Solder Sleeves

A solder sleeve, also known as a heat shrink solder sleeve, solder splice connector or solder splice sleeve, is a type of electrical connector used for joining or splicing wires together. It provides a convenient and reliable method for creating a secure and insulated connection between wires, typically in situations where a permanent and waterproof connection is needed.

What do Solder Sleeves Consist of?

A solder sleeve consists of three main components:

• Heat-Shrink Tubing
• Solder Preform
• Adhesive

Types of Solder Sleeves

RS Australia offers a variety of solder sleeves for secure and efficient connections.

• Heat Shrink Solder Sleeves: These sleeves come with adhesive and solder lining and use heat to seal secure connections and strong electrical bonds, offering environmental protection. They are widely used in the automotive, marine, and defence industries for reliable connections.
• Connectivity Solder Sleeves: Designed for strong wire-to-terminal connections on equipment, this ensures electricity flows and provides insulated and sealed solder joints in various sizes and types. Furthermore, these sleeves have heat shrink versions used for cable terminal applications.
• Shield Tubing and Solder Sleeves: Similar to heat shrink sleeves, they protect cables from damage, dust, and moisture by shrinking when heated. They are essential for durable cable jointing and sleeving.

How do I Use a Solder Sleeve?

To use a solder sleeve, you would typically follow these steps:

1. Strip a small section of insulation from the wires you wish to join.
2. Slide the solder sleeve over one of the wires, so it covers the stripped portion of the wire.
3. Bring the stripped sections of the wires to be joined into contact with each other, ensuring that they are properly aligned.
4. Apply heat to the solder sleeve using a heat gun or other suitable heating tool. As the heat is applied, the solder preform inside the sleeve melts and flows, creating a soldered connection between the wires. The heat also causes the tubing to shrink and the adhesive to activate, providing insulation and protection.
5. Allow the solder sleeve to cool and solidify.

What are the Benefits of Solder Sleeves?

Solder sleeves offer a convenient, reliable, and efficient solution for creating strong and insulated wire connections. They are particularly useful in situations where moisture resistance, durability, and ease of installation are important factors.

• Reliability: Solder sleeves provide a strong and reliable electrical connection. The solder material forms a solid bond between the wires, minimising the risk of intermittent or loose connections that can occur with other methods.
• Waterproof and Insulation: Solder sleeves are designed with heat shrink tubing that provides both insulation and waterproofing. This ensures that the connection is protected from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors that could lead to corrosion or electrical issues.
• Consistency: Solder sleeves provide a consistent connection quality, as the solder preform and adhesive are uniformly distributed within the sleeve. This helps maintain a high level of connection integrity across multiple splices.
• Durability: Due to their waterproof and insulated nature, solder sleeves create connections that are more resistant to mechanical stress, vibration, and temperature variations. This durability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Space-Saving: Solder sleeves offer a compact and streamlined solution for wire splicing. The heat shrink tubing shrinks down to a smaller diameter, reducing the overall size of the connection and making it suitable for tight spaces.
• Versatility: Solder sleeves can be used with various types of wires, including different wire gauges and materials. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications and industries.
• Reduced Risk of Cold Joints: Cold joints occur when soldering is not done properly, resulting in a weak or incomplete connection. Solder sleeves help mitigate this risk by providing a controlled and consistent soldering process.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Purchasing Solder Sleeves

Reliability in your connections hinges on the right solder sleeve selection. Discover how to ensure you're choosing the highest quality products for your projects.

• Verify Quality Certifications: Always check for manufacturer certifications, such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards, to guarantee a commitment to rigorous testing and consistent product quality. As such, certified solders and shrink tubes ensure reliable, long-lasting connections.
• Compatibility Match to Wire Specifications: Selecting solder sleeves that precisely match your wire gauge and material is essential for achieving optimal electrical conductivity and strength. With RS Australia, access a comprehensive range of solder sleeves designed to accommodate diverse wire specifications, providing detailed product information to help you make informed choices.

Industrial Applications of Solder Sleeves

RS Australia's solder sleeves ensure robust connections across diverse sectors, meeting specific application demands.

• Aerospace and Aviation: Designed to withstand extreme conditions, our solder sleeve heat shrink solutions guarantee secure connections in critical aerospace and aviation systems, such as wire harnesses and repairs.
• Automotive Manufacturing: Our solder sleeves provide reliable splices in complex automotive wiring, enduring harsh conditions like temperature variations and vibrations. They ensure consistent performance in engine control and installation of headlights, cameras, infotainment equipment, and more.
• Marine and Offshore: Our solder shrink sleeves offer waterproof, corrosion-resistant connections for marine environments, such as ships and offshore platforms. Also, they prevent electrical failures in challenging conditions.

Your trusted Solder Sleeves Supplier & Manufacturer

When it comes to sourcing top-tier solder sleeves in Australia, RS Australia is your trusted partner. We offer a curated selection from industry-leading manufacturers, TE Connectivity, NEMIQ and our very own RS PRO, ensuring every product meets rigorous quality standards. Meanwhile, our team of experts provides comprehensive support, helping you select the perfect solder sleeves and other tools, such as probe cameras and wire cable trays, for your specific applications.

Choosing RS Australia means benefiting from our vast product selection, competitive pricing, and fast, dependable delivery, ensuring your projects are completed efficiently and effectively. For more information on delivery options, read our Delivery Page.