Turn Up the Heat, Shrink the Worry: How TE Connectivity heat shrink products improve grid reliability

For some years now, South Africans have been concerned about the likelihood of the national grid collapsing and plunging the country into weeks of darkness. But recently, Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reassured the country’s citizens that efforts are being made to strengthen grid capacity in order to onboard renewables.  

With this in mind, Tank Industries would like to highlight how, over the past 60 years, the innovative Raychem range of heat shrink products from TE Connectivity has been helping to keep the power on in countries around the world.  

This is largely due to the unique materials used in the various product applications - and the scientific properties thereof - which play a critical role in grid reliability since they not only enhance performance but also mitigate against challenges such as harsh outdoor environments and high electrical stresses. These materials are heat-stable, non-tracking, hydrophobic, and have advanced conductivity – all of which have been integrated into the various products including heat-shrink terminations, heat-shrink joints, and wildlife and asset protection to maximise product performance and ensure robustness. 

TE Connectivity has a long-established reputation for material innovation, dating back all the way to 1969 when it developed the first heat shrink polymer for the energy industry using cross-linking (the science behind the realignment of atoms which causes the plastic to shrink when heat is applied). Over the years, the company has continued this tradition of innovation with other world-firsts including single, dual and triple layer heat shrink joints.  

Today, all solutions in the heat shrink range are designed to offer mechanical protection as well as sealing capabilities to withstand harsh field conditions characterised by moisture, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures. They have also been expertly crafted to provide the right level of electrical insulation for each application. This not only differentiates them in the market but more importantly, ensures that energy flows through the grid to the consumer effectively, sustainably, and for a long period of time without breakage.  

Additionally, TE Connectivity’s products have thicker walls than those typically provided by corner-cutting competitors. This helps to withstand higher temperatures, deliver superior thermal insulation to protect sensitive components and provide increased resistance to moisture, chemicals, UV radiation and other environmental factors. This also ensures enhanced resistance against impact, abrasion and physical stress, while offering greater insulation. 

All of these features guarantee a dependable, well-engineered and long-lasting product and a reliable grid. 

For more detailed information on the TE Connectivity range of heat shrink products, click here.