NO346126B1

NO346126B1 - Insulating plug, method for production and use thereof

Info

Publication number: NO346126B1
Application number: NO20200395A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Raymond Klingan
Original assignee: Insu El Tech As
Priority date: 2020-04-01
Filing date: 2020-04-01
Publication date: 2022-03-07
Also published as: WO2021201689A1; NO20200395A1; EP4128458A4; EP4128458A1

Description

Insulating plug

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a plug for insulating a through hole for a cable or a pipe in a wall, a method for insulating a through hole for a cable or a pipe in a wall and a method for producing the plug for insulating a through hole for a cable or a pipe in a wall.

Background

[0002] Insulation of commercial and domestic buildings is of major importance, especially in cold climates. With the present-day focus on reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions, insulation of buildings is driven by ever stricter government-imposed insulation norms. In addition, there is a general desire to improve insulation in buildings for economic reasons.

In both new and existing buildings cables and / or pipes are passed through interior and exterior walls. Cables can, for example, include electrical wiring, telephone lines or media cables for internet, radio and / or TV. These cables can be individual cables or bundled cables. Pipes can for instance include water, gas and / or heating pipes. In each case, the cables or pipes are led from one room to the next or from the outside of the building to the inside, by passing through a through hole in a wall. Usually, cables such as electrical wires, are passed through a rigid or flexible protective conduit, such as a metal, polypropylene or polyvinylchloride conduit. The conduit, through which the cable or bundle of cables extend, is closely fitted in a through hole in a wall.

[0003] From the perspective of building insulation, each through hole in a wall forms a weak spot and may lead to heat leakage from the building or within the building, cold spots and resulting unwanted condensation within the wall. Furthermore, a through hole in a wall may present a fire hazard, forming a natural route for spreading of fire within a building.

[0004] Standard solutions exist for addressing insulation of a through hole in a wall. These standard solutions involve injecting insulating material from each end of the through hole, after a cable or a pipe has been led therethrough. The insulation material fills the radial gap between the cable or pipe and the through hole perimeter. If a protective conduit is used, the insulation material is injected between the cable or pipe and the protective conduit. However, such standard solutions fail to reach deep into the through hole or protective conduit, especially when the through hole or protective conduit follows a curved trajectory within the wall. When insulating material is not applied along the entire length of the through hole or protective conduit, cold spots may develop at places where insulating material is lacking. Such cold spots lead to unwanted condensation within the wall, possibly causing fungus growth or rotting of wall materials. As a consequence, the climate within the building deteriorates. Besides providing inadequate insulation, the standard solutions are time and labor intensive and require a skilled operator to be performed. The part of the wall surrounding the opening of the through hole must be covered by a skillfully applied cover or sleeve, which is attached to the wall surface by adhesive, before an operator injects insulation material into the through hole. This process is then repeated on the other side of the wall. Not only is the known process time consuming, there also exists a considerable risk of leakage of insulation material during application.

Furthermore, insulation material that does not reach along the entire length of the through hole or protective conduit creates an increased risk for spreading of fire. In particular in commercial buildings, any applied insulation material must have certain flame-retardant properties. By not supplying insulation with flame-retardant properties along the entire length of a through hole, the through hole (or protective conduit) may become a natural route for spreading of fire within the building, thereby forming a safety hazard. Therefore, there are considerable economic, environmental and safety downsides to existing solutions.

Document JP 2006004720A discloses a waterproofing structure of a flat cable, where each cable is inserted in each cable insertion hole of a rubber stopper, the rubber stopper adheres uniformly to the whole circumference of each cable. Thereby high sealing performance is obtained.

[0005] In short, there exists a clear need for an improved solution, which is cost effective, easy to apply and provides a reliable insulation along the entire length of a through hole or protective conduit in a wall. Additionally, such a solution should preferably provide improved fire resistance.

Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention concerns a plug for insulating a through hole for a cable or a pipe in a wall, the plug comprising a cylindrical body comprising a leading end and a trailing end. The plug further comprising a slit, configured to receive the cable or pipe, the slit extending through the cylindrical body from the leading end to the trailing end and from the outer surface to the centre of the cylindrical body.

The plug further comprising a resiliently compressible material, allowing reversible compression of the plug during insertion in the through hole and resilient expansion to conform to the shape of the through hole once the plug is inserted.

The present invention also comprises a method for insulating a through hole for a cable or a pipe in a wall, with a plug according to the invention, the method comprising applying the plug around a cable or a pipe, by inserting the cable or pipe in the slit; reversibly compressing at least a part of the plug; inserting the compressed part of the plug in the through hole, such that the plug reaches from one end to the other end of the through hole; and resiliently expanding the compressed part of the plug, such that the plug conforms to the shape of the through hole.

The invention also concerns a method for producing a plug according to the invention, comprising preparing a polymer; and moulding the polymer under heat and / or pressure to form at least the cylindrical body. The invention also concerns an alternative method for producing a plug according to the invention, comprising providing a preformed blank comprising a polymer and cutting the plug from the preformed blank.

Figures

[0007] Figure 1A is a schematic longitudinal sideview of a plug according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1B is a schematic cross-section of a plug according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of a plug inserted in a through hole in a wall.

[0010] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-section of a plug with a slit in an opened state.

[0011] Figure 3B is a schematic cross-section of a plug with a cable inserted in its axial bore.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of a plug compressed in a compression tube and placed in a through hole in a wall.

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of a plug inserted in a protective conduit in a through hole in a wall.

Detailed description

[0014] A longitudinal sideview of a plug 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in fig.1A. The plug 1 includes a cylindrical body 2, a leading end 3a and a trailing end 3b. Preferably, the cylindrical body 2 has a circular cross-section. As detailed below, the plug 1 comprises a resiliently compressible material. The outer diameter of the cylindrical body 2 is adapted to fit in a through hole in a wall. If the through hole is lined by a conduit, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 2 is adapted to fit in the conduit. Preferably, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 2 is equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the through hole or conduit, such that the cylindrical body 2 fits in a slightly compressed state. By compressing at least a part of the cylindrical body 2 before or during insertion, a subsequent resilient expansion ensures that the cylindrical body 2 conforms to the shape of the through hole or conduit.

[0015] The leading end 3a of the plug 1 may be tapering. The tapering leading end 3a may be cone shaped, dome shaped, wedge shaped, spire shaped or pyramidally shaped. Advantageously, a tapering leading end 3a facilitates a gradual compression when the plug 1 is pushed into the through hole or conduit. Alternatively, the leading end 3a may be nontapering or blunt.

The trailing end 3b of the plug 1 may be provided with a flange 5. The flange 5 may be integrally formed with the cylindrical body 2. Alternatively, the flange 5 may be formed as a separate element, which is attached to the cylindrical body 2, for instance by adhesion. The flange 5 may advantageously function as a pressing surface. The plug 1 may then be inserted in the through hole or conduit by being pressed therethrough by an operator.

A transversal cross-section of the cylindrical body 2 is shown schematically in fig.1B. The cross-section is taken from A to A’ in fig.1A.

[0016] A slit 4, extends along the entire length of the plug 1, from the leading end 3a to the trailing end 3b. The slit 4 penetrates the plug 1 from the outer surface thereof to its center, as shown in fig.1B. If a flange 5 is present, the slit 4 also penetrates the flange 5, from its outer surface to its center. The slit 4 facilitates application around and / or removal from a section of a cable or pipe. The cable may be a single cable or a cable bundle. Examples of a cable are an electrical wire, telephone line or a cable for internet, radio and / or TV, such as a co-axial cable. An electrical wire may for instance be a standard insulated electrical wire, such as 1,5 mm<2 >wire with 3 mm diameter or a 2,5 mm<2 >wire with 3,6 mm diameter. A cable bundle may be a bundle of two, three or more standard insulated electrical wires. Co-axial cables may, for example, have an outer diameter ranging from 4 mm – 15 mm. Examples of a pipe are water pipes, gas pipes, heating pipes or other fluid transport pipes. Pipe diameters are not specifically limited and may range from a few mm to 10 cm or more.

