Utility Strike Avoidance Group
USAG have published a range of documents to assist industry understanding of the root cause and contributory factors behind specific incidents. The aim is to improve industry standards and reduce the number of cable strikes.
Cable damage is usually caused by excavating machines – hand held tools such as pneumatic drills, crowbars, pins, picks and forks also expose workers to potential sources of danger when digging around underground cables.
The first in the series is a safety alert thanks to Highway England regarding a cable strike to a high pressure gas main works for trial pits/boreholes.
There are some of the more usual process failures when it came to use of cable and pipe detection equipment and visual assessment of the site. But it raises some important points about design work to ensure there are no conflicts with already present cables and pipes. Also procedures around the electronic device storage and use of design data and ensuring it’s validity for the works about to be undertaken.
With more and more designs, permits and approvals taking place electronically on devices at the worksite this shows a really good example of what can happen should a controlled process not be fully in place.
Thankfully the strike did not rupture the pipe in this incident and it is with thanks that this learning document has been shared for the greater good of the industry.
Cable Strike – Thames Crossing
On the morning of the 2nd November a mechanically excavated trial pit was programmed to commence at TP01302.
Following the issue of the design to Perfect Circle (AECOM JV), it was identified within AECOM’s GIS system as directly over a high-pressure gas main, which was a clear failure of the CDM 2015 design process.
Managing the risks passed on to AECOM by the design, the trial pit was relocated 9m away from the high-pressure gas main and surveys of the area were instructed on the 1st May 2020.
These surveys returned additional risks and a second and final relocation was selected 29m away from the gas main and surveyed. Survey was completed on the 20th October 2020, this time demonstrating a risk free area of works.
On the morning of the 2nd November a permit to dig and work authorisation pack was prepared for TP01302 with the coordinates detailing the position of the third and final location. The sub-contractor was issued with the works authorisation pack and the trial pitting team travelled to the area to set up the works location.
The sub-contractor set out the location of TP01302 using a digital GPS devise, however the data within this device had not been updated since May 2020 and as a result TP01302 was set out in its original location, directly over the high pressure gas main.
The engineer also failed to check the information within the work authorisation pack which stated the location had been moved twice and contained a single set of co-ordinates to the correct location.
Following procedure, the area around the works area is required to be checked for signs of furniture which could suggest the presence of services and a CAT & Genny scan of the works area undertaken.
Both requirements were not completed to a suitable standard, missing the opportunity to identify a high-pressure gas marker board 10m away or the 500mm cast iron service below the position.
The engineer then completed a Point of Work Risk Assessment (POWRA) and the Permit detailing that the area had been checked, scanned and set out in line with the permit requirements and works were authorised to proceed based on this declaration.
At 3m the excavator operator felt unusual resistance as a 50mm scrape of the excavation was being undertaken. On inspection, the high-pressure gas pipe was identified. All works were immediately stopped and the emergency plan followed calling to site the service provider.
Accident Underlaying Cause
While the root cause of this incident is a failure of the non-AECOM design team to eliminate the risk through design. The poor management of data within digital devices was a significant underlying cause.
Lessons Learnt
When using digitally stored setting out data within GPS devices;
Utility contractors working on the installation of underground pipes, cables and ducts in congested excavations should utilise Personal Protection Equipment, including arc flash clothing and insulating gloves to protect against the inherent dangers of electrical arc flash incident: typical applications include cable laying, jointing, ploughing and moling. ATP.
An underground service cable strike can lead to injury or loss of life and the costs to business can be substantial. Cable strikes are a growing problem for utilities companies and it is an issue that has challenged the industry for many years.
Despite deploying a variety of cable avoidance tools, staff training and learning and development programmes, cable strikes are still happening.
Power cable strikes have spiked since lockdown prompting the supply industry’s trade body to raise the alert in construction.
Underground powerline strikes from July to September 2020 alarmingly jumped 20% to 475 incidents compared with the same time last year.
The figures for Q3 are running 46% above the previous quarter (April – June 2020) total of 325.
It is not clear whether the surge has come from a rise in utility and roadworks or whether workers returning from furlough or shutdown are now neglecting basic safety procedures.
Research released today by the Energy Networks Association reveals 93% of construction workers believed they always dig safely, yet almost a third (31%) admitted to not always checking for underground electricity cables before beginning work.
Despite the threat to life, the main reasons workers did not check for underground electricity cables was because they felt it was not their responsibility (15%), or they would not dig deep enough to hit anything (24%).
