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Heat Shrink Tubing
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- In general, heat shrink tubing is a common element in most electrical setups that insulates electrical components
- from external factors such as moisture, dust, abrasion, and sharp objects that might otherwise damage wires and electrical components. Heat shrink tubing is a thermoplastic tube that shrinks when exposed to heat.
- PLEASE DO NOT USE A HAIR DRYER TO SHRINK TUBING!
- We Know Heat Shrink Tubing!
- Thin Wall Cross-linked Polyolefin, 2:1 Shrink Ratio from NTE
- 6 inch lengths (In stock at Farnsworth Electronics, Click here to see the Philmore catalog page)
- 4 Foot Lengths
- Dual Wall Cross-Linked Polyolefin with Adhesive, from NTE
- 4 Foot Lengths (In stock at Farnsworth Electronics)
- Medium Wall Cross-Linked Polyolefin with Adhesive
- Thick Wall Cross-Linked Polyolefin with Adhesive
- Heat Guns (In stock at Farnsworth Electronics)
- Click here to see the complete NTE Heat Shrink Tubing Brochure
- Assortment Packs (In stock at Farnsworth Electronics)
- In order to get a secure fit for your project, be sure that the tubing’s recovered diameter
- (the diameter after shrinking) is smaller than the diameter of the area you’re going to insulate.
- At the same time, the tubing’s expanded state (the diameter before shrinking) needs to be large enough
- to easily fit over the area to be insulated, as well as any connectors attached to it. Cut the heat shrink tubing to
- a usable length, and be sure to allow for a minimum 1/4” overlap over any existing insulation or connectors.
- Keep in mind that tubing also shrinks lengthwise - typically 5-7% during the shrinking process. If covering an object,
- slide the cut tubing over the object that you’re covering; if splicing, slide the tubing over the splice, centering
- it to allow for equal overlap on both sides.
- Before shrinking, check your tubing's specifications for the recommended heating temperature. Any commercial
- heat gun or heat shrink oven can be used to shrink the tubing. Farnsworth Electronics has some great options
- available for Heat Guns. Since uncontrolled heat can cause uneven shrinkage, physical damage and insulation failure,
- the use of an open flame is really an emergency resort.
Helpful Hints-
1) If you’re covering a long length of cable with tubing, begin shrinking at one end, and gradually work your way down to the other.
To ensure that the tubing shrinks evenly and without air bubbles, rotate the project as you’re applying heat.
2) Evenly apply heat over the length, and around the diameter of the tubing, until fit is uniformly shrunken and conforms
to the shape of the cable, hose, or splice that it’s covering.
3) Avoid overheating the tubing as it will become brittle and/or charred