General
Shrink rate	3:1
Material	Polyolefin
Operation temperature	-55 °C
Storage temperature	-10 °C
Durability	24 months
Flame retardancy
UL approval
Thin-walled

The heat shrink tube WSB 3:1 Box 18.0-6.0 from RED is a thin-walled heat shrink tube made of cross-linked polyolefin, designed for the insulation and protective covering of cables and wires in industrial and technical applications. It features a shrink ratio of 3:1, meaning the tube shrinks to one-third of its original outer diameter, enabling coverage of a wide range of cable diameters with few sizes. The use of cross-linked polyolefin ensures high flexibility and flame retardancy, making it suitable for applications with increased safety requirements.

Applications
This heat shrink tube is suitable for insulating electrical wires, shielding cables, and protecting against mechanical stress, moisture, and contamination. It is commonly used in electrical installations, machine building, automation technology, and during the installation of control and communication wiring. The practical dispenser box enables clean and efficient handling, especially during work in workshops or on-site, where quick and precise measuring and cutting are required.

Functions and Equipment in Detail
The product is delivered in a dispenser box featuring an integrated centimeter scale on the cardboard. This facilitates precise measurement of the required tube length directly before processing. The box protects the heat shrink tube during transport and storage from dust, dirt, and mechanical damage. The packaging is space-saving, optimizing storage and transportation. The thin-walled design of the heat shrink tube allows minimal volume increase after shrinking and maintains the flexibility of the insulated wires.

Technology Explained Simply
The heat shrink tube is activated by heat—typically using a hot air blower—and shrinks to the specified diameter. The shrink ratio of 3:1 means that a tube with an original outer diameter of 18.0 mm reaches an inner diameter of approximately 6.0 mm after shrinking. This allows a single tube type to be used for various cable diameters. The polyolefin material is thermoplastic and stabilized by cross-linking, which increases mechanical strength and thermal resistance. Flame retardancy reduces fire risk in electrical installations.

Compatibility and Accessories
The heat shrink tube is compatible with standard hot air blowers for activation of shrinking. As a suitable accessory, the heat shrink tube HIS-3-18/6-PO-X-BK is offered, which also features a shrink ratio of 3:1 and is available in black. The use of appropriate tools such as hot air blowers or cutting tools is required for processing, but they are not included in the delivery.

Installation and Mounting
Installation involves measuring the required length, cutting it, and then sliding it onto the cable to be insulated. The tube is then heated with a hot air blower until it fully shrinks and forms a tight, shape-stable sleeve. The integrated scale on the box facilitates precise measuring. Processing occurs at room temperature, with shrinking triggered by heat.

Operational Advantages
The heat shrink tube provides reliable insulation and mechanical protection, even under demanding environmental conditions. The 3:1 shrink ratio reduces the number of required sizes and simplifies inventory. Flame retardancy increases safety in electrical systems. The practical dispenser box ensures clean and efficient handling, reducing working time and error rates. Shelf life is 24 months, with recommended storage at temperatures from -10 °C to +40 °C and relative humidity below 75 %. The operating temperature range is from -55 °C to +125 °C, enabling use in a wide variety of environments. UL certification confirms compliance with international safety standards.