Why can't you use masking tape to tape electrical wires?

Answer 1

Masking tape isn't designed to be either insulating or watertight, so it's a really bad choice to use to tape electrical wiring together. What masking tape is designed for is paint masking then easy removal after the paint dries without leaving any residue.

If you just temporarily want to tape the wires to a wall or something, it's fine, but using it on exposed wiring is a bad idea, and masking tape isn't designed for longtime service anyway. Masking tape is considered disposable, electrical tape is considered permanent.

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Electrical tape has an inherent insulation property. It comes in many thickness and temperature ratings. There are two main types in use in the electrical trade. The PVC tape is the everyday tape used for general insulating purposes. The second type is a rubber amalgamating tape. This type is used on large motor splices. Once the rubber tape is applied, it amalgamates into one mass of rubber to provide the proper insulation value. After the rubber tape is applied an over wrap of PVC tape is applied to provide wear protection to the splice.

Answer 2

I hope this answer is not too late! Do not use any tape for electrical jobs except electrical tape- other tapes are not made to be heat resistant and may (probably if given enough time) catch on fire.