It is safe to say that many electrical gadgets and appliances are now found in our homes thanks to the electric revolution. This also creates more potential for electric hazards. So, to keep your house hazard-free, you need to make use of shrink tubing. You can use this tubing to insulate various parts of your electrical system, so they are protected from possible danger.
Shrink tubing will not only prevent accidents from occurring, but will also extend the life of your electrical devices. It is made of high-quality materials and can withstand extreme temperatures. This means that it can be used for insulation purposes on electrical cables or wires exposed to extreme heat. That said, you still need to get your hands on the right set, and this list of the top shrink tubing of 2022 can help you with that. Let’s take a look.
Buying Guide: Shrink Tubing
Why Do You Need Shrink Tubing?
As we mentioned, heat shrink tubing is used as a physical barrier to protect your electronic devices and components from the outside world. This can be anything from abrasion and UV damage to dust and moisture.
Heat shrink tubing works by shrinking to a smaller diameter during heat exposure, allowing it to conform to the shape of whatever it covers and providing a snug fit. Once cooled, the tubing will remain in its new smaller form, providing a long-lasting and durable protective layer.
How To Use Heat Shrink Tubing
- First, choose the right size tubing for your application. This will vary depending on the application, but it is vital to ensure that the tubing is large enough to fit over whatever you are trying to cover.
- The next step is to cut the tubing to your desired length. This will depend on your specific needs. However, it is important to ensure that the tubing is sufficiently long to protect the entire area.
- Once you have chosen the right length and size of tubing, you can simply slide it on top of the object to be protected and heat it. Allow the tubing to cool completely before using or handling the protected object.
And thats all there is to it! Heat shrink tubing can be used to quickly protect electronic components and devices from the elements.
The Perfect Shrink Tubing
Diameter
First of all, you need to take into account the diameter of the tubing. The rule of thumb is that the tubing should be at least twice as big as the object you are trying to cover. This will ensure that the tubing is snug enough to fit.
If youre unsure of the size you need, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go with a larger size. You can always trim the tubing down to size if needed, but you cant make it bigger once it has been cut.
Shrinkage ratio
The shrinkage ratio is the percentage of shrinkage that tubing will experience when heated. The higher the shrinkage ratio, the more the tubing will shrink. The most common shrinkage ratios are 2:1 and 3:1, meaning that the tubing will shrink to half or one-third of its original size, respectively.
A 2:1 shrinkage ratio will suffice for most applications. But, if you are working with very thin wires or delicate components, you may want to consider a 3:1 shrinkage ratio – this will provide a tighter fit and more protection.
Temperature specifications
Next up are temperature specifications. This is crucial because the tubing must be able to withstand heat from your heat gun or soldering iron. The majority of heat shrink tubing can withstand temperatures up to 220 C. However, it is possible to use a lower-temperature option if you are working with delicate components. These are designed to shrink at lower temperatures and are less likely to damage delicate components.
Adhesive-lined options
For applications that require a tight seal, adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing can be a great choice. The adhesive lining melts and flows when heated, creating a water-tight and air-tight seal. This tubing is used for automotive and marine applications.
Options that are non-adhesive
If you dont need a seal or are working with sensitive components that could be damaged by the adhesive, non-adhesive heat shrink tubing is a better choice. This tubing shrinks in the same manner as adhesive-lined tubing but doesn’t have an adhesive lining.
Number of pieces
Last but not the least, decide how much tubing is necessary. It will depend on what project you are working on, and how many components you need to protect. If youre only working on a few small projects, a single pack of 25 or 50 pieces should be sufficient. But if you do a lot of soldering or have a lot of components to protect, you may want to consider buying a larger pack. This will help you save money over the long-term.
Material
It is important to think about the material of the tubing. The most popular materials are PVC and polyolefin. Because it is flexible and durable, polyolefin shrink tubing is the most popular. PVC, on the other hand, is also a popular choice because it is less expensive.
Heat Shrink Tubing Vs. Adhesive Tape
You may be curious about heat shrink tubing’s advantages over other options such as adhesive tape. Here are a few key points to consider:
- The heat shrink tubing is stronger than adhesive tape, and provides better protection for your components.
- Shrink tubing also shrinks down when heated, creating a snug fit. Adhesive tape will not shrink, so it will not be as snug.
- Tubing is available in various sizes, colors, and lengths. Adhesive tape is generally only available in one size and color.
- Shrink tubing can be used for many purposes, but adhesive tape is best for simple applications.
- Heat shrink tubing is more expensive than adhesive tape.
So, when should you use heat shrink tubing, and when should you use adhesive tape? It all depends on what project you are working on, and your personal preferences. If you want a snug, durable fit, heat shrink tubing is the best choice. But, if you are working on a small project and are on a budget, adhesive tape may be a better choice.
Comparison Of The Top-Rated Shrink Tubes In 2022
You are looking for high-quality shrink tubing to make your projects look professional? Wirefy is the best choice! This heat shrink tubing has an adhesive-lined shrink ratio of 3:1, which means it will shrink to approximately half its original diameter. This shrink tubing can be used for a variety of projects, including electrical connections and marine applications.
You can choose from many different diameters to find the right fit for you project. You can be sure of the durability and tensile strength of this shrink tubing. This pick is durable and versatile, making it the ideal choice for many applications.
Pros
- For waterproof insulation, use adhesive lined
- 3:1 shrink ratio
- Available in many sizes
Cons
- It is difficult to slide over larger connections
Who said organizing wires has to be boring? With the Ginsco Heat Shrink Tubing Kit, you can do it in style! This kit comes with six colors of heat shrink tubing, so you can easily classify your different wires. All of it is easily packed in a small plastic case so you can take it with you wherever you go.
The tubing is made of durable polyolefin with a 2:1 shrink ratio, which makes it perfect for use on wires and cables because itll provide a snug fit and helps prevent fraying or damage. This kit will suit all wire-organizing needs, no matter if you are a professional electrician or DIY enthusiast.
Pros
- Available in a range of colors
- Includes 11 sizes of tubing
- Durable construction with polyolefin
