What material should be used to electrically isolate straps for steel and composite tanks?

The appropriate material for electrically isolating straps for steel and composite tanks is rubber. Rubber serves as an excellent insulator, preventing electrical currents from transferring through the straps to the tank structure, which is crucial in preventing corrosion and ensuring safety in underground storage tank systems.

Using rubber for these applications helps to minimize galvanic corrosion that could occur if different metals are in contact with electrolytes in the ground. This is particularly important for steel tanks, where direct metal contact could facilitate corrosion processes. Moreover, rubber's flexibility and durability in various environmental conditions make it a suitable choice, ensuring long-term effectiveness in maintaining the integrity of the tank’s installation.

Insulator materials in a general sense may also provide adequate isolation; however, rubber specifically possesses advantageous properties like flexibility and resistance to wear that enhance functionality in this context. Conductive materials, on the other hand, would create a direct path for electrical currents, leading to potential operational and safety hazards.