Adhesive Lined Heatshrink Tape
Easy To Install & Customize To Your Application
Heat shrinkable tape is an environmentally friendly heat melted adhesive lined polyolefin tape. This heat shrink wrap tape is primarily used for repair of electrical cabling and insulation, particularly when they can't be disconnected. Heatshrinkable tape can be cut to any length or width you need, allowing for more customization than heatshrink tubing. This is useful if you need to cover a specific length of wire or cable, or if you need to cover a large area with a single piece of tape.
Step 1: Collect the following supplies: Safety Equipment (gloves), Heatshrink Tape, & a Heat Gun. Prepare to begin by cleaning the surface where the tape will be applied to ensure good adhesion.
Step 2: Cut a piece of the heatshrink tape the length you need.
Step 3: With your heat gun, begin to heat up one end of the tape until the tape end begins to curl then stop heating.
Step 4: Apply the curled end of the tape directly to what you are trying to cover/protect.
Step 5: Wrap the tape around the object you are covering. Be sure to overlap the tape by at least 50% so that once it is heated it will adhere to itself. Do not pull so tightly that the tape stretches or distorts.
Step 6: Once fully wrapped, secure a cable tie over the end of the heat shrink tape to secure it in place.
Step 7: With your heat gun, heat the tape evenly moving the heat gun slowly around the tape from one end to the other. The tape will begin to shrink and conform to the surface. Continue to heat the tape until it has shrunk tightly and fully adhered to the surface.
Step 8: Once heated and in shrunk into place the tape is secured. Allow the tape & adhesive to cool fully and then remove the cable tie.
Heatshrink tape is available in both Standard & Heavy Wall varieties. You may ask “What is the difference between standard and heavy wall tape?” Well, it really comes down to the thickness of the tape. Here is how to decide if you need standard or heavy wall tape for your application:
Durability & Protection: Heavy wall heat shrink tape has a thicker wall than standard shrink tape, making it more durable and resistant to damage. This can be an important factor for applications where the tape will be regularly exposed to harsh environments, abrasion or physical stress.
Electrical Insulation: Both types of heat shrink tape provide good electrical insulation, but heavy wall heat shrink tape has a higher dielectric strength and can withstand higher voltages than standard wall heat shrink tape.
Shrink Ratio: Heavy wall heat shrink tape typically has a lower shrink ratio than standard wall heat shrink tape due to its thickness. This means that it will not shrink as much when heated, but will provide a thicker and more robust layer of insulation and protection.
So let’s break it down…If you require a higher level of protection and durability, or need to withstand high voltage levels, heavy wall heat shrink tape may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective option, or need a higher shrink ratio for more conformal applications, standard wall heat shrink tape may be more appropriate.
Provides A Water Tight Seal: The adhesive lining inside the heat shrink product melts and flows as it is heated, creating a waterproof and airtight seal around the wire or cable being protected. This is especially useful in applications where the tubing will be exposed to weather, such as outdoor installations or in marine environments.
Prevents Corrosion: The adhesive lining helps to prevent corrosion by sealing out moisture and other potential contaminants that can cause corrosion on the surface of the wires or cables.
Save Time: The glue lining eliminates the need for separate adhesive or sealant, saving time and reducing the number of steps in the installation process.
Provides Extra Insulation: The adhesive also provides additional insulation, helping to improve the electrical performance of the wire or cable and reduce the risk of electrical shorts or faults.