General
Product type	Heat-shrink tubing
Manufacturer	Thomas + Betts
Material	Cross-linked polyolefin
Shrink ratio	2:1
Inner diameter before shrinking	4,7 mm
Shrink temperature	> +110 °C
Colour	Black
Wall thickness	Thin-walled

The shrink tube PLG187-0-E from Thomas + Betts is a thin-walled, flexible shrink tube made of polyolefin, designed for the insulation, protection, and bundling of cables and wires. It is supplied on a roll with a length of 75 meters and is particularly suitable for general applications in the field of electrical and IT installation. The shrink tube features a shrink ratio of 2:1, meaning it reduces to half its original diameter when thermally activated. Before shrinking, the inner diameter is 4.7 mm, making it suitable for cables and wires with a diameter up to approximately 2.35 mm. The shrink temperature is above +110 °C, enabling safe and uniform reduction using a hot air blower or similar tool. The shrink tube is black in color, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, especially when visual discretion or protection against UV light is required.

Applications

The shrink tube PLG187-0-E is commonly used in electrical installation, data communication, and industrial plant applications. It serves for insulating exposed conductors, sealing connections, and providing mechanical protection reinforcement at cable ends. Due to its flexibility and thin-walled construction, it is particularly well-suited for bundling multiple thin cables, achieving orderly cabling and improved clarity. It can also be used for cable marking, especially when combined with colored markings or labels.

Functions and Features in Detail

The shrink tube is made of cross-linked polyolefin, known for its high heat resistance and chemical resistance. The thin-walled design allows for a precise fit on the cables to be protected and minimizes additional volume increase after shrinking. The 2:1 shrink ratio ensures a secure, yet not overly tight, covering that provides good mechanical stability without damaging the cables. The black color offers good protection against UV radiation and is suitable for outdoor applications, provided no additional environmental requirements (e.g., fire resistance) exist.

Technology Explained Simply

When heated to temperatures above +110 °C, the shrink tube contracts and conforms precisely to the shape of the underlying cable. This process is enabled by the thermoplastic properties of the polyolefin, which softens when heated and retains its new shape upon cooling. The use of a hot air blower or a specialized shrink tool is required to ensure uniform and controlled shrinking. Shrinking occurs without additional adhesives, as the shrink tube itself creates a tight, dense fit. The material composition of cross-linked polyolefin ensures high mechanical strength and resistance to moisture, oil, and other chemical influences.

Compatibility and Accessories

The shrink tube PLG187-0-E is compatible with a wide range of cables and wires, particularly those with a diameter up to 2.35 mm. It can be combined with other products from the Shrink-Kon® product line, such as shrink tubes for humid environments (PKG series) or flexible shrink tubes for high-performance requirements (MLP series), depending on the specific installation needs. The use of hot air tools is essential to perform the shrinking correctly.

Installation and Mounting

Installation involves sliding the shrink tube onto the cable or connection to be protected, followed by heating with a hot air blower. It is important to ensure the temperature exceeds +110 °C to guarantee complete shrinking. Heating should be even to avoid cracks or uneven deformation. After shrinking, the tube should fit tightly and securely. Installation requires no additional tools or adhesives, as the shrinking process itself provides the necessary fixation and sealing.

Operational Advantages

The shrink tube PLG187-0-E provides reliable insulation and mechanical protection for cables and wires. The material’s flexibility allows for easy handling and adaptation to various geometries. High heat resistance and chemical resistance ensure long service life, even under demanding operating conditions. Use in combination with other shrink tubes from the Shrink-Kon® series expands application possibilities and enables customized solutions for specific requirements.