Heat shrink pipe is a kind of plastic pipe contracted by heat (commonly used materials are polyolefin, PVC, fluorine rubber, etc.), which is tightly wrapped on the surface of the object after heating to form an insulating protective layer.
Main uses:
Insulation protection at wire connections
It is used for wire joints, solder joints and other parts of the internal circuit of household appliances to prevent short circuit or leakage (such as the circuit board connection of rice cookers, microwave ovens and air conditioners).
Wiring harness identification and finishing
Different colors of heat shrink tubes can mark line functions (such as power cables, signal cables), while tying loose wiring harnesses to improve internal cleanliness.
Rust-proof insulation of metal parts
Wrap the motor lead end, metal pipe mouth, etc., to avoid electrochemical corrosion in wet environment.
Supplementary seal
In washing machines, dishwashers and other water-related appliances, the pipe interface should be waterproof and sealed (with waterproof glue).
Advantages:
High temperature resistance (some models can withstand more than 125°C), flame retardant (UL certification is common).
Aging resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, prolong electrical life.
Easy to install (shrink by heating with a heat gun or lighter).
The application of bellows in home appliances
Corrugated pipe is a kind of flexible pipe with fold structure (mostly PP, PA, PVC, etc.), which has good bending and compression resistance.
Main uses:
Overall protection of wire harnesses
Wrap multiple wires inside the appliance (such as refrigerator compressor wiring, washing machine motor wiring harness) to prevent wear or animal gnawing.
Protection of moving parts
For parts that need to be moved (e.g., axle lines for vacuum cleaners, wires at the hinges of oven doors).
Waterproof and dustproof design
Cable protection of outdoor appliances (such as air conditioners, outdoor lamps), blocking water vapor and dust through the tightness of the bellows.
Mechanical stress buffering
Reduce the damage of home appliance vibration to the wire (such as the high-frequency vibration area near the vacuum cleaner motor).
Advantages:
Good flexibility, can adapt to complex wiring path.
Impact resistance, wear resistance, suitable for harsh environments.
Partially flame retardant bellows comply with appliance safety standards (e.g. IEC 60335).
Typical appliance application scenarios
Air conditioning/Refrigerator:
Heat shrink tube to protect compressor terminal; The bellows wrap the condenser pipe or control harness.
Washing machine/Dishwasher:
Heat shrink tube seal drainage pump circuit; Corrugated pipes protect cables in wet areas at the bottom.
Microwave/Oven:
High temperature heat shrink tube for magnetron circuit; Bellows protect the door body switch cable.
Small household appliances (hair dryer, vacuum cleaner) :
Heat shrink tube fixed internal heating element lead; The corrugated pipe prevents the power cable from being bent or damaged.
