DT sensors come pre-mounted with a thin self-adhesive Very High Bond (VHB) tape (3M F9460PC) that works well for most applications. This article covers alternative adhesives for special conditions where the default tape may not achieve the desired result.
Who is this article for?
Anyone installing DT sensors who needs guidance on adhesive selection for specific surfaces or environments.
Default mounting
Remove the peel-off tape to expose the pre-mounted adhesive and press the sensor firmly onto a clean, dry surface. The pre-mounted tape has a square opening in the centre that allows other adhesives to be applied through it without removing the tape.
For best results, always start with a clean and dry surface.
Temporary mounting
For trialling sensor placement, use a small piece of clay glue in the centre area of the sensor back. This preserves the original permanent tape for the final installation.
Alternatively, attach a repositionable double-sided tape over the original peel-off to save the permanent tape for later:
Special mounting conditions
1. Rough surfaces
Thin tapes do not conform well to rough or uneven surfaces. Use a thicker, flexible foam tape instead:
2. Unfinished concrete
Most adhesives do not bond well to bare concrete. Prepare the surface first with paint, primer, or contact glue before mounting the sensor.
3. Permanent mount
The pre-mounted VHB tape is permanent in most cases. For extra adhesion, apply glue in the centre opening (remove the peel-off tape first to allow the glue to contact both the tape and the sensor):
For rough surfaces, a silicone-based adhesive with strong initial tack works well:
4. Cold environments
Most adhesives require near-room temperature to cure. Use tapes rated for low temperatures:
- 3M VHB 4943F — usable down to 0°C (32°F), or below with reduced strength
- 3M VHB 4957 — usable down to 0°C (32°F)
- 3M Fast-F — usable down to -20°C (-4°F); single-sided tape, mount the sensor using its pre-mounted tape on top
Superglue can also work well on cold surfaces. Loctite 454 has been tested successfully on wood and metal kept at -18°C (-0.4°F).
5. Wet environments
For wet environments, use tapes designed for moisture resistance. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before mounting. If the surface cannot be dried, TEC7 sealant adhesive is an alternative.
- 3M VHB Tape 4941
- 3M VHB Tape 4910F (transparent)
To remove VHB tape later, use a sharp thin knife or wire to lift the edge, then apply a citrus-based solvent to soften the adhesive before rubbing it off.
6. Temperature sensors
A temperature sensor is thermally connected to its mounting surface through the tape. Using thin tape results in a setup that primarily measures surface temperature rather than air temperature.
To measure air temperature, thermally insulate the sensor from the surface using a thicker foam tape (e.g., Tesa 62612 or 3M VHB 4943F).
Note that even with insulation, a surface with high thermal capacity (such as a concrete wall) will affect the air temperature in its immediate vicinity. For a fuller picture, consider installing multiple sensors.
7. Mounting Brackets
Mounting Brackets use specific adhesive tapes depending on the product:
- Standalone Range Extender: 3M 9088-200
- Mounting Bracket – Water Sensor: 3M 9088-200
- Ambient Temperature Range Extender: 3M VHB 4943F
How to apply alternative tape
Most double-sided tapes come in 19 mm width, which matches the sensor footprint:
- Cut a 19 mm length of the alternative tape.
- Remove the peel-off tape from the sensor.
- Attach the sensor to the adhesive side of the tape.
- Remove the remaining liner when ready to mount the sensor.
Pre-cut tapes in custom sizes are available from tape converter companies. A recommended European supplier is Alfast in Denmark.
Removing sensors and tape
Please visit our How to safely remove 19mm sensors from their installation spot article for the best advice.
For VHB tape residue, apply a citrus-based solvent, let it work for a few minutes, then rub off the adhesive. See 3M's guide on removing VHB tape for more detail.