Shrink ratio 4:1

In our assortment, you will find various types of heat shrink tubing, each with a fixed shrink ratio. The shrink ratio indicates how much the tubing shrinks in diameter when heated. A heat shrink tubing with a 4:1 ratio means that its original inner diameter is four times larger than its inner diameter after full shrinkage. This makes it ideal for applications where a wide range of cable diameters needs to be covered.

What does the shrink ratio of heat shrink tubing mean?

The shrink ratio indicates how much heat shrink tubing reduces in diameter when heated. A heat shrink tubing with a 4:1 shrink ratio means that its diameter after full shrinkage is four times smaller than when initially supplied.

The product specifications for heat shrink tubing typically list two important measurements:

Inner diameter as supplied (the original size)
Inner diameter after shrinkage (the final size after heating)

The shrink ratio defines how these measurements relate to each other.

What shrink ratios are available?

We offer heat shrink tubing in various shrink ratios:

1.5:1
2:1
2.5:1
3:1
4:1
6:1

Using heat shrink tubing with a 4:1 shrink ratio

Heat shrink tubing with a 4:1 shrink ratio is ideal for applications requiring broad diameter coverage. This type of shrink tubing is commonly used when dealing with significant variations in cable thicknesses or when connectors, plugs, and other irregular shapes need to be securely enclosed.

Follow these steps for proper application:

1. Measure the diameter of the cable and determine the required length of the heat shrink tubing.

2. Choose the appropriate type of heat shrink tubing based on your application. Should the tubing be self-extinguishing, flexible, or adhesive-lined for a waterproof seal?

3. Select the correct tubing diameter. For a cable with a diameter of 5 millimeters, for example, choose a heat shrink tubing with an inner diameter after shrinkage of approximately 4.8 millimeters. With a 4:1 shrink ratio, this means the original inner diameter as supplied is about 19.2 millimeters.

4. Cut the heat shrink tubing to the correct length, slide it over the cable, and heat it with a heat gun or soldering iron.

After heating, the heat shrink tubing will shrink tightly around the cable, providing excellent protection against wear, moisture, and other external influences.

Personal advice

Not sure which heat shrink tubing is best for your application? Our specialists are happy to help! Contact us for personalized advice.