After completing electrical work, a person needs to think about creating additional insulation or tightness. Heat shrink tubing will help with this. So the resulting connections will be protected from various situations and will last for a long period. Any vulnerable area must instill quality and reliability, especially on folds. Compliance with technologies and generally accepted standards guarantees safety and excludes the possibility of emergencies. In addition, the cost of protective elements is low, which makes them affordable for the mass consumer.
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best heat shrink tubes for 2020.
Content
What is important to know?
Heat-shrinkable tubing (abbreviated as HERE) is an elastic element that is made of a polymer material that shrinks when exposed to temperature. To carry out this process, it is enough to have a lighter or a match; the presence of special burners is not necessary, which is a positive point. Some models can be fixed with hot air or water, which is also a great solution.
The main feature of the element is a high lateral compression value when compared with the longitudinal one. In other words: the tube is only compressed, while the chance of its growth is only 20%, it is important to take this into account when performing such work. In addition, it is for this reason that it is easy to use on any difficult areas.
Scope of application of heat shrink
Due to the distinctive feature of being compressed to a minimum size under the influence of high temperature, this element is used in many areas:
- HERE is irreplaceable when performing various electrical work. Thanks to the quality material, it guarantees a tight seal. In terms of efficiency, no electrical tape can compare with a tube, especially when an electrician needs to make a large number of connections.
- Due to the fact that the element is available in different colors, it can be used to mark electrical wires.
- Some people use the product to prevent corrosion.
- Often this element is used on conveyor rollers, as it provides reliable mechanical stability of moving devices.
- Some businesses use HERE to seal areas that are at risk due to aggressive environments or frequent rainfall.
Heat shrink tubing advantages:
As with any product, the tube has several advantages over traditional cable insulation methods:
- The chance that the product will move from the seat is zero, since HERE fits snugly to the site, eliminating any movement.
- To make installation, a minimum of knowledge is required. Any person can cope with this, even one who is far from such a field of activity.
- Hundreds of variants are sold in the markets, which differ in diameter, properties and color. This makes them versatile.
- After shrinkage occurs, the tube will provide the fixed section with additional strength and rigidity, which will help avoid accidents.
- The heat pipe is sold in many stores at an affordable price and can also be ordered in bulk on AliExpress. Moreover, the sale is carried out in several colors, which will allow for marking.
In addition to the advantages, this option has disadvantages, among which one point is more often distinguished:
- The high price compared to electrical tape, which discourages some users from using this product. After all, it is easier to buy 10 meters of insulating tape, which will still be useful on the farm to connect not only wires, but also mechanical parts, damaged elements, etc. Therefore, most people ignore this element, and some do not know about its existence at all.
Varieties of heat shrinkable products
Tubes vary in manufacturing method and material type. In addition, some models differ in the installation method, which should also be remembered.
By manufacturing method:
- Polyolefin products are made from glued polyethylene (in this case, the material can be joined in two ways: chemical and radiation). To create greater elasticity, special components are added to the composition, in addition, there are dyes and non-combustible elements. Most of the products are manufactured using this method. Such products are designed to operate at temperatures ranging from -50 to 125 degrees Celsius. Also, a distinctive feature of this material is resistance to some chemicals, but only under the condition of short-term exposure. Otherwise, HERE is deformed.
- Elastomers are made from synthetic rubber. The key advantage of this element is its high resistance to high temperatures and benzene. But it is precisely because of this that the price for such a product is too high, and the demand is small, which will be a problem when searching, since not all stores buy them, but it is possible to purchase them to order.
- Most of the HERE wires are made of PVC, but not standard, but plastic. This material has an affordable price, and also guarantees the user reliable thermal insulation. The operating temperature range is -20 to 80 degrees, which is the optimal result.
- Polyester is another available material that will provide high resistance to various chemicals, as well as mechanical deformation. In addition, the model has thin walls, which is suitable for some electrical work.
- Thermal tubes made of fluoropolymer cannot function without complex technological processing. Therefore, they are most often used in production, in private households they are not so common.
- For the home, elements made of silicones are suitable. Such a product is distinguished by its elasticity and strength, in addition, it does not emit toxic fumes, which makes it completely harmless. But when using organic solvents, the effectiveness of this product will be reduced to zero.
In addition to the manufacturing method, there are differences in the installation method, there are only two of them:
- With an adhesive layer. In this case, HERE provides a high fit, which creates perfect tightness. Thanks to this solution, the chance of moisture penetration in this area is minimal, since there are no microcracks. However, this property affects the cost of the product.
- If a person is not going to operate the wiring in difficult climatic conditions, then a standard tube, where there is no glue, will suit him, but there will be no tightness in such connections.
There is also a slight difference in the color of the tubes. There are only two types: decorative and transparent. The first is designed to mark the surface or give some aesthetics so that the damaged area is not visible. Transparent models are used in cases where it is important for an electrician to constantly monitor the quality of the connection. For home purposes, you should not use a colorless option; it is better to use other elements.
There are not many differences in the thickness of the walls. There are three versions in stores: thick walls, thin and medium ones. Which product to choose - each person decides based on a specific situation. However, for home use, standard shrinkage with thin walls is suitable.
In addition, there are heat shrinks that have various additional features. For example, some manufacturers sell products where solder is provided, which is a useful product that will give the cable more strength and reliability. Also in stores there are options with high density, the ability to cold shrink, as well as heat shrink tubes with a corrugated surface.