Standard domestic water pipe diameters range, for instance, from 12 mm -22 mm. Domestic gas pipes may have a 15 mm outer diameter.

[0017] Once applied, as described below, the plug 1 clamps itself formfittingly around the section of the cable or pipe, due to the resiliently compressible material of the plug 1. Optionally, see fig.1B, an axial bore 7 may be provided along the central axis of the plug 1, from the leading end 3a to the trailing end 3b. The axial bore 7 accommodates the placement of a section of a cable or a pipe, onto which the plug 1 is applied, along the central axis of the plug 1. The diameter of the axial bore 7 may be adapted to the diameter of the cable or pipe to be received in the axial bore 7.

Thereby a form-fitting fit of the plug 1 around the cable or pipe is assured, minimizing the risk for heat leakage once the plug 1 has been inserted in a through hole or conduit in a wall.

[0018] A ribbon 6, made of a resilient material, may be partially embedded in the cylindrical body 2 of the plug 1. A part of the ribbon 6 extends from the trailing end 3b of the cylindrical body 2. Thereby, the ribbon 6 facilitates extraction of the plug 1 from the through hole or conduit in which the plug 1 is inserted, by pulling the part of the ribbon 6 extending from the trailing end 3b. The embedded part of the ribbon 6 is preferably embedded along more than half the length of the plug, more preferably along the entire length of the plug. Thereby chances of breakage of the plug 1 or of the ribbon 6 during extraction are minimized. Should it be desirable to remove an installed plug, the ribbon 6 facilitates an easy and breakage free removal.

[0019] The plug 1 comprises a resiliently compressible material. Preferably the plug 1 comprises a polymeric material, such as a thermoset elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer. Suitable polymers are, for example, epoxy, nitrile butadiene rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, polyurethane or polyvinylchloride. The polymer may comprise a foamed polymer. Preferably, the polymer comprises a micro-cellular foam. The foam may be open-celled or closed-celled. Closed-celled microcellular polymer foams are especially advantageous for insulation purposes.

Alternatively, a syntactic polymer foam may be used. The polymer may be a cured polymer.

The resiliently compressible material allows the cylindrical body 2 to be compressed or extended by an external force and return to its original state once the external force is removed. Therefore, the plug 1 clamps itself around a cable or a pipe around which the plug is inserted, as described above. The resiliently compressible material also allows the cylindrical body 2 to re-expand after compression, to conform to the shape of a through hole or conduit, after being inserted therein in a compressed state.

The cylindrical body 2 is sufficiently compressible to allow the plug to be inserted in a through hole or conduit following a curved trajectory.

[0020] The material of the plug 1 may further comprise additives, such as reinforcing fibers, intumescent additives, flame-retardants, coloring agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-fungal additives, moisture blocking additives, friction reducing components or general fillers. Reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers or carbon fibers, may increase the resilience of the plug 1 and reduce chances of breakage during insertion or removal. Intumescent additives or flame-retardants prevent or delay spreading of flames. Such flame-retarding properties are of special importance in complying with safety regulations for commercial or public buildings. Coloring agents may be chosen to match wall colors, to thereby render the inserted plug 1 inconspicuous when inserted in a through hole in a wall. Moisture blocking additives may aid in preventing of condensation within or around the plug. Anti-fungal agents and / or anti-microbial agents aid in preventing the buildup unwanted fungus or microbes on or within the material of the plug 1, thereby preventing rotting of wall materials. Friction reducing components may facilitate an easier insertion into or removal from the through hole, by reducing friction at the interface between the plug and the through hole or conduit perimeter. Furthermore, friction reducing agents may result in reduced friction between the plug 1 and the cable or a pipe onto which the plug 1 is applied. General fillers, such as glass or hollow microspheres may be utilized to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0021] The plug 1 may be produced by conventional polymer moulding techniques, such as blow moulding, bead moulding, extrusion moulding, injection moulding or moulding by casting. The polymer material may be foamed during moulding. The plug 1 may optionally be cured following moulding. When produced by extrusion moulding, the cylindrical body 2 of the plug 1 may be separated from a continuously extruded cylindrical polymer strand.

