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.
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.
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?
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 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.
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
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ENERGYx2022 North Visitor Delegate FREE Tickets
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.
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: 3M Electrical, PFISTERER Connex, Nexans Power Cable Accessories (Euromold), Alroc, Ellis Patents, ABB, Roxtec, Cembre & CATU Electrical.
Image Credit: Eclipse Power Networks
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Thorne & Derrick, Specialist UK Distributors of LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV, provide expert technical specification, customer support and product supply from stock of an extensive range of Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment – this includes Power, Heating & Lighting products with ATEX Certification for installation in Substation Battery Rooms.
Explosive Flammable Gases/Vapours
UK DNO’s detail safe working procedures and rules in their Document Manuals to be followed when working on alkaline or acid substation batteries and storage rooms located within primary network medium/high voltage substations (MV HV).
Lead-acid type batteries release potentially explosive hydrogen gas when charging – this is the primary explosive risk associated with medium/high voltage substations.
Consequently, these worksite locations are classified as hazardous area Zones according to the ATEX Directive – a “hazardous area” is defined as an area in which the atmosphere contains, or may contain in sufficient quantities, flammable or explosive gases, dusts or vapours. The Zone designation depends on the level of risk and likelihood of flammable gas, vapour or mist forming during normal operation.
ATEX is an abbreviation of “Atmospheres Explosibles” and is a set of European Union regulations that are designed to ensure the safety of electrical products being used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Thorne & Derrick, Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, provide Zone 1/Zone 2 (Flammable Gas) ATEX Compliant electrical equipment for installation in substations and battery rooms to provide heating, lighting and power distribution.
The main Dangers to Persons carrying out work or testing on batteries and chargers are electric shock, explosion or burns arising from the ignition of flammable gas which is emitted by cells during the charging process.
Flammable gas can be ignited by naked flames (eg “hot-working” by cable jointers), cigarettes or by sparks if cell terminals are accidentally earthed or shorted together.
This short-circuiting releases dangerous levels of heat, light and arc energy.
Consequently, electrical equipment installed in MV HV substation battery rooms should be Zone 1 or Zone 2 certified according to ATEX Directive for safe installation in such potentially explosive atmospheres.
♦ Primary Network Substation: a 132kV, 66kV, 33kV or 25kV substation including directly associated 66kV, 33kV, 25kV, 11kV and 6.6kV switchboards at transformer stations (Definition: WPD Engineering Specification EE Spec 25/5).
How We Can Help?
♦ Lighting – T&D can provide lighting designs to ensure lux levels are achieved in line with regulations, fittings are located correctly and meet certification requirements – we provide a comprehensive hazardous area lighting system design service.
PIR Motion Sensors
♦ Heating – T&D can provide battery room heat loss calculations to ensure the correct heaters are specified and meet ATEX certification requirements to provide adequate comfort heating to the substation.
♦ Power – T&D can specify and supply from stocks Joints & Terminations for the connection and energisation of high voltage power cables to switchgear and transformers up to 66kV.
The ATEX PIR detector is a movement sensor that detects a moving body heat (infrared) signature and provides an alarm output signal to the alarm/monitoring system accordingly within the substation battery room.
Extensive Stocks | Competitive Prices | HV Joints Terminations Connectors for GIS
The SPARTAN range of Standard & Emergency ATEX Certified light fittings manufactured by Raytec is designed for lighting hazardous areas which require high performance, high reliability, energy-efficient brilliant “White-Light” illumination using latest LED technology.
Pictured | Stocked by Thorne & Derrick, the SPARTAN WL168 Zone 2 Intelligent Emergency Linear Luminaires improve light levels on this substation battery room site. On this project, the lighting brief was to replace x 4 existing 2x58W fluorescent Zone 2 fittings. The customer originally requested 5ft LED Linear alternatives, but due to SPARTAN’s high lumen output and unique modular design – which would make any ongoing maintenance quick and easy – SPARTAN WL168 provided the ideal solution. Discuss your requirements with us.
