ADDEV Materials

Aerospace & Defense

Healthcare & Wellness

Industry & Electronics

Power & Mobility

Heat shrink tubing: cable protection and insulation

Heat shrink tubing is an essential solution for ensuring protection, insulation and durability of electrical cables and components in industrial environments. Due to its ability to retract when heated, it perfectly conforms to shapes and guarantees a optimal 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 the Selection and integration of heat-shrinkable sleeves adapted to their technical constraints, with a wide portfolio of standard and specific solutions.

Request a quote for 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.

H3 – Heat shrink tubing vs. other protection solutions

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 polyolefin) that shrinks when exposed to a heat source, allowing for a 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 one Heat shrink tubing for a Complete and durable protection
Prioritise other solutions for specific needs

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

Industries employing heat shrink tubing are diverse and include: * Automotive: For wire harnessing, cable insulation, and protection against vibration and abrasion. * Aerospace: Due to their reliability in extreme temperatures and resistance to chemicals and fuels. * Electronics: For insulating and protecting electrical connections, wires, and components. * Telecommunications: For shielding and insulating cables and connectors. * Medical: In devices and equipment where sterilisation and biocompatibility are important. * Industrial Machinery: For protecting moving parts, electrical connections, and cabling in harsh environments. * Marine: For protection against saltwater, UV radiation, and corrosion. * Substation and Electrical Utilities: For insulating and protecting high-voltage connections and cables. * Consumer Goods: In appliances and electronics for cable management and insulation. * Defence: For military equipment requiring robust and reliable insulation and protection.

La Heat shrink tubing is used in:

General industry

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:

Why choose ADDEV for your heat shrink 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

Get a quote for a duct
Speak to an expert

Quick response – Dedicated technical support – Tailored solution

FAQ – Heat shrink tubing

What is heat shrink tubing?

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

Ce qu'une gaine thermorétractable sert à faire, c'est à isoler et protéger des fils électriques ou desThere are several common uses for heat shrink tubing, including: * **Insulating and protecting:** It's commonly used to insulate electrical connections, wires, and components, providing protection against abrasion, chemicals, and moisture. * **Strain relief:** It can provide strain relief for cables, preventing them from bending or breaking at connection points. * **Colour coding:** It comes in various colours, allowing for easy identification and colour-coding of wires. * **Bundling:** It can be used to bundle multiple wires together for a cleaner and more organised look. * **Sealing:** Certain types of heat shrink tubing have an adhesive lining that creates a waterproof and environmentally sealed connection. * **Reinforcing:** It can be used to reinforce weakened or damaged areas of cables or components. * **Marking/Identification:** It can be printed on or used with marker pens for labelling and identification purposes.

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

Which heat shrink tubing to choose?

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

What is the difference between single and double-walled?

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

How to use heat shrink tubing?

It heats itself with a heat gun to shrink.

What temperature can heat shrink tubing withstand?

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

Can heat shrink tubing be used for waterproofing?

Yes, with adhesive sleeves.

How to choose the right diameter?

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