RS PRO Adhesive Lined, Halogen Free, Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing with 3:1 Shrink Ratio

From RS PRO a range of high quality, easy to use adhesive lined or dual wall heat-shrink tubing made from flexible, halogen-free/zero-halogen, flame retardant, dual walled polyolefin. This heat shrink tubing has a high shrink ratio of 3:1 which means it shrinks to a third of its original diameter and is ideal for covering irregular or awkward shapes. The adhesive lining of this tubing, when melted, provides a watertight sealing and encapsulates wire joints. 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.

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 provide protection and insulation. 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.

Features and Benefits of Adhesive Lined Flexible Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing

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 it shrinks radially a third of its original diameter hence the ratio of 3:1. This heat shrink tubing has an inner adhesive lining, which, when heated, melts to form a watertight sealing around the joint. This type of heat shrink is also called dual wall heat shrink.

• Very flexible
• Halogen-free with reduced acid gas emission and smoke generation
• Flame retardant
• Adhesive lined for waterproof sealing
• 3:1 shrink ratio for easy installation on irregular shapes and large gaps
• Operating temperature range of -40 to +105°C
• Minimum shrink temperature of 115°C
• Excellent electrical insulation properties
• Resistant to common fluids and solvents
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Tubing meets London Underground spec E1042-A6 standards

What is Polyolefin Heat Shrink Tubing Used For?

This polyolefin adhesive lined 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. The meltable adhesive lining provides waterproof sealing and encapsulation for cable joints, wire branches and in-line components such as disconnect terminal and wire splices. This adhesive tubing is also ideal for encapsulating electronic devices that have irregular shapes or profiles. Applications include the following:

• Waterproof sealing and encapsulation of wire joints
• Electrical insulation
• 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 organising harness wires, cable and tubing
• Colour coded identification of cables, wires and components

How to use Heat Shrink Tubing

The diameter of the wire or cable or cable is measured and the correct sized heat shrink tubing selected. A piece tubing 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 heat shrink tubing is moved over the joint and heated with a heat gun until it forms a tight wrapping around the joint.