Source: PRO AV Magazine
Publication date: September 1, 2007
By Pro AV Staff
Heat shrink tubing is one versatile product … not only does it provide your cables with protection against abrasion, chemicals, and weather, it's also great for bundling, color-coding, and strain relief.
STEP 1Select the proper size of heat shrink tubing for your project. In order to get a secure fit, be sure that the tubing's recovered diameter (the diameter after shrinking) is smaller than the diameter of the area you're going to insulate. At the same time, the tubing's expanded diameter (the diameter before shrinking) needs to be large enough to easily fit over the area to be insulated, as well as any connectors attached to it.
STEP 2Cut the heat shrink tubing to a usable length, and be sure to allow for a minimum ¼" overlap over any existing insulation or connectors. Keep in mind that tubing also shrinks lengthwise — typically 5 percent to 7 percent during the shrinking process.
STEP 3Slide the cut tubing over the object that you're covering; if you'll be splicing, slide the tubing over the center of the splice and allow for equal overlap on both sides.
STEP 4Before shrinking, check your tubing's specifications for the recommended heating temperature. Any commercial heat gun or heat shrink oven can be used to shrink the tubing.
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