RS PRO Portable Heat Shrink Kit

From RS PRO a portable heat shrink kit consisting of a range of 170 assorted high-quality heat shrink tubing. The tubing contained in this versatile kit is in a range of colours and diameters to suit a range of different applications. The box itself is made from plastic with compartments inside for the different heat shrink tubing sizes and has a carrying handle on the top. This heat shrink kit is ideal for maintenance or repair technicians who require small quantities of various types of tubing.

What is Heat Shrink Tubing?

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 protect and insulate the connection. When heated is applied the tubing shrinks permanently providing a protective seal. The amount it shrinks depends on its heat 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

Kit Contents

This heat shrink kit contains two main heat shrink tubing types both made from flexible polyolefin. 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. Polyolefin also has excellent insulation properties and is resistant to common fluids and solvents.

• Standard Flame Retardant Heat Shrink with a 2:1 shrink ratio. When heated this polyolefin tubing shrinks radially to half its original diameter hence the ratio of 2:1
• Adhesive Lined Flame Retardant Heat Shrink with a 3:1 heat ratio. When heated this polyolefin tubing shrinks radially to a third its original diameter hence the ratio of 3:1 and is ideal for covering irregular or awkward shapes. This tube also 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’

What is Heat Shrink Tubing Used For?

Heat shrink is very versatile and is used in both commercial and industrial applications for protecting and sealing and encapsulating cable joints and in-line components such as disconnect terminals and wire splices. It can also be used to carry out repairs on existing worn or torn cable or wiring insulation Applications include the following:

• 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 organizing 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 is measured and the correct sized heat shrink tubing selected. A piece of the tube 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 piece of heat shrink shrinkable tube is moved over the joint and heated with a heat gun until it shrinks and forms a tight wrapping around the joint.