Heat shrink tubing: cable protection and insulation

Heat-shrink tubing is an essential solution for ensuring the protection, insulation and durability of cables and electrical components in industrial environments. Thanks to its ability to shrink when heated, it moulds perfectly to the shape of the component and guarantees optimum mechanical, electrical and environmental protection.

Used in the energy, railway, automotive, and electronics sectors, it helps to secure installations while improving their long-term reliability.

At ADDEV Materials, we support manufacturers in selecting and integrating heat-shrink tubing tailored to their technical requirements, drawing on a wide range of standard and bespoke solutions.

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Heat shrink tubing

Heat-shrink tubing for industrial applications

In an industrial context, heat-shrink tubing is used for:

  • Protect electrical wiring
  • secure connections
  • Improve resistance to harsh environments
  • Extend the lifespan of systems

It is particularly suited for environments subjected to vibration, humidity or thermal stress.

Compared to other solutions:

  • Heat shrink tubing → full and snug protection
  • braided sheath → mechanical protection only
  • sticky tape → temporary fix
  • limited protection

Heat shrink tubing is the most comprehensive solution for demanding environments.

What is heat-shrink tubing?

Heat-shrink tubing is a polymer tube (often made of polyolefin) that shrinks when exposed to a heat source, providing uniform and durable protection around a cable or component.

Its main functions:

  • electrical insulation
  • mechanical protection
  • waterproofing (with adhesive)
  • Organisation of beams

It represents a reliable solution for protecting electrical systems in industrial environments.

Heat shrink tubing vs. other solutions: What's the difference?

Heat shrink tubing vs non-heat shrink tubing

  • thermo → perfect fit
  • non-thermic → standard protection

Heat shrink vs electrical tape

  • thermo → durable et fiable
  • ribbon

Heat shrink tubing vs braided sleeving

  • thermo → waterproofing + insulation
  • braided → mechanical protection

In a nutshell

  • Choose heat-shrink tubing for comprehensive, long-lasting protection
  • Prioritise other solutions for specific needs
Heat shrink sleeves

Industrial applications of heat shrink tubing

Protection of electrical cables

  • Branch insulation
  • Beam protection

Energy

  • Securing electrical systems
  • Protection of facilities

Rail

  • vibration resistance
  • sustainability

Automotive and electric mobility

  • Cable protection
  • Reliability of systems

General industry

  • Cable protection and organisation

Which industrial markets use heat shrink tubing?

Heat-shrink tubing is used in:

How to choose the right heat shrink tubing?

The choice depends on :

Diameter and reduction rate

The choice depends on :

  • of the initial diameter
  • of the shrinkage rate (2:1, 3:1...)

Critique to ensure a good fit.

2. Operating temperature

To consider:

  • retraction temperature
  • serving temperature

Essential for industrial environments.

3. With or without adhesive

  • without adhesive → standard protection
  • with adhesive → reinforced waterproofing and protection

Important depending on the environment.

4. Industrial standards and constraints

To check:

  • UL standards
  • sectoral constraints
  • Customer requirements

Ensures compliance.

Our partners in heat shrink tubing

We work with partners recognised for their technical expertise:

Systems Protection logo
SES STERLING
DSG Canusa logo

Why choose ADDEV Materials for your heat-shrinkable tubing?

Expertise in the protection of electrical systems

Technical support

Large portfolio of solutions

Performance-oriented approach

International presence

We help you improve the reliability and durability of your installations.

Need heat-shrink tubing for your application?

Each application requires a specific solution.

Our experts can help you with :

  • Identify the appropriate sheath
  • optimise your design
  • secure your performance

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Quick response – Dedicated technical support – Tailored solution

FAQ – Heat shrink tubing

It's a tube that shrinks when heated to protect a cable.

It is used to insulate, protect, and seal electrical connections.

The choice depends on the diameter, temperature, and environmental stresses.

The double wall contains an adhesive to ensure a watertight seal.

It heats itself with a heat gun to shrink.

This depends on the material, generally between -55°C and +125°C or more.

A starting diameter must be chosen that is greater than the cable and suitable for the shrinkage rate.