From RS Pro a range of high quality, easy to use heat shrink tubing made from semi-rigid, flame retardant PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride). The shrink ratio of this heat shrink tubing is 2:1 which means it shrinks to half of its original diameter. With its high heat resistance, this heat shrinkable tubing is ideal for providing strain relief and insulation for applications in high-temperature environments

Heat shrink tubing is a type of extruded plastic tubing that can be cut to size and fitted over a wire or cable joint to protect and insulate the connection. When heated is applied the tubing shrinks permanently providing a protective seal. The amount it shrinks depends on its shrink ratio. When you buy the tubing it is in its expanded state, this expanded tubing has memory so when it is heated it returns to its original state. Larger shrink ratios are required to cover materials with a greater size variation.

This thin wall, semi-rigid heat shrink is made from PVDF which is a tough and stable fluoropolymer which offers many benefits.

• 2:1 shrinkage ratio, shrinks to half its original diameter
• Flame retardant
• Heat shrink temperature of 170°C minimum
• Highly resistant to oil and chemicals
• Excellent electrical insulation properties
• High dielectric strength
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Very good mechanical strength and cut resistance
• Low friction surface
• Clear colour to allow visual inspection of components

This PVDF heat-shrinkable tubing is very versatile and is ideal for use in military and aerospace applications, automotive applications, industrial machinery, electronics and construction machinery where components are exposed to high temperatures or chemicals and oils. Heat shrink tubing is used for protecting and sealing cable joints and in-line components such as disconnect terminals and wire splices. It can also be used to carry out repairs on existing worn or torn cable or wiring insulation. Applications include the following:

• Electrical insulation and protection of thermistors, resistors and capacitors
• Environmental protection against moisture, dust, and chemicals.
• Mechanical protection to wires and small parts from abrasion
• Mechanical strain relief on cable and connector joints to prevent damage caused by flexing or bending
• Bundling and organizing harness wires, cable, and tubing
• Colour coded identification of cables, wires, and components

The diameter of the wire or cable is measured and the correct sized heat shrink tubing selected. A piece of the tube is cut to size which is long enough to cover the connection or joint after heating. This then slides onto the wire. After the cable or wire has been joined the piece of heat shrink shrinkable tube is moved over the joint and heated with a heat gun until it shrinks and forms a tight wrapping around the joint.

SAE-AMS-DTL-23053/8; UL24 150°C 600V VW-1; CSA C22.1 No. 198.1 150°C 600V OFT