Waterproof heat-shrink tubing: heat-shrink tubing with internal adhesive for every application

Waterproof heat shrink tubing, often referred to as heat shrink tubing with adhesive or dual-wall heat shrink tubing, is a special type of tubing that contracts when exposed to heat and simultaneously activates an inner adhesive layer. During this shrinking process, this adhesive melts, flows into irregularities and hardens on cooling, creating a durable, watertight and mechanically resilient seal (often IP67 or IP68) for cables, plug connections and joints. It offers excellent protection against moisture, corrosion and mechanical influences and is available in many colors as well as transparent shrink tubing.

Waterproof shrink tubing - an essential safety component for your electrical installation

Reliable connections are the be-all and end-all in electrical engineering and electronics. Moisture, dust or chemicals can quickly lead to short circuits, corrosion and ultimately failure. A simple shrink sleeve is not enough here. Only if the heat-shrink tubing is waterproof can connections be permanently and securely sealed against environmental influences.

Protect your electrical connections and components safely from moisture, dust and mechanical stress - at EMC Direct you will find the right waterproof heat shrink tubing for your projects!  

How heat shrink tubing becomes waterproof: The inner adhesive is a decisive factor

Conventional heat shrink tubing provides good electrical insulation, but is generally not waterproof. The key factor that makes heat shrink tubing waterproof is an internal layer of thermoplastic adhesive (often referred to as hot glue or sealant).

• How it works: During the heat shrinking process (usually with a heat gun or hot air gun), the tubing (jacket) softens and contracts while the inner adhesive melts.
  
  
• Sealing: The liquid adhesive flows into all cavities, coats the components to be protected (e.g. cable cores, solder joints) and fills the gap between the hose and the component.
  
  
• Result: After cooling, the adhesive hardens and forms a permanent, watertight barrier that prevents the ingress of moisture, dust and contamination. The adhesive also provides additional strain relief and vibration resistance.

Heat shrink tubing with an inner adhesive is therefore often referred to as dual-walled (or double-walled) heat shrink tubing, as it consists of two layers: the outer jacket and the inner adhesive.

Choosing the right waterproof shrink tubing: what do you need to look out for?

Choosing the right shrink tubing is crucial for successful sealing. Take the following criteria into account:

• Shrinkage rate: It indicates the ratio of the diameter before and after shrinking.

• Diameter: Select a hose whose inside diameter before shrinking is large enough to be pushed over the component. At the same time, the inside diameter after complete shrinking must be smaller than the smallest diameter of the object to be sealed to ensure a tight seal.
• Different materials:

• Wall thickness: Dual-walled hoses naturally have a greater wall thickness than single-walled hoses. Depending on the requirements, there are thin-, medium- and thick-walled variants. Thick-walled conduits offer greater mechanical protection and abrasion resistance, but are less flexible, while thin-walled conduits are flexible and ideal for insulating electrical cables.
• Temperature range: Pay attention to the permissible operating temperature of the conduit and the required shrink temperature. This must match your application and the tool used (hot air gun).

• Protection against moisture and environmental influences:
  Many waterproof heat-shrink tubings offer excellent protection against the ingress of dust and moisture when properly processed. Depending on the inner adhesive and material, some waterproof heat shrink tubing also offers protection against short-term or even permanent immersion - making it ideal for demanding environments in which components need to be reliably shielded against external influences. For safety-critical applications or loads beyond splash water, please check the product-specific manufacturer's instructions.

• Additional properties: Depending on the application, UV resistance (for outdoor applications), oil or chemical resistance and special approvals (e.g. UL, CSA, MIL-SPEC) may be relevant for heat shrink tubing.

Step-by-step instructions: How to correctly process heat-shrink tubing with internal adhesive

Professional installation is crucial for tightness. Proceed as follows:

1. Preparation:
   Clean the surfaces thoroughly (clean, dry, grease-free). Deburr sharp edges to avoid damage. Cut the heat-shrink tubing so that it completely covers the connection point and overlaps 10-15 mm at both ends.
2. Positioning:
   Slide the heat-shrink tubing over the center of the joint.
3. Shrinking:
   Heat the heat shrink tubing to the recommended temperature (usually 110-135 °C) using a hot air gun. Start in the middle and slowly work your way to the ends. Even heat is important.
4. Check the adhesive:
   A small ring of adhesive emerging from the ends indicates a complete seal.
5. Allow to cool:
   Allow the joint to cool completely so that the hot-melt adhesive can harden and the heat-shrink tubing reaches its final, permanent shape. Do not place any load on the joint until it has cooled down completely.

The right heat-shrink tubing with adhesive for every application: the EMC Direct range

The heat-shrink tubing in the EMC Direct range is equipped with a high-quality internal adhesive as standard. We provide you with high-quality dual-walled quality for maximum tightness and protection. With this combination of robust outer tubing and the inner layer with adhesive, our products offer long-term protection against environmental influences.

• Watertightness: The thermoplastic adhesive melts during shrinking, flows into all cavities and forms a durable, waterproof and moisture-proof seal that offers optimum protection against moisture and liquids.
  
  
• Effective corrosion protection: Our shrink sleeves reliably protect solder joints, crimp connections and contacts from harmful corrosive influences and ensure stable connections under extreme conditions.
  
  
• Robust mechanical protection: The outer wall and adhesive provide excellent protection against abrasion, vibration and impact - ideal for demanding environments.
  
  
• Additional strain relief: The adhesive fixes the connection and increases the mechanical load-bearing capacity so that the connection remains stable.
  
  
• Reliable insulation: Our heat-shrink tubing ensures safe electrical insulation and protects against short circuits and other hazards.
  
  
• Comprehensive range: We offer a wide selection of heat shrink tubing sizes, wall thicknesses and shrink rates - for optimum results, no matter what your application requires.

Buy waterproof shrink tubing at EMC Direct - Your strong partner for shrink molded parts & more

Protection against environmental influences, resistance to moisture and corrosion as well as permanent sealing: our high-quality watertight shrink sleeves guarantee a reliable, long-lasting solution. At EMC Direct, you benefit from products that have been specially developed to meet the highest requirements and other strong advantages.

• Highest quality standards: As an ISO-certified specialist retailer, we guarantee that all our shrink sleeves with adhesive and other products undergo strict quality tests.
  
  
• Private label labeling: Have heat shrink tubing labeled with your logo, company name, item number or barcode. On request, we can also take care of shipping directly to your customers.
  
  
• Individual solutions: Can't find the right dimensions? We work with our partners to find a customized product for your needs.
  
  
• Shipment within 24 hours: Your order is usually shipped within 24 hours so that you receive your products as quickly as possible.
  
  
• Free shipping: Benefit from free shipping on orders over €129 and save on shipping costs!

Discover our range - and order your waterproof shrink tubing today!