From RS PRO a portable heat shrink kit consisting of 82 pieces of high-quality halogen-free/zero-halogen heat shrink tubing made from flexible, flame retardant polyolefin. 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 a carrying handle on the top. This 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. This heat shrink is halogen-free which means, when it overheats or burns, it produces less smoke and fewer toxic gasses making it ideal for use in environments where safety is an important consideration, especially if there is a risk of fire or electrical circuits overheating. This flexible Polyolefin tubing has the following properties:

• Very flexible
• 2:1 shrinkage ratio, shrinks to half its original diameter
• Halogen-free with reduced acid gas emission
Very low smoke emission
• Excellent flame retardancy
• Excellent electrical insulation properties
• Resistant to common fluids and solvents
• Meets requirements of LUL (London Underground Limited)

This polyolefin halogen-free heat shrink is very versatile and is used in both commercial and industrial applications. The halogen-free material means it is ideal for use in smoke sensitive areas such as public buildings, underground systems, hospitals, airports and submarines. 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.