August 2022 VOLTS!
Published 09 Aug 2022
THORNE & DERRICK LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Welcome to our initial industry bulletin – VOLTS.
So what is VOLTS?
VOLTS is our first monthly round-up of industry news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars and career opportunities from Thorne & Derrick. Take a moment to Follow Us on LinkedIn to receive future VOLTS.
In The News
Mining Company Fined £3.6 million
after electricians sustain burns in the UK
A mining company has been fined after two electricians suffered severe burns in separate incidents. The owners of Boulby Mine in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland were fined £3.6 million and ordered to pay costs of £185,000 after an investigation by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Cleveland Potash Ltd, which runs the mine at Boulby near Loftus, admitted two health and safety breaches following arc flashes in 2016 and 2019.
A company spokesman said the firm “deeply regretted” the injuries and “important lessons” had been learned.
Teesside Crown Court heard that on the 3 August 2016 a contract electrician received serious burns from an 11,000-volt electrical system. The mine, which is owned by Cleveland Potash Limited (CPL), extracts organic fertiliser known as Polyhalite. The electrician unknowingly had placed a vacuum cleaner nozzle into a live electrical chamber. He had to be air lifted to Newcastle hospital specialist burns unit, where he was placed in an induced coma for 10 days.
On the 12 February 2019, another electrical contractor made contact with a live conductor on a 415-volt electrical system during electrical testing works and received serious burns. He was hospitalised for six days.
The HSE found deficiencies from the owner of the mine in risk assessment, planning of works, and shortfalls in providing warnings about which parts of the electrical systems the two electricians were working on remained live.
HSE inspectors said that the incidents were ‘easily preventable’ and that there were ‘significant failings’.
The first man suffered “very severe burns” to 20% of his body focused on his head, face, arms and hands and his “ongoing disfigurement, pain and disability is likely to be permanent”. The second man has “fortunately” made a full recovery after suffering burns to 8% of his body, the judge said.
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Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage. Read The Blog | Why Is Electrical Safety Important?
LET’S CELEBRATE!
August marks the Anniversary of our very own Managing Director, Richard Derrick, who has now been with the company for 30 years! Congratulations Richard, here’s to another 30!
New In sTock
NEW TO STOCK. Thorne & Derrick have introduced PADS Approved type 3S Connex Connectors from Pfisterer into stock, for the termination of high voltage power cables up to 52kV into gas insulated switchgear.
CONNEX Size 3S MV connectors manufactured by Pfisterer are specified to terminate MV HV cables with specific conductor size range (120-630sqmm) and primary insulation diameter ranges.
Pfisterer size 3S inner cone plug separable connectors are suitable for terminating and connecting high voltage single core cables (XLPE EPR) with copper wire screens up to 52kV – CONNEX plugs suitable for indoor and outdoor cable terminations with or without voltage taps are supplied in sets of three phases.
Typically used to connect and terminate unarmoured single core XLPE or EPR insulated power cables with Cu copper wire screen and fully bonded semicon screen, the Pfisterer CONNEX Size 3S MV Connector can be supplied as variants and customised to suit – including integrated fibre optic (FO) cable.
pROJECTS & NEWS
hIGH vOLTAGE rAIL cABLE cONNECTIONS
This month we shipped out our largest rail project to date for Nexans Power Accessories type M784TB Interface E Connectors – 120 sets ready to wrap and load. Thank you to Joe Roberts and the UK Team for the great technical, commercial and manufacturing support.
We’ve called, we’ve pitched and we’ve met record numbers of new prospective customers this year and that hard-working team effort continues. We’re calling now and everyday, so thanks for picking-up and listening. Additionally, thank you for providing us the opportunity to be of service. Above all thanks for your business.