Alternatively, the plug 1 may be produced by machining or cutting from a preformed blank. The preformed blank may be a block of polymeric material, such as a foamed block of polymeric material. The polymeric material of the preformed blank may have been cured before machining or cutting takes place.

[0022] The slit 4 and the optional tapering of the leading end 3a, may be formed integrally with the cylindrical body 2 during moulding. Alternatively, the slit 4 and the optional tapering of the leading end 3a may be formed in a separate post-moulding machining or cutting operation.

If the plug 1 is produced by machining or cutting from a preformed blank, the slit 4 and optional tapering of the leading end 3a may be formed during machining or cutting.

The flange 5 may be integrally moulded with the cylindrical body 2, either during polymer moulding or during machining or cutting from a preformed blank. Alternatively, the flange 5 may be formed separately from the cylindrical body 2 and combined therewith, for instance by post-moulding adhesion or glueing.

[0023] A method of applying the plug 1 to insulate a through hole in a wall 9 for a cable or a pipe 8 is described with reference to figures 2, 3A and 3B. In fig.2, the wall comprises separate panels 9a and 9b. The through hole has a leading opening and a trailing opening. The through hole may be drilled into a wall 9 of an existing building. Walls of existing buildings generally have a thickness from 10 to 25 cm. Alternatively, the through hole may be pre-prepared in a prefabricated wall panel of a new building project. Such prefabricated wall panels may have a thickness up to 25 cm. The through hole may follow a linear trajectory from one side of the wall to the other (see fig.2). Alternatively, the through hole may follow a curved trajectory. The through hole diameter is not limited and depends mainly on the diameter of the cable or pipe extending through the through hole.

[0024] The perimeter of the through hole may be lined with or partly formed by a conduit. An example of such a conduit is a standard polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polypropylene conduit for electrical cables. However, other conduits can be used instead, such as metal or composite conduits. The conduit may be corrugated or non-corrugated. Any suitable conduit diameter may be used, depending on the cable or pipe diameter and the corresponding through hole diameter. For example, a standard inner diameter for a polypropylene conduit for three electrical wires is 16 mm.

[0025] In order to insulate the through hole, at least a part of the cylindrical body 2 of the plug 1 is inserted therein, from the trailing opening to the leading opening of the through hole, as shown schematically in fig.2. When completely inserted, the cylindrical body 2 conforms to the shape of the through hole and fills the radial gap between the cable 8 or pipe extending through the through hole and the perimeter of the surrounding through hole. Preferably, the cylindrical body 2 spans the entire length of the through hole. It is easily verified by a worker that the through hole is insulated along its entire length, by checking whether the leading end 3a of the plug 1 emerges from the leading opening of the through hole.

In case the through hole is lined by a conduit or partially formed by a conduit, the cylindrical body 2 is inserted in the conduit, filling the gap between the conduit and the cable 8 or pipe extending through the conduit. Preferably, the plug 1 is first applied to the cable 8 or pipe, as described below, before being inserted in the through hole or conduit.

Once inserted, the plug 1 forms a secure insulation along the entire length of the through hole or conduit, thereby reducing the risk of cold spots and improving building insulation. When the inserted plug additionally comprises an intumescent additive or a fire retardant, fire safety norms, such as for commercial or public buildings, may reliably be met.

