These are plug n play. The tape is on the end opposite where the light shroud is. I think it is to protect from possible heat and short on the frame. Digitrax tech support said the manual should tell whether to remove it or not. The manual does not address it at all. I figure that if they were shipped that way it must mean to leave it on. Anyhow, what harm could it do to leave it on. Thanks for the replies.