Joints | Terminations | Connectors up to 66kV from UK Stocks at Thorne & Derrick
Going Global
Congratulations to Jason Leatherland for his promotion this month to International Sales Manager with AN Wallis & Co Ltd, a world-market leader in the manufacture of Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems. Jason has been transformational in supporting and developing both AN Wallis’s and Thorne & Derrick’s UK market position in the power utility and substation industry – this has been achieved through the provision of comprehensive earthing system designs, site based training and the delivery of earthing products manufactured from copper from extensive stocks on short-lead times.
Thorne & Derrick wish Jason every success on his new position and our Exports Department look forward to continued working on international projects requiring Earthing, Lightning Protection and Surge Protection Equipment.
Thorne & Derrick | Approved Supplier & Distributor
AN Wallis & Co Ltd established in 1946 is a world-leading manufacturer of Earthing, Lightning Protection, Exothermic Welding and Surge Protection products.
LV Connections from Pfisterer
The CONNEX brand from PFISTERER is renowned for the design and development of Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories (33kV-500kV) for the connection and jointing of cables onto gas insulated switchgear networks. Did you know, PFISTERER also supply via their Approved Distributors including Thorne & Derrick, an extensive range of Connection Products for Low Voltage Power Networks?
For further information, pricing or samples please contact us.
CONNEX | The Universal Connection System for Cables, Transformers & GIS
Insulation Piercing Connectors
Insulation piercing connectors connect and make electrical contact with conductor ends, whatever the conductor cross-section, type and insulation. Because they pierce the insulation during installation, preparatory work on the conductor, such as stripping or brushing the contact area, is eliminated when live working.
Insulation Piercing Connectors LV for Low Voltage Live Working & Cable Jointing
2DIREKT
The 2DIREKT clamp is connected directly to the distribution transformer screwing onto the transformer bushing and secured via a clamping groove and clamping screw. This reduces the amount of installation work and the risk of connection errors. No cable lugs have to pressed on, and no wire-end ferrules have to be fitted. There are fewer points of contact and transition resistance is minimised.
> 2DIREKT from PFISTERER | Connections & Clamps for Bushings & Busbars
ISICOMPACT
The ISICOMPACT establishes all contacts for a 4-conductor cable branch using a single screw connection – when the screw connection is tightened, contact is established by piercing the insulation on the main line and branch lines.
Once the required clamping force has been achieved, the screw shears off and thereby ensures successful installation. By providing protection against contact and thus against electrical hazards, the ISICOMPACT is designed for live line work on low voltage electricity networks.
> ISICOMPACT from PFISTERER | Branch Terminals for LV Cables & Service Connections
Free from 3M
Download the 3M Electrical brochure to learn about the advantages of Cold Shrink technology for LV & HV cable repair, jointing, termination and installation. For over 60 years, the global electrical industry have trusted 3M Electrical for innovative and reliable solutions that enhance the safety and productivity of power cable systems from 600V to 66kV. This includes high performance Scotch electrical tapes, Scotchcast cable joints and the innovative range of Cold Shrink products
3M Electrical | Did you know Thorne & Derrick stock the most extensive range of Scotchcast, Cold Shrink & Scotch Tapes product lines in the UK?
OFFSHORE NETWORKING & THE RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
Thorne & Derrick have joined NOF, a business networking organisation committed to achieving valuable connections between companies in the global energy sector. With an office in North-East England, recognised as a key strategic location to service the offshore renewables energy market in the UK, Thorne & Derrick are currently supplying many international projects from the North Sea to the Nordics, to the USA to China.
Working with Paul Livingstone (Head of Business Development & Membership at NOF) we look forward to maximising the benefits our membership which will include facilitating business introductions, event attendance and utilising their Offshore Wind Projects Database to gain a deep and clear understanding of the offshore wind market through advanced intelligence.
Technical Tip
Cut Strut without Sweat or Sparks
STRUTSLAYR™ is a strut shear head cutter that is able to deliver shop quality, burr-free strut channel cuts on the job in 5 seconds or less without grinding or sawing sparks.
- CLEAN & CONSISTENT  – Quick and easy to use delivering clean burr-free cuts in 5 seconds – no grinding or sawing sparks. Reduced noise compared to grinders and chop saws.
