TPC Wire and Cable Corp. and United Controls International have entered into an exclusive marketing and distribution agreement for UCI’s NukeTape® product effective August 1, 2010.

NukeTape® is a silicone rubber extruded splice tape qualified for use in all safety related applications in nuclear facilities. The product was originally considered only for safety related or harsh applications, but nuclear facilities have found the tape to be so cost effective that they use the product throughout the plant wherever ordinary splicing tape or heat shrink would be used. This also allows nuclear facilities to replace many tapes and shrink tube splicing SKU’s with NukeTape®, as it is rated for use inside or outside the containment area. Product inventories are maintained and sold through a 10CFR50 Appendix B program audited by NUPIC, Nuclear Procurement Issues Committee.

“We are very excited, as this agreement allows us to represent a high quality, nuclear rated product to the nuclear industry. UCI has created a strong brand with NukeTape and we are proud to be able to represent them. NukeTape is a perfect fit for our line of high performance wire, cable and assemblies.” said TPC Product Manager, Jay Hathaway.

Saving in Material Cost

Cost comparisons by UCI and plant operators show that the material costs to complete a typical splice using NukeTape® tape averages $20. The same splice using insulated heat-shrink costs $120 in materials. The tape is also quicker to install which limits the amount of time employees spend in containment areas.

Savings in Procurement and Inventory

The one part number for NukeTape® effectively replaces multiple inventory items, eliminating conventional insulating and jacketing tapes as well as over thirty heat-shrink kits and the tools required to apply them. The tape can be shipped from stock within a few days eliminating the need for the customer to maintain large, on-site inventories.

Savings in Time

NukeTape® can be applied in about half the time required by heat shrink insulators. Should it be necessary to rework the splice, the tape may be cut and peeled away clean without residue. A heat shrink insulator will often take more than an hour to remove and clean with volatile solvents.

Source: TPC Wire & Cable Corp.