Technology Overview

Heat
Shrinkable
Tubes

Understanding the technology behind one of the most effective tools for organizing and protecting electrical cables.

Heat shrink tubes

Advantages of Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing is one of the most effective tools you can have for organizing and protecting electrical cables. It is manufactured from cross-linked polyolefin material and is widely used in military, industrial, and commercial settings.

By fitting heat shrink tubing around your electrical cables and then heating the tubed area with a hot air gun, the tubing shrinks to fit your cables — protecting them from environmental hazards like moisture and shock while making them easier to identify.

Sizes are denoted as a ratio of expanded size. A 3:1 ratio means the tubing shrinks to 1/3 of its original diameter; a 2:1 ratio means it shrinks to half. Always select tubing that will shrink to a slightly smaller size than the cable being applied to.

Provided in the expanded state, heat shrinkable tubing "shrink wraps" intricate and irregular shapes with a simple application of heat. The result is a protective covering that greatly extends life, increases reliability, and improves performance.

Uses of Heat Shrink Tubing

Seven key applications across industries

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1. Protective Sealant

Heat shrink tubing seals water and dust out of cables and cable splices. Ideal for protecting connections from moisture in home theater, computing, and industrial environments.

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2. Insulation from Heat & Chemicals

Flame retardant heat shrink tubing insulates wires in automotive or marine electrical systems against extreme heat and chemical exposure.

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3. Easy Identification

Available in a variety of colors, heat shrink tubing is ideal for color coding messy groups of network cables — a smarter alternative to adhesive tape due to its protective nature.

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4. Strain Relief

Fitting cables with heat shrink tubing can relieve strain caused by insufficient length or tight quarters, prolonging their lifespan.

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5. Tool Grips

Heat shrink tubing can be shrunk onto tool handles, providing new grips where old ones have frayed. For a longer-lasting grip, use adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing.

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6. Soldering Alternative

Heat shrink tubing lined with conductive polymer film can join two wire splices without soldering — creating an electrical connection while protecting them simultaneously.

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7. Professional Appearance

Heat shrink tubing lends a professional quality to any custom computer case or automobile — an essential, highly adaptable tool for any application.

Explore Our Product Range

Browse our full range of heat shrinkable solutions for every application.

PEP 1000 PEP 3000 PEP 4000 PEP 6000 PEP KYNAR