Less than 3% by weight |
From TE's data sheet. Sizes are in inches (mm), and lengths are in feet (meters). Part numbers link to our online store.
| Product Description | Rectangular Busbar Width: inches (mm) | Length needed per coverage distance: Feet (Meters) |
|---|---|---|
| HVBT-1-R-01(B8) | 1 (25) | 33 (10.0) |
| HVBT-2-R-01(B4) | 2 (50) | 25 (7.6) |
| HVBT-2-R-01(B4) | 3 (75) | 38 (11.4) |
| HVBT-2-R-01(B4) | 4 (100) | 52 (15.6) |
| HVBT-2-R-01(B4) | 6 (150) | 82 (25) |
| HVBT-4-R-01(B4) | 8 (200) | 52 (15.6) |
| Product Description | Round Busbar Diameter: inches (mm) | Length needed per coverage distance: Feet (Meters) |
|---|---|---|
| HVBT-1-R-01(B8) | 0.5 (12) | 16.5 (5) |
| HVBT-2-R-01(B4) | 1 (25) | 16.5 (5) |
| HVBT-2-R-01(B4) | 2 (50) | 33 (10) |
| HVBT-2-R-01(B4) | 3 (75) | 55 (16.7) |
| HVBT-4-R-01(B4) | 4 (100) | 33 (10) |
Dimensions in inches. UOM is roll of length, P (feet).
| Product Description | Q a min. | W1 a min. | W1 b min. | W2 b min. | UOM: Roll of length, P (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVBT-1-R-01 (8) | 1 | 0.014 | 0.022 | 0.034 | 25 |
| HVBT-2-R-01 (4) | 2 | 0.014 | 0.022 | 0.034 | 24 |
| HVBT-4-R-01 (2) | 4 | 0.014 | 0.022 | 0.034 | 25 |
In our online store, HVBT-1-R-01(B8) is sold in multiples of 8, HVBT-2-R-01(B4) in multiples of 4, and HVBT-4-R-01(B2) in multiples of 2.
TE Connectivity's installation video for Raychem HVBT busbar insulation tape. TE also publishes installation instructions EPP-0619-8/98.
HVBT is TE Connectivity's Raychem High Voltage Busbar insulation Tape. It is a heat shrink, adhesive-coated tape that provides insulation enhancement and protection against accidentally induced flashovers.
A single layer, two-thirds overlapped, provides AC voltage withstand (flashover protection) of at least 17.5 kV. A second layer increases it to 36 kV.
No. It adheres to itself and other insulating materials, but will not adhere to metal or porcelain, which allows easy removal for maintenance.
Yes. TE lists HVBT for indoor and outdoor use, with anti-tracking properties.
TE lists continuous operating temperature up to 90 degrees C, and flexibility at temperatures as low as -40 degrees C.
TE says HVBT is easily installed over a wide variety of shapes, including complex connections.
HVBT is a heat shrink tape, so you need a propane torch with the right hose and regulator for the job. Our Raychem torches and accessories guide compares the three Raychem torch kits and the hoses and regulators that go with them.
Powertech Associates and Utility Power Supply Company represent TE Connectivity across New England and New York State. Send us your busbar shape, size and the length you need to cover, and we will help you pick the part number. Contact Powertech Associates at info@powertech-upsc.com or (860) 678-8772.
Last updated: November 2026.
