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Cold Shrink vs Heatshrink for Cable Accessories

The Cold Shrink Technology manufactured by 3M Electrical and utilised in Joints & Terminations are extensively used to connect, repair and energise power cables providing electrical distribution at Medium & High Voltage – Cold Shrink is suitable for use with XLPE, EPR & PILC cable specifications in both underground and containment locations including the connection of 11kV/33kV cables to switchgear, transformers and motors. Should you require any assistance with the selection or purchase of 3M Cold Shrink Cable Accessories please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Cold Shrink Technology

Take the heat out of cable installations.

Factory-expanded on a removable core for consistent installs and long-term sealing performance.

No heat Living seal Flexible after install Fewer parts

Safer installRemoves heat from the process

RepeatableLess installer variability

Reliable sealContinuous inward pressure

Selection note: correct sizing is essential. Handle pre-expanded product carefully.

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Heatshrink Technology

Where variability can creep in.

Heatshrink relies on correct and even heating — and becomes rigid after installation.

Heat requiredAdded safety / quality risk

Rigid finishLimited movement tolerance

More stepsMore components & time

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Cold Shrink Explained

The “living seal”, in one view.

Cold shrink remains elastomeric and can expand/contract with the cable — supporting long-term sealing performance.

Elastomeric Constant pressure No adhesives needed

Built for real-world installs — not perfect lab conditions.

Heatshrink Technology

Requires heat for installation
Seal depends on proper and even heating
Becomes rigid and cannot be bent after installation
Often needs mastics/adhesives
More components and longer installation time

Compare to cold shrink

Heat shrink process diagram showing expansion by heating and irradiating, cooling to remain expanded, then shrinking back when heat is applied

Heatshrink process: expanded by heating / irradiating, cooled to remain expanded, then shrinks back to its original size when heat is applied.

Advantages

Familiar and widely used
Rigid finish can add mechanical strength

Limitations

Safety and quality risks from heating
No ongoing interface pressure
Movement can compromise the seal
Higher chance of installation errors

Cold Shrink Technology

3M cold shrink technology revolutionised the power industry by taking the heat out of low to medium voltage cable installations. Over 50 years later, this proven technology continues to innovate and is now available for high voltage applications up to 132kV* as well as underground cable installations.

Cold Shrink Technology

No heat install; pre-expanded on a removable core
Provides continuous inward pressure and a “living seal”
Remains flexible after installation
Fewer parts and faster, more consistent installation

Compare to heat shrink

Safer and quicker
Better long-term sealing and reliability
Less installer variability

Correct size selection is essential
Handle pre-expanded form carefully

Types of Cold Shrink

Compare 3M™ Cold Shrink options

A quick side-by-side view to help you select the right material and format for your application.

3M™ Cold Shrink Tubing (EPDM)

Up to 1000V Tool-free Wet performance

Primary insulation for solid dielectric cables up to 1000V
Tool-free, easy installation
Excellent wet electrical performance; resists water, acids and alkalis
EPDM construction with no chlorides or sulfur
Temperature range: -40 to 90°C (-40 to 194°F)
Provides environmental sealing for electrical and non-electrical uses
Open-ended sleeves with sealing mastic at each end

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3M™ Cold Shrink Tubing (Silicone)

-55 to +260°C UV/Ozone Waterproof

Highly elastic Silicone rubber
Simple installation with no tools required
Application temperature range -55 to +260 °C
Waterproof, meets the requirements of ANSI C 119.1
Resistant to acids and alkalis, ozone and UV radiation
Self-extinguishing

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3M™ Cold Shrink End Caps

4 sizes 11.7–84.3 mm Reliable seal

Close-ended tubular rubber sleeves for sealing cable or pipe ends
Factory-expanded and supplied on a removable core for easy installation
Core removal provides a consistent, reliable environmental seal
Available in four sizes covering diameters from 11.7 mm to 84.3 mm

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Cold Shrink Innovation Timeline

How To Install 3M Cold Shrink QS3000

Cold Shrink vs. Heat Shrink Key Points

Safety

Cold shrink does not carry the same safety concerns as heat shrink, which sometimes requires shutting down a facility before an installation to minimise the danger of explosions from combustible gasses.

Electrical Performance

Silicone cold shrink is UV resistant, water repellent, and chemical resistant, which help contribute to low failure rates. 3M’s cold shrink splices produced failure rates of 0.067% and 0.022% for cold shrink terminations in a 2013 study*.

Time Saving

Cold shrink kits have minimal parts, which means fewer installation steps. This helps minimise the chance for errors and reduces installation time, resulting in low failure rates. Heat shrink torches require a hot work permit, which further increases the time and cost of each installation.

Installation

Cold shrink offers consistent installation, independent of physical location. The cold shrink cord design allows for easy application. There are no special tools or heat sources required, which can be an advantage when installing in tight places such as switch-gear and joint bay or in inclement weather conditions.

Ready to switch to cold shrink? Need help selecting the right solution?

Our specialists provide application support, sizing and selection guidance, technical advice, quotations, and fast delivery for UK and export projects.

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Export: +44 191 410 4292