What is heat shrink cable?
Heat-shrink tubing (or, commonly, heat shrink or heatshrink) is a shrinkable plastic tube used to insulate wires, providing abrasion resistance and environmental protection for stranded and solid wire conductors, connections, joints and terminals in electrical work.
How is heat shrink tubing manufactured?
To create heat shrink tubing, plastic manufacturers first use extrusion to make a tube of thermoplastic material. The materials used in heat shrink tubing vary depending on the intended application. Once the desired plastic has been extruded, the material is heated and forced to expand, increasing the tube’s diameter.
How does heat shrink work?
Heat shrink works by creating a protective seal around an electrical wire or connection. It is made from a substance that shrinks in diameter when heated creating a secure seal. It is used in electrical work to protect wires, terminals and connections against moisture and abrasion.
When was heat shrink tubing invented?
1950s
Heat shrink tubing was originally developed by Raychem Corporation in the late 1950s, when Raychem’s chemical engineer founder, Paul Cook, made use of radiation chemistry (from which his company’s name is derived) to develop the two main products that Raychem was originally known for: lightweight aircraft cable, and …
Is Heat Shrink safe?
For example, neoprene is a great insulator against weather elements. Moreover, heat shrink tubing is more reliable than electrical tape and will generally not need to be replaced as frequently as electrical tape.
Is heat shrink toxic?
Heat-Shrinkable Polymeric Products are not hazardous during proper installation, but the heat-shrinkable tubing may emit hazardous thermal decomposition and combustion byproducts if overheated to degradation.
What can I use in place of a heat gun?
Instead of a heat gun, you can use an alcohol burner, a soldering iron, a butane torch, or a 300mw engraving laser. Common household objects such as hair dryers, matches, lighters, clothing irons, or light bulbs might also work.
Why are heat shrink tubings used for cable termination?
Heat shrink tubings provide excellent strength with improved resistance to chemicals, solvents, temperature extremes and UV for outdoor cable termination applications.
Where can I find heat shrink cable markers?
Label, mark and identify wires and cables with Hilltop Products. Hilltop Products specialise in producing printed heat shrink cable markers that can be positioned over the required cable and heated until set. Heat shrink cable markers are tough enough to stand the test of time, and cannot fall off or be accidently removed.
Are there any heat shrinkable wire identification sleeves?
RPS & RPS-CT – Commercial grade Heat Shrinkable Wire Identification Sleeves. TMS-SCE-2X – TMS-SCE-2X marker sleeves are designed to meet wire and cable identification needs with high performance requirements.
Which is the smallest heat shrink for wire?
The smallest heat-shrink tubing we offer, this tubing protects wire with a 0.017″ and smaller diameter. Identify ground wire with this green-and-yellow striped tubing.