[0026] Application of the plug 1 onto a cable or a pipe 8 is performed by mechanically or manually opening the slit 4. Such an opened state of the slit 4 is shown in the schematic cross-section of fig.3A, taken from A to A’ in fig.1A. An operator can then easily slide the plug 1 onto a section of the cable or pipe, located outside the through hole or conduit. Removal is achieved by reopening the slit 4 and sliding the plug 1 off the cable or pipe. No special skills are required, and application and removal are both fast and reliable. Additionally, it is easy to visually check correct appliance of the plug 1 onto the cable 8 or pipe, by checking whether the cable or a pipe is centered in the leading end 3a and the trailing end 3b of the plug 1. If an axial bore 7 is present, the cable or pipe extends through the axial bore 7 (see fig.3B).

Once released, the slit 4 returns to a closed or semi-closed position, due to the resilient compressibility of the material of the plug 1. Such a closed state is schematically shown in the cross-section of fig.3B, where a cable 8 is inserted in the axial bore 7. The slit 4 has elastically returned to a closed state. Thereby, a reliable clamping of the plug 1 onto the cable 8 is assured. Preferably, as shown in fig.3B, the slit 4 is in a closed position without any circumferential gap after application of the plug 1 onto the cable 8 or pipe. In fig.3B, no cold spots exist in the circumferential direction around the cable 8 inserted in the axial bore 7, such that the effect of insulation is maximized, and heat loss is minimized when the plug 1 is inserted around the cable 8 in the through hole.

[0027] Once the plug 1 is applied to a section of a cable 8 or pipe located outside the through hole or conduit, the cylindrical body 2 of the plug 1 is at least partially compressed before or during insertion into the through hole or conduit in the wall 9. When a tapering leading end 3a is present, compression may be achieved by simply pushing the plug into the through hole. Preferably, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 2 is the same as or slightly larger than, the diameter of the through hole or the conduit lining the through hole. The tapering leading end 3a will then automatically cause a gradual compression of the cylindrical body 2, as the plug is pushed into the through hole or conduit. If the plug 1 is provided with a flange 5, the diameter of the flange is configured to be larger than the diameter of the through hole. The plug is then pushed until the flange 5 abuts the surface of the wall around the trailing opening of the through hole, as shown in fig.2. Thereby, further insertion of the plug 1 into the through hole is halted. In case no flange 5 is present, the plug 1 may be pushed into the through hole until the trailing end 3b sits flush with the trailing end of the through hole. This manner of installation can be executed by a non-skilled worker, requires few steps and consumes little time. Furthermore, it is directly verified that the insulation covers the entire length of the through hole or conduit, by checking that the plug 1 exits from the through hole at the leading opening thereof.

[0028] Alternatively, insertion into a through hole or conduit may be achieved by first inserting a part of the plug 1 into a compression tube 10 (see fig.4). In this case the plug 1 preferably has a flange 5, such that the plug 1 is inserted into the compression tube 10 up to the flange 5. The compression tube 10 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the through hole or conduit. Next, the compression tube 10 comprising the compressed part of the plug is led from the trailing opening to the leading opening of the through hole or conduit. The flange 5 is brought into abutting contact with the surface of the wall at the trailing opening of the through hole or conduit. The flange 5 then stops the plug 1 from being drawn further into the through hole or conduit. The compression tube 10 is removed by pulling the compression tube 10 out from between the through hole or conduit and the compressed part of the plug, at the leading end. Once released from the compression tube 10, the compressed part of the plug resiliently expands to conform to the shape of the through hole or conduit. This manner of installation requires and operator to use less force when inserting the plug, thereby simplifying installation.

[0029] The compression tube 10 is preferably made of a material with low surface friction, such as polyethylene, although other materials may be used, such as metal, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene or a composite.

Thereby, the compression tube 10 can easily slide through the through hole. The compression tube 10 may be in the form of a single piece of tube, into which the plug 1 is inserted by pushing from the trailing end 3b.

