From RS PRO a portable heat shrink service kit consisting of a range of high-quality heat shrink tubing made from flexible, flame retardant polyolefin and three sizes of heat-shrink crimp splices. The tubing contained in this versatile kit has a 2:1 shrink ratio and is in a range of colours and diameters to suit many different applications. The box itself is made from plastic with compartments inside for the different heat shrink tubing sizes and has an integrated carrying handle. This convenient heat shrink kit is ideal for maintenance or repair technicians who require small quantities of various types of tubing.

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.

Flexible Polyolefin is a material derived from polyethylene and is one of the most commonly used insulating materials being both highly flexible, fast shrinking and durable. When heated this polyolefin tubing shrinks radially to half its original diameter hence the ratio of 2:1. Flexible Polyolefin tubing has the following properties:

• Very flexible
• 2:1 shrinkage ratio, shrinks to half its original diameter
• Flame retardant
• Operating temperature range of -55 to +135°C and up to 200°C for short time durations
• Shrink temperature of 90°C minimum
• Excellent electrical insulation properties
• Resistant to common fluids and solvents
• Meets requirements of SAE-AMS-DTL-23053/5 Class 1

This polyolefin heat-shrinkable tubing is very versatile and is used in military and aerospace applications, automotive applications, industrial machinery, electronics and construction machinery. 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 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.