Heat Shrink

Heat shrink tubing is a polymer sleeve that shrinks tightly around cables, joints and terminations when heated, adding insulation, strain relief and colour identification. We stock 6.4mm and 12.8mm heat shrink in 1 metre packs and a Unicrimp 6.4mm pack in 225mm lengths.

For mixed jobs there are RAY TECH Thermo Mini Mix pre-cut heat shrink kits in black or in assorted colours, handy to keep in the van. Pricing is at trade rates for account holders, and stock orders placed by 5pm on a weekday arrive next working day in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

QHS12MPKIT Ships in 3-5 days

Heat Shrink Pack 12.8mm x 1m

£21.67 inc. VAT

QHS6MPKIT Ships in 3-5 days

Heat Shrink Pack 6.4mmx1m

£21.19 inc. VAT

THERMOMINIMIX-N Ships in 3-5 days

RAY TECH Black Thermo Mini Mix Pre-Cut Heat Shrink Sheaths Kit

£13.62 inc. VAT

THERMOMINIMIX-MC Ships in 3-5 days

RAY TECH Colour Thermo Mini Mix Pre-Cut Heat Shrink Sheaths Kit

£13.62 inc. VAT

QHS6MP225 In-Stock

Unicrimp 6.4mm x 225mm Heat Shrink Pack

£5.21 inc. VAT

How to choose the right heat shrink

Heat shrink gives a neat, durable finish to joints and terminations, but it only works well if the size suits the job. Use the points below to choose and apply it correctly.

Sizing heat shrink

Heat shrink is usually sized by its diameter before shrinking. It must slide easily over the largest part of the joint, such as a connector or lug barrel, and shrink down tightly onto the smallest part, normally the cable insulation. A common shrink ratio is 2:1, meaning the tube can reduce to around half its supplied diameter, but check the product's stated ratio.

6.4mm: small conductors, crimp terminals and control wiring
12.8mm: larger conductors, cable ends and multiple-core bundles
Pre-cut mixed kits: a range of short lengths and sizes for general maintenance and repair

Common uses

Heat shrink is used to insulate copper tube butt splices, cover the barrels of cable lugs, provide strain relief at cable entries and colour code conductors in panels. Coloured kits make it easy to identify phases or circuits, while black is a good general-purpose choice.

Application tips

Always slide the tubing onto the cable before making the connection. Cut it long enough to overlap the insulation on each side of the joint. Use a heat gun, starting from the middle and working outwards to push out air, and avoid naked flames, which can scorch the tube and the cable. Let the tube cool before handling. For crimping the joint underneath, see our crimp connectors.

Compliance note

Heat shrink adds insulation, but the underlying connection must still be correctly made. Check the product's voltage and temperature ratings and current wiring regulations for your application.

Meteor Electrical is family-run, with over 40 years in the trade and 5,000+ products in stock. Free delivery applies above £30 / €35 ex VAT, Great Britain orders take 3 to 5 working days, and Click & Collect is available in Cookstown.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What size heat shrink do I need?: Choose heat shrink that slides easily over the largest part of the joint, such as the connector, and shrinks down tightly onto the cable insulation. Check the supplied and recovered diameters listed by the manufacturer. For example, 6.4mm tubing suits small conductors and terminals, while 12.8mm suits larger cables and lug barrels.
What does a 2:1 shrink ratio mean?: A 2:1 shrink ratio means the tubing can shrink to about half of its original diameter when fully heated. So 12.8mm tubing would recover to around 6.4mm. Make sure the recovered diameter is smaller than the item you are covering, so the tube grips firmly once shrunk.
Can I use a lighter to shrink heat shrink tubing?: A lighter or naked flame is not recommended, as it heats unevenly and can scorch or split the tubing and damage cable insulation. A heat gun gives controlled, even heat and is the safest method. Move the heat gun steadily along the tube from the centre outwards until it has shrunk evenly.
Is heat shrink tubing waterproof?: Standard heat shrink provides insulation and some protection against moisture, but it is not fully waterproof on its own. Adhesive-lined (dual wall) heat shrink creates a better seal. For outdoor or buried joints, use a proper joint kit or sealant designed for the conditions, and check the product specifications.
Can heat shrink be used to colour code cables?: Yes, short lengths of coloured heat shrink are a neat way to identify conductors in panels, distribution boards and control wiring. Mixed colour kits make this easy. Follow current harmonised colours and check current wiring regulations before re-identifying any conductor, especially protective conductors.
Can I get heat shrink delivered with a trade order?: Yes, heat shrink can be added to any order. In-stock items ordered by 5pm Monday to Friday are delivered the next working day across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and trade account holders receive trade pricing. Orders over £30 / €35 ex VAT qualify for free delivery.