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cable sleeving 101

What are sleeving products used for?

Sleeving is used to protect, organize, and insulate wire and cable assemblies, offering a flexible alternative to heat shrink tubing without requiring heat tools.

Wire sleeving provides mechanical protection, bundling support, and insulation for electrical components. It can also improve cable aesthetics and aid in identification. While heat shrink tubing is often preferred for tight, form-fitting coverage, sleeving can meet many of the same needs at a lower cost and with easier installation. Depending on the specific thermal, dielectric, or physical demands of your application, sleeving may be the more suitable solution.

What are the types of cable sleeving and their applications?

Sleeving is available in a wide range of materials and styles to meet application-specific demands for protection, temperature resistance, flexibility, and installation method.

Below is an overview of common sleeving types:

  • Polyester Expandable Sleeving
    • Sturdy, flexible, and abrasion-resistant
    • Ideal for standard industrial and marine applications
    • Many styles meet MIL-I-61D specification
    • RoHS compliant
  • Expandable Braided Sleeving (Expando)
    • Braided polyester construction expands/contracts to fit a wide range of cable sizes
    • Lightweight and rot/fungus resistant
    • Excellent chemical and cut resistance
    • Used for bundling, harnessing, pneumatic hoses, and hydraulic lines
  • Flame-Retardant Expandable Braided Sleeving (Expando-FR)
    • Same benefits as standard Expando
    • Passes UL VW-1 Flame Test
    • Suitable for environments with flame resistance requirements
  • Non-Fraying Expandable Braided Sleeving
    • Requires hot knife to cut/seal against fraying
    • Ideal for automated cutting and field installation
  • Polyester Webbed Expandable Sleeving
    • Features velcro-like closures for easy access and rework
    • Supports unlimited breakouts in bundling/harnessing
  • Fiberglass Sleeving
    • Braided construction for high-temp environments
    • Less expansion than polyester-based options
  • Acrylic Coated Fiberglass Sleeving
    • Maintains dielectric strength and flexibility
    • Acid- and solvent-resistant
    • Used in radio circuits, transformers, and motor protection
  • Silicone Coated Fiberglass Sleeving
    • Highly durable and abrasion/solvent resistant
    • Flexible and reliable under extreme conditions
    • Widely used in the motorsports and high-performance industries

When should you choose sleeving over heat shrink tubing?

Choose sleeving when you need a cost-effective, tool-free alternative to heat shrink tubing for basic protection, bundling, or insulation.

Heat shrink tubing offers precise fit, strain relief, mechanical protection, and permanent coverage. It’s ideal when shrink ratios, tight tolerances, or long-term sealing are essential. However, in applications where:

  • Extreme tightness is not required
  • No heat tools are available
  • Flexibility or field installation is preferred
  • Cost-efficiency is a concern

...sleeving becomes the better option. It’s easier to install, doesn’t require specialized equipment, and is often faster to apply.

Not sure which wire sleeving to choose?

For guidance on sleeving, tubing, and bundling accessories, visit our accessories section or contact Allied Wire & Cable directly.

We’re here to support engineers, buyers, and OEMs with cable protection solutions tailored to performance, compliance, and budget. Explore our full range of wire and cable accessories or email us at [email protected] for help with product selection.

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