Measure the outer diameter of the wire or connector before shrinking. Choose a tubing size whose expanded inner diameter is at least 10–20% larger than your wire. After shrinking at a 2:1 ratio, the tubing will typically reduce to roughly half its original diameter. For example, 4mm tubing shrinks to approximately 2mm (≈0.08").

This tubing uses a 2:1 shrink ratio, meaning it shrinks to approximately half its original expanded diameter when heat is applied. This is the most common ratio for general-purpose electrical insulation and wire bundling tasks.

Generally, polyolefin heat shrink tubing begins to shrink at around 70–90°C (158–194°F) and fully recovers at approximately 120°C (248°F). A heat gun set to low or medium is typically sufficient. Avoid open flames, which can cause uneven shrinking or scorching of the sleeve.

Standard polyolefin heat shrink tubing provides good moisture resistance and is generally suitable for light outdoor use. However, it is not waterproof or adhesive-lined. For fully waterproof applications, adhesive-lined (3:1) tubing is typically recommended. Contact us to confirm suitability for your specific environment.

Yes, polyolefin heat shrink tubing is generally flame-retardant and self-extinguishing in most cases. This makes it suitable for automotive wiring harness repair, marine cable protection, and electronics applications where fire safety is a consideration.

As a general guide: 0.6–1mm sizes suit very fine wires (typically 28–24 AWG); 2–4mm suits 22–18 AWG; 5–10mm suits 16–10 AWG; 12–30mm suits larger cables, connectors, and terminals. Always measure your wire's outer diameter before selecting a size, as AWG-to-mm conversions vary by insulation thickness.

All three colors share the same polyolefin material and 2:1 shrink ratio. Black is the most common choice for general wiring and offers good UV resistance. Red is often used for positive leads or color-coded wire identification. Clear allows visual inspection of the wire or connection underneath, which is useful for quality control or anywhere labeling needs to remain visible.

Roll length varies by size: smaller diameters (0.6mm–4mm) come in 400-meter (≈1,312 ft) rolls; mid-range sizes (5mm–6mm) come in 200-meter (≈656 ft) rolls; larger sizes (8mm–20mm) come in 100-meter (≈328 ft) rolls; and the largest sizes (25mm–30mm) come in 50-meter (≈164 ft) rolls. Select your preferred combination in the variant options above.