Alternatively, the compression tube 10 may consist of two parts, which may be separate parts or hinged parts. By opening the two parts, the leading end 3a and at least a part of the cylindrical body 2 of the plug 1 can be easily inserted into the compression tube 10. Next, the two parts of the compression tube are brought together, to compress the part of the plug inserted therein, before insertion into the through hole or conduit as detailed above. The two parts of the compression tube 10 may be held to together in a closed position by one or more pieces of adhesive. By holding the plug in a compressed state during insertion, friction between the plug and the through hole perimeter is avoided. Thereby the plug 1 is easily and securely installed in the through hole, whilst minimizing the risk of breakage of the plug 1 during insertion.

[0030] The plug 1 may be adapted to have the same length as the through hole. Alternatively, the plug 1 may be longer than the through hole, see fig.

2. When the plug 1 is fully inserted in the through hole, the leading end 3a may protrude from the leading opening of the through hole. An operator may cut off the protruding leading end 3a, such that the plug 1 sits flush with the surface of the wall. Alternatively, the protruding leading end 3a may be hidden from view by being mounted in a wall socket or switch box.

[0031] When inserting the plug 1 in a through hole or conduit, the cable 8 or pipe around which the plug 1 is applied may either have been passed through the through hole or conduit previously or may be passed through the through hole or conduit together with the plug 1. In the latter case, a leading end of the cable 8 or pipe preferably extends from the leading end 3a of the plug 1. In the former case, the plug 1 is slid into the through hole or conduit along the cable 8 or pipe.

[0032] Wall panels of new buildings are often prefabricated with through holes and protective conduits already in place. Such a wall panel 11 is shown in fig.5, where a protective conduit 12 lines the perimeter of a through hole. The conduit 12 may follow a curved trajectory through the wall panel 11, see fig.5. The leading end 3a and flange 5 of an applied plug 1 extend from the conduit 12 at respective sides of the wall panel 11. The cylindrical body 2 of the plug follows the curved trajectory of the conduit 12 and surrounds the cable 8, thereby achieving a secure insulation of the conduit along its entire length. Consequently, the risk for cold spots is significantly reduced.

[0033] According to one example, a plug 1 according to the invention is inserted in a linear through hole in a prefabricated wall panel for a new building. Such prefabricated wall panels normally have a standard thickness of 25 cm. The linear through hole is lined with a standard protective corrugated polypropylene conduit with 16 mm inner diameter. Three standard insulated 2,5 mm<2 >electrical wires with 3.6 mm diameter extend from the conduit on either side. A plug 1 comprising a resiliently compressible foamed polyurethane material is applied to the electrical cables by inserting these in the slit 4. The plug is provided with a flange 5. The cylindrical body 2 of the plug has an outer diameter of about 17 mm and a length of about 27 cm. The plug 1 is subsequently pushed by an operator along the electrical cables into the conduit, until the flange 5 sits flush with the surface of the prefabricated wall panel. By resilient expansion the plug 1 fills the gap between the electrical cables and conduit, thereby providing a reliable an easily installed insulation of the through hole.

[0034] The foregoing embodiments and examples are by no means limiting and are for illustration purposes only. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A plug (1) for insulating a through hole for a cable or a pipe in a wall, the plug (1) comprising:

a cylindrical body (2) comprising a leading end (3a) and a trailing end (3b); a slit (4), configured to receive the cable or pipe;

the slit (4) extending through the cylindrical body (2) from the leading end (3a) to the trailing end (3b) and from the outer surface to the centre of the cylindrical body (2);

the plug (1) comprising a resiliently compressible material, allowing reversible compression of the plug (1) during insertion in the through hole and resilient expansion to conform to the shape of the through hole once the plug (1) is inserted.

2. A plug (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plug (1) is configured to be inserted in a conduit (12) lining the through hole; and wherein the slit (4) optionally is configured to receive a cable comprising one or more electrical wires.

3. Plug (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the leading end (3a) has a tapering shape, preferably a cone shape, a dome shape, a wedge shape or a pyramidal shape.

