Raychem RT-375 M23053/18 Heat Shrink Tubing Selection Guide
TE Connectivity / Raychem RT-375 is a clear, single-wall fluoropolymer heat shrink tubing series designed for aerospace, military and other high-reliability electrical applications. The series is qualified to SAE-AMS-DTL-23053/18 and is particularly useful where the protected splice, cable marking or component must remain visible after shrinking.
RT-375 uses crosslinked fluoropolymer, has a 2:1 shrink ratio, operates from -55°C to +150°C, and provides resistance to abrasion, aviation fuel, hydraulic fluid, lubricating oil and water. TE currently lists more than 30 RT-375 configurations across different diameters and packaging formats.
RT-375 M23053/18 Size Selection
For most applications, the main selection factor is the outside diameter of the wire, splice or cable bundle before shrinking.
| Raychem Part Number | Mil-Spec | Expanded ID Min. | Recovered ID Max. | Nominal Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RT-375-3/64-X-SP | M23053/18-201-C | 1.17 mm | 0.58 mm | 3/64 in |
| RT-375-1/16-X-SP | M23053/18-202-C | 1.60 mm | 0.79 mm | 1/16 in |
| RT-375-3/32-X-SP | M23053/18-203-C | 2.36 mm | 1.17 mm | 3/32 in |
| RT-375-1/8-X-SP | M23053/18-204-C | 3.17 mm | 1.57 mm | 1/8 in |
| RT-375-3/16-X-SP | M23053/18-205-C | 4.74 mm | 2.36 mm | 3/16 in |
| RT-375-1/4-X-SP | M23053/18-206-C | 6.35 mm | 3.17 mm | 1/4 in |
| RT-375-3/8-X-SP | M23053/18-207-C | 9.50 mm | 4.74 mm | 3/8 in |
| RT-375-1/2-X-SP | M23053/18-208-C | 12.70 mm | 6.35 mm | 1/2 in |
| RT-375-3/4-X-SP | M23053/18-209-C | 19.05 mm | 9.50 mm | 3/4 in |
| RT-375-1-X-SP | M23053/18-210-C | 25.40 mm | 12.70 mm | 1 in |
TE's current product pages confirm the M23053/18 suffix progression and corresponding dimensional ranges across the RT-375 family.
How to Choose the Correct RT-375 Size
The tubing must be large enough to pass over the component before heating, but its recovered diameter should also be smaller than the final cable or splice diameter so that it can recover tightly.
For example:
A component around 2 mm OD can typically use RT-375-3/16-X-SP
Around 4 mm OD, consider RT-375-1/4-X-SP or 3/8-X-SP
Around 6 mm OD, RT-375-3/8-X-SP is generally suitable
Around 8–10 mm OD, consider RT-375-1/2-X-SP
Larger assemblies may require 3/4-inch or 1-inch RT-375
Where two sizes overlap, the smaller suitable size usually provides a tighter recovered fit. However, installation clearance over terminals, connectors and irregular splice sections must also be considered.
Final sizing should always be checked against the actual cable dimensions and TE product drawing.
RT-375 Typical Applications
Raychem RT-375 is commonly used for:
Aerospace wire harness protection
Aircraft and avionics systems
Military electronics
Wire and splice insulation
Component encapsulation and protection
Cable strain relief
Identification protection
High-reliability electrical assemblies
Its combination of transparency, fluoropolymer construction and M23053/18 qualification makes it especially appropriate for wiring systems where both environmental protection and visual inspection are required.
FAQ
What specification does Raychem RT-375 meet?
RT-375 is associated with SAE-AMS-DTL-23053/18. Individual tubing sizes have specific dash numbers such as M23053/18-205-C, -207-C and -208-C.
What is the difference between M23053/18-205-C and M23053/18-207-C?
They represent different RT-375 sizes. M23053/18-205-C corresponds to the 3/16-inch size, while M23053/18-207-C corresponds to the 3/8-inch size.
What does X-SP mean in an RT-375 part number?
X identifies the standard clear version, while SP indicates spool packaging. STK versions are supplied in cut/stick format.
What is the operating temperature of RT-375?
Standard RT-375 tubing is specified for operation from approximately -55°C to +150°C.
Which RT-375 models are currently available from stock?
DataStorageIC currently lists RT-375 sizes including 3/32, 1/8, 3/16, 3/8 and 1/2 inch, with the largest listed quantity being 2,640 pcs of RT-375-3/8-X-SP.
