Product Selection Guide Heat ShrinkProduct Selection Guide Heat Shrink Frequently Asked Questions: 1. What are the main considerations when installing heat shrink Pick the right diameter. (See Wire Size Chart on page 5) Consider the overlap between the tube and the cable insulation Heat evenly around the tube If using a flame, use a diffuser and keep it moving start further away from the tube and move closer gradually If its adhesive lined product, the adhesive will be pushed away from the recovery starting point in general, start recovering at the center and work toward each end 2. Whats 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 200C to 250C 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. Whats 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: Damp Locations: Wet Locations: A location not normally subject to Locations protected from weather and Installations underground or in dampness or wetness. A location not subject to saturation with water or concrete slabs or masonry in direct classified as dry may be temporarily other liquids but subject to moderate contact with the earth in locations subject to dampness or wetness, as in degrees of moisture. Examples of such subject to saturation with water or other the case of a building under construction. locations include partially protected liquids, such as vehicle washing areas locations under canopies, marquees, and in unprotected locations exposed roofed pen porches, and like locations, to weather. and interior locations subject to moderated degrees of moisture, such as basements, some barns, and some cold storage buildings.