by Daniel Oakes | Managing Director | Oakes Power Services Lts
uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick
Pre-Commissioning, also known as “Pre-functional Testing,” is an essential step in the installation and implementation of Low & High Voltage Electrical Power Systems – this process ensures that all components and cable accessories of the system are functioning properly and safely before the system is put into operation or “Commissioned“.
High voltage systems are critical to the operation of many industries, including utilities, manufacturing, data centres and commercial buildings. These HV systems are responsible for distributing and transmitting electrical power, and any failure or malfunction can have serious consequences, including injury, property damage, and loss of revenue.
Commissioning is a comprehensive process that involves testing and verifying the performance of all components in a high voltage system. This includes electrical and mechanical components, such as transformers, switchgear, protective devices, and control systems. The commissioning team will also verify that the system meets all safety and technical standards, and ensure that it is properly grounded and bonded.
In addition to ensuring the safety and reliability of the system, pre-commissioning can also identify potential issues and improve the overall performance of the system. This can save time and money by preventing costly repairs, mal-operation and downtime in the future.
Oakes Power Services is a leading provider of commissioning services for Low & High Voltage Electrical Power Systems – their team of experienced professionals have extensive knowledge and expertise in testing and verifying the performance of these systems using the latest tools and technology to ensure that your system is safe and operational
Oakes Power Services provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep LV HV power running smoothly.
By partnering with Oakes Power Services for your commissioning needs, you can have peace of mind knowing that your network is in good hands.
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Oakes Power Services is a high voltage electrical engineering company based in the South East of England.
Oakes Power Services offer a full electrical engineering solution from project inception right through to completion or alternatively; offer individual electrical engineering services.
With works carried out for customers across the UK in various sectors including Network Rail, London Underground, DNO, renewable energy and privately operated networks Oakes Power Services have a variety of experience which is sure to meet your needs.
Oakes Power Services are also a Oakes Power ServicesRISQS audited company and are able to provide electrical engineering/electrification services for a variety of product codes on the Network Rail and London Underground Infrastructures.
Oakes Power Services look to maintain a dedicated close working relationship to ensure the client’s needs are met with a high-quality service.
01634 940 796 | [email protected]
Oakes Power Services provide electrical installation and railway electrification services; encompassing HV and LV cable installation to high voltage transformers, AC & DC switchgear, rectifiers, auto transformers, protection systems, ETE, earth system installation, cable jointing, test and commissioning services and Level A AC+DC-I authorised person duties. Whatever your rail electrification requirements, Oakes Power Services can provide a site-specific solution tailored to your needs.
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Installation & Electrical Equipment – we can assist with the Competitive Supply & Technical Specification of joints, terminations, connectors and preparation tools for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 66kV.
Approved Distributors for Medium Voltage Cable Accessories from 3M Electrical (ColdShrink) | Nexans (Euromold Connectors | JTS Joints | MONO Terminations) | Pfisterer Connectors (CONNEX)
Hand Finger Injury Prevention
Thorne & Derrick | UK Partners & Stockists for the Push-Pull Tool range manufactured by Hand Safety Tool Company
The Hand Safety Tool Company have made significant design changes to the original GrateIt Tool based upon feedback from the field and end-users.
The GrateIt No-Touch Hand Safety Tool helps users avoid injuries when lifting, carrying, or moving grating – the push pull tool also improves ergonomics by reducing the need for users to bend and overreach serving as an extension of the user’s body, the tool locks onto the grating for secure and controlled manoeuvring.
