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Heat Shrink Tubing typically is used in the electrical industry. It is used to protect wires and cables from abrasion, weather and chemicals.
This product has expanded to many uses along with different features.
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Topics
- Voltage Rating - - Safety - Electrical Properties -
- General Specifications - - Alpha Wire Information -
- Specialized Heat Shrink - - Used on Nuclear Plants, Oil rigs, Power lines ( High voltage) , Repairs -
- Base line Thoughts - - Basics things to consider as a Spear-O / DIYer -
- Other Applications - Heat Shrink is everywhere -
VOLTAGE RATINGS
Heat shrink will have a voltage rating. An insulated wire will have a voltage rating.
Most will NOT notice this and just think about amperage or current capacity. Connections can be exposed and heat shrink is often used to cover the joint.
Voltage ratings are important, but most DIY-er types ignore this as they are not covering electrical devices. Same deal for electrical tape.
| SAFETY - example |
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| One of the dumbest uses of heat shrink I have seen was it's use on a solid copper rod. The copper rod was 1/4" diameter and used on a 10KVDC power supply to carry 1 amp. |
Some idiot put the heat shrink on the rod, then wrapped it with RED electrical tape in a big spriral so you had a black and red looking wire. This was located underneath a cover. The wire was insulated by the spacing of the rod in air. The heat shrink and tape did nothing. |
| The next person not knowing what is going on might think the wire is SAFE, the window dressing was doing nothing. No cover would be safer so it's a visual hazard. |
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Alpha Wire Information
Concise information that covers this topic well.
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Heat - Shrink Tubing : The Versatile Tools for Maintenance and Repair - Download pdf file |
Specialized Heat Shrink
TE Connectivity Catalog clips of some specialized types of heat shrink products.
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156 page pdf download , Catalog reference. |
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Base line Thoughts
- Add adhesive / sealer between item and heat shrink for better seal.
- Shrink ratios should be verified with a test part.
- The length will be reduced as well.
- Typically start shrinkage process on one side and move across considering air pockets.
- Use a hair dryer / heat gun vs other heat sources ( e.g. stoves, blow torches , lighters )
- Verify voltage rating if you are using it on electrical wires and devices.
- Thicker heat shrink will have a higher voltage rating.
- Lots of vendors selling product. Some specialized for grips, fishing poles etc. Don't expect voltage rating for these items, same for shrink wrap type products.
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Other Uses
| This technology has expanded into many areas: Tamper-proof materials, Packaging seals and Labeling. | |
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