3M 8445-2.5 Cold Shrink Tube Electrician Tool

Cold Shrink Tube for 2 AWG to 1/0 AWG Wire

The 3M 8445-2.5 cold shrink tube is designed for electricians and maintenance technicians who need reliable insulation on medium-voltage cable splices and terminations. It fits wire sizes from 2 AWG to 1/0 AWG and uses EPDM rubber that remains flexible across a wide temperature range. The tube arrives pre-expanded on a removable core so it shrinks into place without a heat source.

Replaces Heat-Shrink Methods Where Open Flame Is

This cold shrink tube removes the need for torches or heat guns in confined spaces, near flammable materials, or on live circuits where hot work permits are difficult. The jump is worth it when installation speed and fire safety outweigh the cost difference versus traditional heat-shrink tubing. It also avoids the risk of uneven heating that can leave weak spots in the insulation.

Push-On Installation With Removable Core

Installation consists of positioning the tube over the prepared cable joint and unwinding the core to let the EPDM rubber contract to a 0.35 in inside diameter. The most common error is failing to clean the cable insulation thoroughly, which can prevent a watertight seal. Another issue is stretching the tube beyond its 0.72 in pre-shrink diameter during positioning, which reduces the final wall thickness and dielectric strength.