Push Pull Tool Features
GrateIt Hand Safety Tool for Push-Pull Working
| Hand Safety Tool Part Number | Safe Working Load | Tool Weight |
| GRATEIT | 50 lbs Max per Tool | 2.8 lbs |
GrateIt helping users to avoid injury when carrying, lifting or moving grating
The range of Push Pull Tools manufactured by the Hand Safety Tool Company and distributed by Thorne & Derrick provide significant Health & Safety Improvements around site where “pushing and pulling” operations such as handling deliveries or loading/unloading in yards is commonplace. This download produced by the UK HSE enables the Risk Assessment according to Load Weight, Operation Frequency, Push/Pull Distances and other impacting factors – the range of tools to keep hands off loads, enable “hands-free” lifting, mitigate risk of load handing and prevent hand or finger injury are available in the UK from Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool | Prevention of Pinch-Point Injury
The ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool is manufactured by Hand Safety Tools and stocked and distributed by Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt tools are designed to help users avoid hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects. The tool ensures correct ergonomic body positioning for safe handling out of the line of fire, while enabling users to guide loads, move and position objects, as well as grab slings and taglines without physically placing hands on the item.
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of Safety Tools from Hand Safety Tool Company designed to minimise hand injuries by keeping hands out of the line of fire.
Over a quarter of a million people suffer serious hand injuries each year. The Hand Safety Tool Company works hard to help to reverse that trend by creating No Touch Hand Safety Tools that keep hands off and away from potential injury areas. The range of Safety Products are the result of numerous conversations and in-field encounters over the last decade with key Health & Safety Officers and “boots-on-the-ground personnel” to ensure each tool produced does the most important job of all – helps every user to keep their hands.
Press Release | Chris Dodds - Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick International
Thorne & Derrick are delighted to announce we are now the CableSafe Preferred Stockist & Distributor for the UK & Ireland covering their range of Safety Hooks – this commercial agreement builds upon our existing relationship with CableSafe, the manufacturer of the market-leading range of Cable Safety Hooks.
The S-Shaped design of the cable support hooks is the industry standard control measure for the reduction in trip hazards relating to trailing electricity cables – these temporary cables are typically used to connect electrical equipment, pumps, generators and lighting in Shutdown & Turnaround (TAR) periods.
The CableSafe Extreme hooks, available for overnight delivery, provide orderly support and suspension for cables; creating a cable management system to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity. Less mess, less risk.
Thorne & Derrick have committed to hold extensive stocks of the Extreme range of cable hooks to support the electrical industry with excellent customer service levels at the most competitive prices. Our Sales & Marketing Team have benefitted from online Product Training and we look forward to further knowledge improvement sessions with their Safety Product Manager.
CableSafe Safety Hooks Extreme for Harsh & Hazardous Environments
The product development of the Safety Hook Extreme was done in cooperation with a Norwegian oil and gas multinational. The advanced performance Safety Hook Extreme is manufactured from glass reinforced PBT and is UV Stabilized, Flame Retardant (Class: 94V-0, Flame Class Rating 3) and Cold Weather Rated – available in 4 sizes: 15 inch which holds 265 kg, 12 inch which holds 190 kg, 9 inch which holds 55 kg and 6 inch which holds 40 kg static load. For further information see Safety Hook Extreme.
Should you require a quotation, trial sample or would like to discuss a specific application or requirement please do not hesitate to contact us.
CableSafe Hooks | Suspending cables from the workfloor
CableSafe® is a trusted industry specialist and manufacturer of products to promote Cable Safety, Cable Management, Dropped Objects Prevention and Confined Safety.
Thorne & Derrick International, a leading UK Specialist Distributor of LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt will be supporting the introduction, sales and development of the complete range of CableSafe products into the UK and Ireland markets including their core products;
Extreme CableSafe Hooks from Stock | Call Thorne & Derrick with your Enquiry.
T&D are Specialist Distributors of LV MV HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we supply companies in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors with products to enable the energisation, operation and maintenance of underground cables and overhead lines.
LV MV Cable Accessories | Joints Terminations Connectors 600V to 66kV Ex Stock
Cable Cleats & Hangers
Thorne & Derrick | Distributors for Ellis Patents | Cleats | Supports | Hooks | Hangers
Ellis were approached by a customer to supply cable hangers and bespoke cable supports for a rail project. Cable hangers are standard products for Ellis Patents and we carry a wide range in stock. We can also offer bespoke solutions which are designed and fabricated entirely in the UK. On this occasion the requirement was a little different, the cable hangers were required to be affixed to a tunnel lining in a rail tunnel using a non-standard mounting. Usually, the team at Ellis would travel to site to size up the fitment details and ensure that they had fully understood the requirement, this would include hanger loadings, location, installation considerations etc. Due to restrictions in place because of Covid, this was not possible. The customer took photographs and provided measurements. Ellis then developed a bespoke cable supports product around this specification with consideration taken into account for the “unknown unknowns” to ensure a perfect fit on site and a product that was fit for purpose. FEA was used to check the strength of the hangers prior to production drawings being released.