The EXHEAT range of FAW heaters provides versatile air warming to battery rooms with 250W to 3kW ratings – the electric heaters are certified for use in hazardous areas where the explosive atmosphere is classified as a Zone 1 or 2 (IIA, IIB, IIC) gas group.
T&D are Specialist Distributors to UK Distribution Network Operators (DNO’s), NERS Registered Service Providers, ICP’s and HV Jointing Contractors of an extensive range of LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt – this includes 11kV/33kV/66kV joints, terminations and connectors for both DNO and private network applications.
Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.
Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
Specialist Suppliers of High Voltage Electrical Equipment & Cable Accessories
MTag High Voltage Detectors
The MTag series of high voltage detectors from PBwel (P&B Weir Electrical Ltd) are available from Thorne & Derrick International based in the UK, the leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Safety Equipment.
Designed for «proving dead» on high voltage distribution system between 1kV and69 kV (voltage ranges calibrated according to IEC recommendations).
The MTag detects any nominal voltage present on a overhead line or in a substation
The MTag detector meets all the expectations and wishes expressed by users and experts in recent years.
Reliable Indication
• Detects nominal voltages of its range
• Eliminates related induced voltages
• Enhanced audible and visual signals perceptible in most conditions
Heavy Duty & Reliable Design
• Direct access to the battery
• Sealed, watertight electronic compartment
• Pole end fittings interchangeable by the user, no tools required
Available with separate proving unit.
Pbwel Mtag Voltage Detector
We protect substation engineers, asset managers, SAPS, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and safety equipment: this includes insulating gloves, arc flash clothing, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing to ensure worker safety when carrying out repair and maintenance on LV-HV switchgear, transformers, substations and turbines.
All of our Cable Connection & Energisation Accessories including Medium & High Voltage joints, terminations, connectors and cleats are tested to the latest international standards and supporting ranges of professional installation tools are stocked to reduce incident, accident and downtime to plant and people.
Thorne & Derrick, the UK Preferred Distributor for P&B Weir Electrical Ltd (PBwel), are now stocking their range of Rail Earthing Equipment with PADS Approval for use on Network Rail high voltage electrification projects. This significant and strategic stock holding is the culmination of discussions and planning to support framework contractors and construction alliances during and beyond the current CP6 plan.
Next Day Delivery 
Thorne & Derrick will be able to provide next day delivery from stock at competitive prices for the PBwel range of Operating Poles & Temporary Earthing Kits; the complete range consists of DEP Short Earth Leads, J117 Rail Clamps, Long Blue Interlocked Earths, Short-Circuiting Straps, Rail Bonds, Rail Jumper Bonds, Rail Poles, Voltage Detectors, Rail Socket and Heads, Arboriculture Equipment and Signal Sighting Targets.
“With recent industry announcements by Network Rail about their multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, which represents the largest rail investment programme since Victorian times, it is important from a business perspective that Thorne & Derrick are placed to support clients requirements from stock. We have been privileged to be suppliers to Network Rail for several decades and this extension to our PADS Approved Rail Products range is aimed to raise levels of customer service and personal safety – the product training provided by Tim Harris including support at our office and in the field has been first-class and we look forward to introducing this news to our customers in the coming weeks.”
“The PBwel Aluflex range of temporary and portable earth leads are manufactured from multi-stranded, commercially pure aluminium with an extruded PVC sheath to preserve the cable – Short Earths, DEP Earths and Jumpers & Bonds are available at any length and with clamp choices for use on 25kV OHL and substation power systems, just contact us with your requirements,” adds Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick).
“We had a great discussion about our future commitments and agreed sales targets at the beginning of the year for 2022 – we are now excited to implement our business development plan for the
UK rail industry. Working together with Thorne & Derrick we can design new and customised solutions for Portable Earthing and deliver via distribution standard products on an overnight service. Thorne & Derrick will support contractors and end-users via their trained Sales Team with competitive prices and stock availability of product. I will be on hand to support their team with continuous product training, either field based or online, to ensure their technical knowledge is up to date with the latest industry standards,” comments Tim Harris (Technical Sales Engineer at PBwel).
