Cold shrinkable breakouts (or splice breakouts) are used in electrical applications to provide insulation and protection to electrical cables and wires. They are designed to split cable sheathing and provide an insulation layer between the individual conductors that form the cable.
Cold shrinkable breakouts are made of silicone rubber or EPDM rubber, which are both flexible and possess excellent insulating and weather-resistant properties. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different cable diameters and shapes.
The installation of cold shrinkable breakouts is easy and requires no special tools. The installation procedure involves sliding the breakout onto the cable to be protected, then removing the supporting element to allow the breakout to contract and fit tightly around the cable. The removal of the supporting element can be accomplished by manually pulling a cord or tab attached to it.
Cold shrinkable breakouts are widely used in various electrical applications, including wire splicing, cable assembly and repair, fiber optic cable protection, and electric power distribution systems. They offer good electrical insulation and reliable protection against moisture and harsh environmental conditions.
Here are the general steps for using cold shrinkable breakouts:
Choose the appropriate size and shape of cold shrinkable breakout for your application. Make sure it matches the size and type of the cable you are working on.
Clean the cable surface thoroughly to ensure there is no dirt, dust, or grease.
Slide the cold shrinkable breakout onto the cable, positioning it at the desired location along the length of the cable.
Verify that the breakout is evenly distributed on the cable and that there are no wrinkles or folds.
Remove the supporting element that blocks the contraction of the cold shrinkable material. This is accomplished by manually pulling the tab or cord attached to the element.
Smooth out any wrinkles on the breakout, and ensure that the material is evenly distributed around the cable.
Pressure test the breakout to confirm that it adheres tightly to the cable and that no space has been left uncovered.
Cold shrinkable breakouts are user-friendly and require no external heat source or tool. Once the protective element has been removed, the cold-shrink material gradually contracts and wraps itself tightly around the cable, offering complete insulation and protection.
Please keep in mind that these are general steps for using cold shrinkable breakouts, and specific guidelines may vary depending on the manufacturer and product type. It's important to read the instructions carefully before using the product.