Ellis used their 3D CAD design capability to create a design. The strength of the product was then checked with FEA and hand calculations. Once this was complete manufacturing drawings were released to the production team at Ellis who then used their plasma cutter to create prototypes on a very short timescale. These were tested at Ellis on site test facility to validate the strength and the prototypes were supplied to the customer for a trial fitment. This went well and Ellis proceeded to manufacture the full quantity of hangers.
Hanger being load tested in Ellis test facility
FEA (Finite Element Analysis) of design with loads applied
3D CAD software used to design hanger and create virtual installation location
Completed hanger assembly complete with mounting fixings
Thorne & Derrick | Cable Cleats | Ellis Patents UK Distributors
Specialist Distributors of High Voltage Jointing & Electrical Safety Equipment
Thorne & Derrick International are Specialist Suppliers of products to provide safe and reliable LV HV Cable Termination, Jointing, Installation & Power Systems up to 66kV.
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
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX & SEANEX.
Hand Finger Injury Prevention
Thorne & Derrick | UK Partners & Stockists for the Push-Pull Tool range manufactured by Hand Safety Tool Company
| The Hand Safety Tool Company is pleased to announce the launch of an upgraded version of the HoldIt Hand Safety Tool. |
The Hand Safety Tool Company have made significant design changes to the original HoldIt Tool based upon feedback from the field and end-users – the key difference is that the new version utilizes a cam buckle trigger to tighten the loop around an object, versus twisting the end handle.
NEW Innovation | HOLDIT Tool by Hand Safety Tool Co | Distributed by Thorne & Derrick
HOLDIT Tool Improvements
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Introducing the new HoldIt Hand Safety Tool
| Hand Safety Tool Part Number | Tube Length | Loop Range | Tool Weight | Part Dimensions |
| HOLDIT12 | 12″ | 0.75″-4.00″ | 1.4 lbs | 19″ X 4″ X 4″ |
| HOLDIT24 | 24″ | 0.75″-6.00″ | 1.8 lbs | 31″ X 4″ X 4″ |
| HOLDIT36 | 36″ | 0.75″-6.00″ | 2.2 lbs | 43″ X 4″ X 4″ |
The range of Push Pull Tools manufactured by the Hand Safety Tool Company and distributed by Thorne & Derrick provide significant Health & Safety Improvements around site where “pushing and pulling” operations such as handling deliveries or loading/unloading in yards is commonplace. This download produced by the UK HSE enables the Risk Assessment according to Load Weight, Operation Frequency, Push/Pull Distances and other impacting factors – the range of tools to keep hands off loads, enable “hands-free” lifting, mitigate risk of load handing and prevent hand or finger injury are available in the UK from Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool | Prevention of Pinch-Point Injury
The ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool is manufactured by Hand Safety Tools and stocked and distributed by Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt tools are designed to help users avoid hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects. The tool ensures correct ergonomic body positioning for safe handling out of the line of fire, while enabling users to guide loads, move and position objects, as well as grab slings and taglines without physically placing hands on the item.
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of Safety Tools from Hand Safety Tool Company designed to minimise hand injuries by keeping hands out of the line of fire.
Over a quarter of a million people suffer serious hand injuries each year. The Hand Safety Tool Company works hard to help to reverse that trend by creating No Touch Hand Safety Tools that keep hands off and away from potential injury areas. The range of Safety Products are the result of numerous conversations and in-field encounters over the last decade with key Health & Safety Officers and “boots-on-the-ground personnel” to ensure each tool produced does the most important job of all – helps every user to keep their hands.
Published 22 May 2026
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