Copper Tape

[Frenchie]

Thanks to all those who introduced me to the idea of copper tape! It certainly reduces the cats' cradle of stuff under the baseboard.
However ... I seem to be having a conductivity problem and it seems that if I have anywhere where one length overlaps another it creates a break. Is this normal or am I doing something else stupid?

[Luke Piewalker]

All the copper tape I have ever used (not on a railway mind) has had conductive adhesive on it. Maybe yours doesn't.
Could you solder across the join?

[Frenchie]

That may indeed be the solution. The thought of ripping it all up and starting again doesn't really bear thinking about!
I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to electrics. I kind of assumed that the adhesive was conductive as well, or that there would be a contact between the two bits where they joined.
You live and learn.

[Ray Haddad]

You might not need to solder. Get some brass wood screws (short) and washers to fit. As you cross the tape over another strip for a join, go 1/2" past and cut. Then fold that 1/2" segment over sticky side to sticky side. Drive a screw through and there you have it. Conductivity. Solder will make a mess of the glue but if you have to do it, do the same but solder on the lower tape first, fold it all over and heat it to make the join.

[Frenchie]

Thanks, Ray.
I'm moderately competent at soldering these days so I may go for that option. But I'll give yours a go and see which works out better.

[willike1958]

I use it too, with strips folded over at the end and soldered to ensure conductivity. I've had no problem so far.
Kevin

[Ray Haddad]

Thanks, Ray.
I'm moderately competent at soldering these days so I may go for that option. But I'll give yours a go and see which works out better.

Soldering upside down is tricky and that's why I didn't suggest that as a first option.