4. Plug (1) according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein the trailing end (3b) comprises a flange (5) and wherein the slit (4) penetrates the flange.

5. Plug (1) according to any of claims 1 - 4, further comprising an axial bore (7), extending from the leading end (3a) to the trailing end (3b) and centered in the cylindrical body (2);

wherein the slit (4) extends into the axial bore (7).

6. Plug (1) according to any of claims 1 - 5, wherein the resiliently compressible material comprises a polymer, said polymer preferably being chosen from the group of epoxy, nitrile butadiene rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, polyurethane or polyvinylchloride.

7. Plug (1) according to claim 5, wherein the polymer is foamed.

8. Plug (1) according to any of claims 1 - 7, comprising one or more additives chosen from the group of reinforcing fibers, intumescent additives, flameretardants, coloring agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-fungal additives, moisture blocking additives, friction reducing components or general fillers.

9. Plug (1) according to any of claims 1 - 8, further comprising a ribbon (6), the ribbon (6) comprising a resilient material, wherein a first part of the ribbon (6) is embedded in the cylindrical body (2) and wherein a second part of the ribbon (6) extends from the trailing end (3b) of the cylindrical body (2).

10. System for insulating a through hole for a cable or a pipe in a wall, the system comprising:

a plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims; and

a compression tube (10), configured to house the plug (1) in a compressed state.

11. System according to claim 9, wherein the compression tube (10) comprises two hinged parts, movable from an open position to a clamped position, wherein the compression tube (10) is configured to house the plug (1) in a compressed state when the two hinged parts are in the clamped position.

12. Method for insulating a through hole for a cable (8) or a pipe in a wall (9,11), with a plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

applying the plug (1) around at cable (8) or pipe, by inserting the cable (8) or pipe in the slit (4);

reversibly compressing at least a part of the plug (1);

inserting the compressed part of the plug (1) in the through hole, such that the plug (1) reaches from one end to the other end of the through hole; and resiliently expanding the compressed part of the plug (1), such that the plug (1) conforms to the shape of the through hole.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the through hole is lined with a conduit (12) and the plug (1) is inserted in the conduit (12); and wherein the cable (8) inserted in the slit (4) optionally comprises one or more electrical wires.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein

reversibly compressing comprises inserting and compressing at least a part of the plug (1) in a compression tube (10); and

inserting comprises leading the compression tube (10) comprising the compressed part of the plug (1) through the through hole, followed by removing the compression tube (10) while maintaining the plug (1) in the through hole.

15. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein

reversibly compressing and inserting are performed simultaneously, by pressing the plug (1) through the through hole.

16. Method according to any of claims 12 – 15, wherein the through hole is provided in the wall (9,11) of an existing building or wherein the through hole is provided in the wall (9,11) of a new building.

17. A method for producing a plug (1) according to any of claims 1 - 9, comprising:

preparing a polymer; and

moulding the polymer under heat and / or pressure to form at least the cylindrical body (2).

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein preparing the polymer comprises a mixing a polymer and a foaming agent and wherein the polymer is foamed during moulding.

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein moulding the polymer comprises blow moulding, bead moulding, injection moulding, extrusion moulding or moulding by casting.

20. Method according to any of claims 17 - 19, wherein the slit (4) is formed during moulding.

21. Method according to any of claims 17 - 19, wherein, the slit (4) is formed after moulding,

by cutting.

22. Method for producing a plug (1) according to any of claims 1 - 9, comprising:

providing a preformed blank comprising a polymer; and

cutting the plug (1) from the preformed blank.

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein the polymer is foamed.

24. Method according to any of claims 17 – 23, wherein the polymer is chosen from the group of epoxy, nitrile butadiene rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, polyurethane or polyvinylchloride.

25. Method according to any of claims 17 – 24, wherein the polymer further comprises one or more additives, chosen from the group of reinforcing fibers, intumescent additives, flame-retardants, coloring agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-fungal additives, moisture blocking additives, friction reducing components or general fillers.