Components

Heat Shrink Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the main considerations when installing heat shrink?
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Pick the right diameter. (See Wire Size Chart on page 5)
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Consider the overlap between the tube and the cable insulation
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Heat evenly around the tube
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If using a flame, use a diffuser and keep it moving; start further away from the tube and move closer gradually
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at the center and work toward each end
2. What’s the significance of a material being cross linked?
The majority of heat shrink is made from cross linked materials. Cross linked materials do not melt and flow; they soften and
become rubbery but still hold their basic shape. The main benefit is improved thermal, physical and chemical resistance.
3. Why is shrink temperature important?
A tube with a lower shrink temperature will generally shrink faster. Products with higher shrink temperatures generally have
higher performance. With any heat shrink tube, you can increase the shrink speed by using hotter temperatures, within reason.
Be sure to consider the heat resistance of components under or around the heat shrink.
4. Can the tube be damaged by overheating and what are the signs of overheating?
Excessive temperatures and long exposure times cause damage faster. Most tubes will withstand 200°C to 250°C for a
couple of hours without significant damage. Overheating can be difficult to detect since damage may not be obvious. If using a
torch, use a flame diffuser, keep the flame at a proper distance, and keep the flame moving to apply heat gradually. Heat
guns are easier to work with but can still cause damage. Charring, blistering, or cracking of the surface is a definite sign of
overheating and damage.
5. How does operating temperature range relate to shrink temperature?
If the operating temperature is above the shrink temperature of the tube, the tube will be in a soft rubbery state, and it will have
lower mechanical properties and abrasion resistance.
6. What is the significance of shelf life?
Per AMS-DTL-23053, all tubes have a defined minimum shelf life, dependent on the base material. The main consideration is
expanded and recovered dimensions. If the product meets requirements, the shelf life can be extended up to 50% of the
original value and this can be done multiple times.
7. What’s the maximum voltage at which I can use Panduit heat shrink?
Unless noted otherwise, all the products have a 600V AC rating. They are “low voltage” products. Per NEMA, Low Voltage is
600V or less; Medium Voltage is 2,400 to 69,000V; and High Voltage is 115k to 230kV.
Dry Locations:
A location not normally subject to
dampness or wetness. A location
classified as dry may be temporarily
subject to dampness or wetness, as in
the case of a building under construction.
Damp Locations:
Locations protected from weather and
not subject to saturation with water or
other liquids but subject to moderate
degrees of moisture. Examples of such
locations include partially protected
locations under canopies, marquees,
roofed pen porches, and like locations,
and interior locations subject to
moderated degrees of moisture, such
as basements, some barns, and some
cold storage buildings.
Wet Locations:
Installations underground or in
concrete slabs or masonry in direct
contact with the earth; in locations
subject to saturation with water or other
liquids, such as vehicle washing areas;
and in unprotected locations exposed
to weather.
Product Selection Guide