Heat-shrinkable tubing: insulating and protecting your cables

What is heat-shrinkable tubing?

La heat-shrinkable tubing is a polymer tube designed to shrink in a controlled manner when heated. This phenomenon allows theperfectly match the shape of the cable, connector or harness on which it is installed, offering complete insulation and reinforced protection. 

Manufactured from special polymers such as polyolefin or fluoropolymer, the heat-shrinkable tubing not only ensures mechanical protectionbut also thewaterproofing, electrical insulation and the prevention of short circuits. 

It is available in a range of diameters, lengths, colours and shrink ratios, making it suitable for both standard wiring and specific industrial environments. 

Because it's so easy to use - all you need is a heat gun - it's a must-have in the fields ofelectricity industrytheautomotiveand telecommunications networks and thepower electronics. 

Advantages of heat-shrink tubing

  • Perfect electrical insulation against short circuits and accidental contact 
  • Mechanical protection against abrasion, rubbing or impact 
  • Tightness of connections with the watertight heat-shrink tubing 
  • Professional identification and finishing of beams thanks to the variety of colours 
  • Easy to installwith a simple, controlled supply of heat 
  • Available in different versions transparent, watertight, with tin, pre-cut or open 

La heat-shrinkable tubing meets all the requirements of manufacturers looking to make their electrical installations more reliable

Insulation and protection of electrical wiring 

  • Transparent heat-shrink tubing to view connections while isolating them 
  • Securing cable splices, connections and terminations 
  • Prevention of short circuits and protection against external agents 

Sealing of industrial connections and repairs 

  • Watertight heat-shrink tubing to ensure the protection of connections in wet or outdoor environments 
  • Repair of damaged cables, consolidation of connections 
  • Watertightness of electrical systems subject to climatic stress 

Technical and specific applications 

  • Heat-shrink tubing with tin for soldered or sensitive connections 
  • Open heat-shrink tubing for sheathing cables of varying diameters 
  • Used in electronics, automotive, rail, aeronautics and renewable energies 

At ADDEV MaterialsWe offer a complete range of heat-shrinkable sleeving tailored to your industrial needs: 

  • Standard ducts insulation and general protection 
  • Transparent heat-shrink tubing for visible or control connections 
  • Watertight heat-shrink tubing with internal adhesive for reinforced waterproofing 
  • Heat-shrink tubing with tin perfect for sensitive welds and connections 
  • Open or pre-cut sleeves easy installation on complex wiring 

👉 Contact our team to choose the right heat-shrinkable tubing for your professional use.

 

The choice of heat-shrinkable tubing depends on a number of technical criteria and the constraints specific to your application environment. Here are the essential factors to consider before selecting your duct: 

The initial and final diameter of the liner 

  • Make sure that the diameter of the sheath is large enough to pass over the cable or connector before shrinking.
  • Check the diameter after shrinking so that it fits the surface perfectly without being too tight or too loose. 

The retraction report 

  • It corresponds to the percentage reduction in diameter once heated (example: 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1). 
  • The higher the ratio, the more the liner will adapt to large variations in diameter. 

Materials and specific properties 

  • Heat-shrink tubing with adhesive ideal for sealing connections exposed to moisture 
  • High-temperature heat-shrink tubing : recommended for harsh industrial environments 
  • Transparent heat-shrink tubing Perfect for viewing connections and carrying out visual checks 

The application sector 

  • Electricity : wire insulation, short-circuit prevention 
  • Automotive protection of bundles subjected to vibrations 
  • Industry maintenance, identification and safety of connections 
  • Electronics : assembly finishing, shielding and aesthetics 

 

💡 Not sure which heat-shrink tubing to choose? 
👉 Ask our experts for advice ADDEV Materials to find the right solution for your industrial or technical use. 

  • Personalised technical support 
  • Large stock availablefast delivery 
  • Custom cutting and specific solutions for industry 
  • Multi-sector expertise : energy, transport, electronics, defence 
  • Installation assistance and full technical documentation 

We can help you secure your installations with industrial-quality ducts tailored to your requirements. 

Looking for a watertight heat-shrink tubinga transparent sheath for your wiring or would you like to know how to use heat-shrink tubing in an industrial environment? 

📩 Contact us for a technical recommendationsa quick quotation or samples. 

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FAQ - Heat-shrinkable tubing

Slide the sheath over the cable or connection, then heat it with a heat gun or paint stripper until it shrinks perfectly around the support.

Ideally, use a hot air gun. Avoid using a lighter or blowtorch to avoid damaging the sheath or cable.

Choose a suitable diameter, follow the temperature instructions and make sure the sheath covers the area to be protected before heating.

Once retracted, the sheath is difficult to reuse. You will need to cut it carefully using a cutter or dedicated tool.

Yes, as long as you use a sheath heat-shrinkable with internal adhesivedesigned to seal connections.