Measure the outer diameter of the cable bundle or component you need to cover. Choose a heat shrink size whose recovered (post-shrink) diameter is slightly smaller than your bundle. For a 2:1 ratio tube, the recovered diameter is generally half the supplied diameter — for example, an 80mm (≈3.1") tube typically recovers to approximately 40mm (≈1.6"). Always size up if you are between sizes to ensure the tubing slides on easily before shrinking.

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

Polyolefin heat shrink tubing of this type generally activates at around 90°C (194°F) and fully recovers at approximately 120°C (248°F). A heat gun is strongly recommended for large-diameter tubing to ensure even, controlled shrinkage. Open flames are not recommended as they can cause uneven shrinkage or surface scorching.

Standard polyolefin heat shrink tubing generally provides good moisture resistance once fully recovered, making it suitable for many indoor and light outdoor applications. For prolonged outdoor UV exposure or submersion, we recommend contacting us to confirm suitability before ordering, as performance can vary by environment and installation conditions.

This tubing is generally compatible with copper, aluminum, and other standard electrical conductors, as well as wire harnesses, hydraulic hoses, and mechanical components. It is not designed for applications requiring chemical-resistant or high-voltage-rated sleeving — contact us to confirm compatibility for specialized use cases.

Yes. Each piece is sold as a 1-meter (≈39.4") length and can be cut to any shorter length with scissors or a utility knife before or after shrinking. Cut ends do not fray. For very large diameters (150mm and above), sharp scissors or a box cutter will give the cleanest cut.

Color is typically chosen for identification or aesthetics. Black is the most common choice for general electrical work. Clear allows you to see the underlying cable or label. Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, and White are commonly used for color-coding wire harnesses, phase identification in electrical panels, or matching equipment aesthetics.