Cold Shrink Cable Kits and Their Application

Enter the cold shrink cable kit, exploreing the tool kit by knwn more about its components, the installation process and the function of each part.

What’s Inside a Cold Shrink Kit?

The core sealing unit of cold shrink kit is pre-expanded cold shrink tubes. These are typically high-grade silicone or EPDM rubber tubes that have been factory-stretched and fitted onto a rigid plastic spiral core, known as a "core release system". This unit is a single, ready-to-use assembly. Cleaning paper/wipes is solvent-soaked wipes for removing all contamination from the cable surface which is non-negotiable for a good seal. Semi-conductive tape are used to rebuild the cable's semiconductive layer which is essential for controlling electrical stress. Copper mesh/braid which restores the cable's metallic shielding and provides a path for fault currents. Earthing wire (Grounding Braid) is a dedicated wire who connect the joint's shielding to an external earth point. Constant spring (Connector) as metal sleeve that is crimped onto the conductor ends to carry the electrical current. Phase tape (Identification Tape) which coloured tape for identifying the phase (L1, L2, L3, L4) after installation. PVC tape is used for temporary holding of components like the copper mesh. Silicone Grease as an lubricant applied to the cable and the inside of the cold shrink tube to ease installation and help exclude moisture. Bandage (fiberglass tape) is used for building up areas or protecting against sharp edges. Plastic glove prevents contamination from skin oils and the meter (measuring tape) ensures precise preparation.

How to Install a Cold Shrink System

First of all, initial stage is identical to heat shrink. The cable must be confirmed de-energized. Using the meter for precision, the outer layers are stripped back to expose the conductor. The installer, wearing plastic gloves, then uses the cleaning paper to scrub every surface clean. Secondly, the entire pre-expanded cold shrink unit, with its plastic core, is slid onto one cable end before the conductor is connected. Its position is temporarily marked. Thirdly, the constant spring connector is crimped onto the prepared conductor ends, creating the electrical heart of the joint.

Then, the cable's architecture is restored from the inside out. In addtion, semi-conductive tape is applied to reform the stress control layer. The copper mesh is wrapped over the joint and connected to the original cable shield. The earthing wire is attached and secured temporarily with PVC tape. Finally, with the pre-assembled cold shrink unit is now carefully slid into its final position, centered over the connector. The installer applies silicone grease to the cable ends for lubrication. Then, holding the unit in place, they grab the plastic core's pull-tab and begin to pull steadily and smoothly. As the core unwinds and is removed, the rubber tube instantly shrinks radially onto the cable. The entire process takes seconds, with the tube contracting with immense, even pressure. Therefore, once the tube is fully shrunk, the adhesive lining (if present) or the rubber itself forms a tight seal. The phase tape is applied for identification.

Function

The Cold Shrink Tube: The tube's function is to provide primary insulation and environmental sealing. Its key advantage is the constant radial pressure exerted by the elastic memory of the rubber. It mechanically grips the cable like a strong hand.

The Core Release System: Its function is purely mechanical. To hold the tube in its expanded state until the precise moment of installation. This brilliant design ensures a perfect, uniform shrink every time, eliminating the risk of uneven heating that can occur with heat shrink.

Silicone Grease: The Installation Facilitator. In cold shrink applications, its role is even more critical. It lubricates the interface between the cable and the rubber tube during the rapid shrinking process, preventing friction that could cause rolling or twisting of the tube.

No Thermal Stress: The cable insulation is not subjected to localized high temperatures, preserving its integrity.

Consistency: The shrink is instantaneous and uniform, unaffected by wind or an installer's heating technique.