Main characteristics
The main technical parameters include:
- Resistant to temperatures;
- The maximum shrinkage ratio, most often it is equal to 200-600%;
- Minimum diameter after shrinkage;
- Resistant to oils;
- What chemicals are vulnerable to;
- Ability to withstand high voltage;
- Resistant to benzene;
- Does not deteriorate due to exposure to UV rays;
- There is no tendency to ignite;
- Permissible operating temperature.
HERE can be produced in different shapes: oval, compressed or rounded, this will not affect the installation method and quality. It is important to know that standard thin-walled products are produced only in an oval shape, and sometimes they are flattened.
Diameter change
As the temperature rises, the shrinkage changes its size. Therefore, to make it easier to navigate the store, manufacturers indicate the standard size and the minimum that is reached after heating. So on all goods, two values are indicated, for example NG 20/10, where 20 is the initial indicator, and 10 mm is the final one, which occurred after shrinkage. If a person plans to connect cables of different cross-sectional areas, then it is recommended to use products with a large value in order to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
It is also important to look at the length of shrinkage, this parameter can play a bad joke with the owner, who neglects it. If a person uses high-quality heat shrinkage, then the shrinkage in length will be only 5%, when using Chinese models, this value reaches 20%, which will negatively affect operation.
When there is a choice of HERE of a large diameter, then it is necessary to look at these two parameters in order for the shrinkage to be as effective as possible. It must also be remembered that the degree of compression affects the thickness of the walls, the higher, the thicker they will be. Thanks to this, the efficiency, reliability and strength of the fastening increase significantly, which plays a positive role in any use.
Compression ratio
This parameter defines the ratio of the initial diameter to the value after heat treatment. The ratio varies: from 2: 1 to 6: 1, in other words, the product can change its shape 2-6 times from the original value. In some cases, this is important to know in order to ensure the wires are tight and secure.
Heat-shrink tubes, whose ratio is 6: 1, are much more difficult to find, and the cost for such products is higher. The best option is to buy products with a 4: 1 value, since they are more versatile than cheap 2: 1.
Rating of the best heat shrink tubing with sealing
REXANT heat shrink with adhesive 18/6 mm
An excellent product from a well-known Chinese manufacturer. It is made of durable insulating material, which provides the owner with a tight connection for a long period. In addition, it is sold in all stores at a low price, which will allow you to buy a tube instead of electrical tape. The minimum shrinkage diameter is 6 mm, the initial value is 18 mm.Sale is carried out only in black.
The average cost is 200 rubles per square meter.
Advantages:
- Good strength;
- High-quality shrinkage;
- Low price;
- Optimal size.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
DKC 2CRT12 13/4 mm
Thick walled tubing designed to provide a better connection. The composition contains safe substances that do not emit toxic fumes during the shrinkage process. It is possible to apply printed marking. Maximum length - 1 meter, shrinkage ratio - 4: 1. Made from polyolefin. To ensure greater strength, there is an adhesive layer inside.
The average price is 2,515 rubles.
Advantages:
- Long-term reliability;
- Premium quality;
- Optimal ratio;
- Possibility of marking;
- Does not contain halogens.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
IEK UMR-A3-51-16-41-K02
An excellent option at an affordable price, which is suitable for sealing large diameter wires. The initial value is 51 mm, after shrinkage this parameter decreases to 16 mm. For a tighter fixation, there is an adhesive layer. The wall thickness after completion of the heat treatment is 4.35 mm. Does not contain harmful substances.
Sold at a price of 700 rubles.
Advantages:
- Density;
- Good connection;
- Quality material.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
3M MDT-A 38/12
A good product of a popular brand that guarantees a reliable connection. The length is 1000 mm. The product is capable of operating at temperatures ranging from -55 to 130 degrees. Sold in black. The shrinkage ratio is 3: 1. The wall thickness is medium.
Sold at a price of 875 rubles.
Advantages:
- Used in the manufacture of polyolefin;
- Wide temperature range;
- Optimal price;
- Reliable connection for a long period.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Rock FORCE Super Adhesive RF-12742
A cheap set that fits every job. The kit contains ten tubes with an original diameter of 3.2 to 12.7 mm. Each piece is made of polyolefin. Works at temperatures: from -50 to 125 degrees.
Sold at a price of 337 rubles.
Advantages:
- In a set of 10 pieces;
- Strength;
- Good connection;
- Each tube has an adhesive layer.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Ranking of the best non-adhesive heat shrink tubing
N4 STEKKER HSHTS4
A quality model at a low price that will suit any home situation. Sold in a large set. The package contains 14 pieces, each 10 cm, which is the optimal solution for any renovation.
The average price is 86 rubles.
Advantages:
- High-quality connection;
- The set contains 14 elements;
- Durability.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
IEK UDRS-D16-1-K01
A thin-walled option that is suitable for those who plan to do minor wiring repairs. Made from durable material, sold in several colors. The shrinkage ratio is 2: 1 mm.
The average cost is 40 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Tight fixation;
- Strength;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
EFK 4/2
Another good model sold in different colors. For a small cost, a person receives 7 different tubes of 10 cm each.This option is suitable for marking or creating a reliable connection at home.
The average price is 36 rubles.
Advantages:
- The set contains several pieces;
- Strength;
- Famous brand.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
JTC AUTO TOOLS JTC-2034
This kit is intended for electricians as the kit contains over 100 items. Each has a different diameter, but the color is the same for all (black). Works at temperatures from -55 degrees, which is a positive point in some cases.
Sold at a price of 675 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Tight connection;
- The set includes 120 pieces.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Output
Even when choosing a heat shrink, it is important to remain vigilant, because some companies may produce a product of poor quality.If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more high-quality heat shrinks were used, tell us about it in the comments.
