Newb shrink tubing/ wiring question

[Father time]

HI. Not sure this is the right place for this Question. I've seen many beautifully wired projects here and have a question with regards to heat shrink tubing. what determines where and how it's used? In some cases I'm guessing it's used for strain relief, and insulation. There doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rule about how it's used. I've searched the META, searched groupDIY, and google without success.

I'm planning a Spectra Sonics 101 build with an edge connector, JLM variable pad (with pot), and go between kit. Also using the JLM TREX kit for power from a 48v psu.

If anyone could point me toward some info or has advice it would be most appreciated!

Thanks to the members for all the information, sharing, and beautiful build photos

 

[gemini86]

It's useful for a number of occasions, not just insulation, as that use is pretty obvious.

I use a red shrink tubing about 1/2 inch long on the ends of a shielded or multi-conductor cable. Let the shrink hang over the end of the outer jacket of the wire about 1/8 inch and shrink it up nice and tight all the way around. It really gives the cable a finished, professional look. I also use it on the braided shield cable if the cable doesn't have a bare stranded wire running with the shield. I unbraid the jacket as best I can and try to put a slight twist on it. Then use a small shrink to keep it all neat and tidy. Ideally you would use a shielded cable with a non-insulated wire that runs under the braided shield, much easier to work with.

I also like to use it around the outside of a 1/4 male connector to stiffen it up where the wire comes out the back of the connector.

 

[wtmnmf]

The simple (and not very helpful) answer is, use it where you need it.

- where a lethal potential exists

- where there is a chance of a short circuit

- to finish the end of a shielded cable (striping the jacket usually leaves some foil or strands flapping about)

- to hold a drain wire's insulation in place

- for strain relief

- wherever it looks pretty

A tip for high density connectors: insulate every other conductor if the shrink would be too bulky otherwise.

Remember that, although a termination may not need shrink when considered on it's own, a loose piece of conducting material could fall against the termination.  If that would be an issue, then shrink it.

There is a material that is used, where shrink would be used, that you see on European made devices, which looks kind of spongy and is actually a slip-on product, not shrink.  It is particularly nice for adding strain relief to light conductors, as it is also very flexible.  Not widely available in the US though.

Sometimes you have a choice of using Teflon tubing on a bare conductor or using heat shrink.  You may choose one or the other based on ease of use for your application, or the advantages of their differing properties, or maybe cost and availability.

Off the top of my head, those are the issues I come up with.


(someone posted while I was typing.  Please excuse me if I've said anything redundant)
 

 

[Father time]

Thank you gemini86, and wtmnmf for the helpful information. Makes sense. That European slip on product sounds interesting too, have to look into that. But first, I'll try working with regular Shrink Tubing and just experiment with it.

Thanks again, to both of you, appreciate it very much.

 

[AudioGimmer]

I'm sure someone way more knowledgable than me will be along shortly, but  in the meantime, I think the  European sleeves you are referring to are Hellermann sleeves, they are a special kind of rubber and applied with a 3 pronged tool using a mineral oil to aid fitting. Pretty standard here in the UK.

http://www.hellermanntyton.co.uk/site/products/non-shrinkable-tubing/h20/608-01028

The Gimmer

 

[ruffrecords]

I'm sure someone way more knowledgable than me will be along shortly, but  in the meantime, I think the  European sleeves you are referring to are Hellermann sleeves, they are a special kind of rubber and applied with a 3 pronged tool using a mineral oil to aid fitting. Pretty standard here in the UK.

http://www.hellermanntyton.co.uk/site/products/non-shrinkable-tubing/h20/608-01028

The Gimmer

That's what I use in preference to heat shrink sleeving. The reasons are:

1. I prefer not to repeatedly heat connections to a multi-pin connector
2. I like to be able to remove/replace the sleeve when doing mods or repairs.

I first came across the sleeving and the lubricant used to slip it on when I was an apprentice in the aerospace industry in the late 60s. I won't tell you what the technicians used to call the lubricant.

Cheers

Ian

 

[zebra50]

[quote author=Ian]
I won't tell you what the technicians used to call the lubricant.
[/quote]

Oh go on! 

I also rather like the pre-lubricated versions that Canford Audio sell, especially for the small sizes. Saves looking for the bottle of lube at least!

Anyway, as stated above, most use these and shrink sleeving wherever it will solve a problem. No hard and fast rules really.

Carry on!

 

[ruffrecords]

[quote author=Ian]
I won't tell you what the technicians used to call the lubricant.

Oh go on! 

I also rather like the pre-lubricated versions that Canford Audio sell, especially for the small sizes. Saves looking for the bottle of lube at least!
[/quote]

I never have to search for the lube bottle. I use a trick learnt from those technicians many many moons ago. I use an old tobacco tin into which is fitted a piece of sponge. Wet the sponge with a good dollop of lube and fit the lid. Lasts for ages. To use, slip the sleeve on the three pronged applicator, dip it in the sponge and you are good to go.

Cheers

ian

 

[madswitcher]

Yep
I use the Hellermann sleeves as well.

One trick I learnt was to use a small flat'ish tin such as those small ones that you get lip salve or Vaseline in, and put a small drop of the lubricant in it so it spreads out.  You then dip the sleeve end into it and it gives just a small amount making it easier to slip onto the tool and along the cable when you have it in place.

We also used to call the three-pronged tool  'the midwifes tool'. - if you have used one you will know why. 

Happy listening

Mike