Imagine a world without long-distance communication, digital television, and high-speed internet. It’s hard to imagine, but without heat shrink tubing for fiber optic cables, the luxuries of modern telecommunications might not be possible.
Environmental factors and mechanical stress can cause damage and electrical interference, affecting the transmission of data. Heat shrink tubing for fiber optic cables acts as a protector and insulator to the fragile components to ensure reliable and lasting long-distance communication.
Why Fiber Optic Cables Are Critical in Telecommunications
Fiber optic cables transmit video, voice, and telemetry communication with light pulses. However, the information being transmitted can be interrupted by extreme temperatures, moisture, strain, and abrasion on the delicate fibers within the cable system.
Due to the intricate nature of fiber optic cables, it is crucial to protect the transmission of high-speed data. Every day, large amounts of data are distributed to millions of homes and businesses across North America. To put it simply: the availability of telephone, cable television, and internet signals depends on the functionality of fiber optic cables.
What Is Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat shrink tubing is a thermoplastic material that is placed over cables to protect, insulate, and organize electrical components. It shrinks radially when heated to form a tight-fitting seal around wires, cables, and mechanical elements. While a range of materials can be used to make heat shrink tubing, polyolefin is more durable and reliable than other plastics.
The tubing protects the underlying components from moisture, impact, abrasion, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. Heat shrink tubing is available in different colors so that wires and cables can be safely and quickly identified and organized. Custom heat shrink label printing allows text and logos to be printed directly on the tubing and will not distort the images and texts when the heat shrink is shrunk.
Key Benefits of Heat Shrink Tubing for Fiber Optics
- Protection from environmental elements (waterproofing, dust resistance)
- Added strength to splicing and connections
- Electrical insulation and protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Flexibility and adaptability to different cable sizes
- Enhanced durability for physical wear and weathering
- Versatility for fiber optic cables installed underground and aerial applications
- Easy installation for a tight uniform fit to cables
- Low maintenance and repair costs
Types of Heat Shrink Tubing for Fiber Optic Cables
Heat shrink tubing is available for various applications with single-wall and dual-wall construction. Both can be customized with printed logos to enhance identification and safety measures.
Single-wall tubing is excellent for wires and cables within an interior space. As the most flexible tubing, it is often used for electrical and mechanical protection, thermal insulation, strain relief, and noise reduction.
Since many fiber optic cables are located underground, they often require the extra protection of dual-wall heat shrink tubing. This type of tubing has two layers to insulate and protect the cables from exposure to moisture, abrasion, and extreme temperatures with its existing adhesive seal.
How Heat Shrink Tubing Improves Telecom Performance
Ensuring Long-Term Durability and Reliability
Heat shrink for telecom equipment provides supreme protection and long-lasting durability for cables and connectors. Thanks to the insulated extra layer of material with dual-wall tubing, heat shrink reduces the need for frequent maintenance and replacement of the equipment. This lowers repair costs and provides customers with reliable communication signals.
Enhancing Signal Integrity
High-quality heat shrink tubing safeguards against electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is unwanted noise that occurs in an electrical path due to external sources. Cables can be easily damaged by impact, extension, and corrosion. Minor damage can cause interference with the quality of signals.
Simplifying Installation and Maintenance
By using heat shrink tubing for telecom networks, cables require low maintenance due to the durable protection the layered material provides. Installation is simplified thanks to the ease of application and quick adhesion when heated with the appropriate heating device.
Choosing the Right Heat Shrink Tubing for Your Fiber Optic Cables
Consider the Operating Environment
Telecommunications (telecom) heat shrink tubing is designed to be used in various environmental conditions. Cables located in outdoor settings can be susceptible to damage from wildlife and ultraviolet radiation. Factors like temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure can also have an adverse effect if the right tubing is not applied.
Determine the Correct Size and Shrink Ratio
To calculate the correct shrink ratio, measure the cable diameter. For example, the most commonly used heat shrink ratios are 2:1 and 3:1. A 2:1 shrink ratio is used when the heat shrink tubing is required to shrink half of its original diameter. Heat shrink tubing must be properly applied to the fiber optic cable for a tight and effective seal.
Custom-cut tubing and standard-sized tubing may require precise cutting with a razor blade to prevent fraying or damage to the end of the tube. The length must cover the tubing at least one-half inch longer than the cable as the tubing can shrink up to 10% lengthwise. Position the heat shrink tubing by threading the cable in through the cylinder without force. Ensure the ends are covered as required before applying heat.
For even shrinkage, move the hot air gun or butane torch in a back-and-forth motion along the tubing while rotating the cable. This forms a tight seal against moisture and airborne particles. Allow the tubing to cool before positioning the cables for use.
Protect Your Telecom Infrastructure with Heat Shrink Tubing from ShrinkShop
Safeguard your fiber optic cables with heat shrink tubing from ShrinkShop. We have a diverse range of tubing and accessories in various sizes, colors, and shrink ratios. Choose from standard or custom-printed and custom-cut heat shrink tubing. Contact us today and discover more about our high-quality products!