- PORTABLE & POWERFUL – First mobile strut cutter offering shop-quality results out on site. Battery powered and lightweight for workplace versatility.
- SAFETY & SIMPLICITY – Improves safety by eliminating rotating blades. Simple to use in seconds. Time saving dedicated window helps you measure the length of each cut.
- SILENT & STRAIGHT – Approximately 3000 cuts per die, 200 cuts per charge, 30 minutes battery recharge – compatible with RIDGID 32kN press tools.
- More about StrutSlayr
Featured Jointing Contractors
Tel: 01443 687744
JK Jointing Ltd are a leading contractor providing Medium & High Voltage Electrical Services – this includes the repair, jointing, termination and testing of MV Cables & Substations up to 33kV. JK Jointing are members of the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) and Lloyds accredited competent contractors.
Pictured | Lovink Enertech medium voltage cable joints installed onto Western Power Distribution (WPD) network by JKJ to connect and energise 11kV substation power cables – their Jointers are training and authorised by leading MV cable accessory manufacturers including Tyco, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer and Ensto.
Lovink Joints utilise LoviSil silicone filled technology for the straight, branch and transition jointing of medium voltage power cables. LoviSil branch joints can be applied regardless of the main cable type – with branch joints a polymeric cable can be directly connected to paper or polymeric medium voltage cables. No extra transition joints are needed and less excavation costs.
Lovink cable jointing system comprises two methods of protection : MV electrical insulation is inside a polyester inner joint, provided by the combination of a polymeric tube set (primary insulation) and a high-grade silicone-based compound.
Sector Spotlight | Data Centres
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Installation & Electrical Equipment to service providers working on hyper-scale data centres including Equinix, Virtus, K2, Microsoft, CyrusOne and Interxion. We have recently supplied Warsaw RDCC (Rapid Deployment Data Centres) with sealing systems for the protection of cable ducts against water ingress/gas migration and cable termination products for the connection of 33kV power cables switchgear and transformers – the project is part of a $1 billion digital transformation plan for Poland announced by Microsoft.
We can assist with the Competitive Supply & Technical Specification of joints, terminations and connectors for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 33kV.
Industry event
After sponsoring the Event in the South, Thorne & Derrick are delighted to be exhibiting at Energyx2022 North in September.
DATE & TIME – Wed, 21 September 2022, 09:00 – 16:00 BST
LOCATION – Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY
Following on from ENERGYx2020/21, COP26 and the UK government’s drive for us all to reduce the use of fossil fuels ENERGYx2022 will be a great place to benchmark our progress. The challenges reaching Net Zero creates for transmitting and distributing electricity whilst maintaining safe and reliable networks, though not insurmountable requires a lot of joined up and collaborative thinking.
One of this year’s themes is ‘Best Practice’. All networks are facing similar challenges and the opportunity to learn about the use of products or services that another Network Operator is successfully deploying is not to be missed. The world class suppliers available in one place to the electricity industry is unrivalled for a free to attend event. Come along and meet those inventing, producing, and supplying the best practice solutions.
VisitÂ
ENERGYx2022 North Visitor Delegate FREE Tickets
ExhibitÂ
ENERGYx2022 North Exhibitor Booking Form
Please note your ticket (s) will be scanned on entry to the event, so please either print your ticket in advance or have your ticket ready to scan on your mobile phone.
VOLTS! By,
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – this includes Joints, Terminations & Connectors to enable the installation of low, medium and high voltage power cables into underground trench or duct.
Key Product Categories: Connectors, Joints & Terminations MV HV | Cable Preparation & Jointing Tools | Duct Seals | Cable Transits | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection | Cable Pulling | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars
Main UK Stockists for:Â 3M Electrical, PFISTERER Connex, Nexans Power Cable Accessories (Euromold), Alroc, Ellis Patents, ABB, Roxtec, Cembre & CATU Electrical.