Portable & Temporary Earthing for Rail Electrification | Safe Systems of Working
The PBWel range of PADS Approved Portable Earths handle electrical and drain induced current associated with the inadvertent energisation of 25kV overhead power lines – this provides electrical protection of trackside workers and engineers carrying out maintenance, repair or construction under supervision and inspection of the project HV SAP.
Manufactured from highly conductive, commercially pure, Aluflex aluminium material the system is used during rail track possessions and electrical isolations – the Short Orange DEP (Designated Earth Point) Rail Earth is used in conjunction with operating pole sets, live line indicator and the CATU Dispensing Head MT630C.
Stocked by Thorne & Derrick
Thorne & Derrick supply an extensive range of 400V-33kV Rail Cable Accessories & Power Distribution Sytems including feeder pillars to contractors undertaking Low Voltage Power Distribution, HV Electrification & Substations, DC Traction & Networks, OLE and Track Feeder Cable Renewals – a complete range of Network Rail PADS approved track terminations, cable joints, cable repair and connection products up to 25kV, including 3M Cold Shrink, Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold products.
Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of medium/high voltage power cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines.
Full range of Cable Pulling Equipment & Products to ensure safe and efficient of rail cables in to cable ducts and containment infrastructure including cable troughs.
Reliable & Compliant Cable Accessories for Substation, Trackside & OHL Power Supply
Contact us for a Quotation for Rail Earthing Equipment
Press Release | June 30th 2022
Thorne & Derrick, a Specialist Distributor for Ellis Patents, have delivered their largest contract to date to supply cable cleats to provide safety and reliability to high voltage power cable circuits.
The order includes a project total of over 10,000 units of their market-leader cable cleat, The Emperor. The cable cleats will be installed to provide the highest levels of short circuit protection to high voltage power cables. Following several client meetings, Thorne & Derrick were awarded the purchase contract despite market-wide challenges including raw material price volatility and supply chain strains.
This current project award is testament to our ability to utilise the in-house expertise of Ellis Patents to design project specific, bespoke solutions for customers on tight delivery schedules and builds upon recent project successes in the renewable, rail, data-centre and utility substation sectors.
“Emperor was preferred to competitors due to the products established track record and its evidenced compliance to the rigorous IEC 61914: 2015 standard. The ability to demonstrate product performance in similar harsh operating environments with past project references was critical. Ellis Patents have an international reputation to commit and meet customer delivery requirements – trust in the customer-supplier relationship was central to securing the business. We are now working with Ellis on several custom engineered cable clamps and support solutions – the commercial and technical support by Ellis Patents to Thorne & Derrick was outstanding and instrumental in securing this prestigious project order for both our companies,” comments Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick.
The Emperor is a heavy duty compact stainless steel cable cleat designed, developed, tested and manufactured in accordance with IEC 61914. The cleat is available in an extensive range of sizes with range taking ability to suit cables installed to containment in single or trefoil formation. The frame of the cleat is manufactured from corrosion resistant grade 316L stainless steel, the cable is supported by a liner manufactured form a low smoke zero halogen (LSOH) material. The closure fixings are manufactured from grade A4-70 stainless steel. The Emperor can be fixed to the supporting structure by either two M10 fixings or one M12 fixing. Non standard cleat designs can be supplied upon request.
ES Single Range | 32-150mm diameters with short-circuit test levels to 235kA at 225mm cleat spacings
ER Trefoil Range | 19-128mm diameters with short-circuit test levels to 195kA at 300mm cleat spacings
Ellis Patents are an outstanding manufacturer innovator of products to drive down life cycle costs, including their Twist-Foot design of cable cleats which is typically 3 times faster to install than using conventional fixings.
Jonny Hewitt from Thorne & Derrick with Noman Shabir from Ellis Patents at the Dogger Bank – Meet The Buyer Event.
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.
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