Worryingly, almost one in six said if they uncovered an underground electricity cable encased in concrete, they would attempt to break them out, which could put them at immediate risk of life-threatening injuries.
Thorne & Derrick have been distributors for 3M Electrical since 1985 and can provide a range of reliable and easy to install Cable Repair Products – this includes Scotch Tapes, Scotchcast Joints and Cold Shrink Tubes to provide effective re-instatement of cable sheath jackets on all types of LV MV HV cables in onshore and offshore locations with safe or hazardous area workplace classifications.
Cable Repair Products
Our range of cable protection covers manufactured by Centriforce provide underground utility protection of LV MV HV cables including Tapetile (11kV) and Stokbord (33kV 66kV 132kV) – contact us to discuss Cable Damage Prevention Products including Dectamesh, the underground detectable warning tape for alerting excavators of the presence of buried cables and to prevent potentially lethal accidents during excavation.
Stokbord
Tapetile
Extract from : Company Directive | STANDARD TECHNIQUE : SP1N
Owner : UK DNO Western Power Distribution
In the UK the DNO’s (Distribution Network Operator) hold a statutory requirement to prevent danger due to the influx of water, or any noxious or explosive liquid, hydrocarbon or gas from the surrounding ground into substations, street boxes and buildings. The electric utility will have an approved method and material to seal ducts in all new, altered or retro-fitted cable installations – this includes the sealing of cable ducts where the ducting enters the switch gear building. View our complete range of UK DNO Specification & Private Network duct seals.
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 cable 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.
All international sales enquiries can be serviced and supplied by our Export Power Team.
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
Cembre HT131-C Crimping Tool
Uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
Thorne & Derrick International are Main UK Stockists and Suppliers of Cembre tools including crimping and cutting types for all constructions of LV MV HV cable including medium/high voltage 11kV/33kV power cables.
The following short article provides useful information about maintaining optimum performance of the Cembre model HT131-C crimping tool.
Cembre HT131-C crimping tool is lightweight and ideal for LV-HV cable jointing, crimping, splicing and terminating applications.
The hydraulic crimping tool features spring loaded handles allowing the Cembre die sets to be advanced with one hand – the other hand free to position the electrical connector or cable lugs prior to crimping.
For competitive prices, stock availability and technical advice about the Cembre HT131-C tool please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Cembre HT131-C hydraulic crimping tool is robust and requires very little daily maintenance – ensuring you follow the instructions below will help to maintain the optimum performance of the tool:
Accurate Crimping Tool Cleaning
Dust, sand and dirt are a danger for any hydraulic device. It is essential that after every use the crimping tool should be wiped with a clean cloth removing all residue paying special attention to pivots and moveable joints
Tool Storage
Cembre HT131-C is supplied with VAL P3 plastic case.
When not in use, the HT131-C tool should be stored and transported in the plastic case to prevent damage.
The plastic case (Type VAL P3) has the following dimensions 620x380x135mm (height) and weighs 2.5 kg.
Air in the hydraulic circuit may affect the performance of the crimping tool. For example no lower die advancement, slow advancement of the lower die and lower die pulsating would all cause issues. If this is the case proceed as follows:
To Purge Air Bubbles From Hydraulic Circuit
Fig 4 – HT131-C Crimping Tool Position For Maintenance Operations
a – Hold tool upright in a vice with handles open (Fig 4)
b – By an hexagonal 2.5 mm key, remove screw (65) and main handle (04) to expose oil reservoir (03).
c – Remove reservoir cap (01).
d – Operate three or four times the moveable handle (56), to advance the ram (28).
e – Depress pressure release pin (73) until ram is fully retracted.
f – Repeat points (d – e) at least five times,to ensure all air bubbles in the hydraulic circuit are purged into the reservoir.
g – If the oil level is low top as described below
h – Remove all air from reservoir and fit cap (01).
i – Assemble main handle (04), and holding screw (65).
If the tool continues to malfunction return the tool for service.
Oil Top Up
Every six months check the oil level in the reservoir. If necessary, top up the oil level to the upper lip of the reservoir and remove all air from the reservoir (as described above).
Hydraulic or Battery Operated Crimping Tools
Cembre B1300-CE battery crimping tool is an 18.0V cordless hydraulic crimping tool which can be operated with one hand and is balanced for greater control – this tool is the battery operated version of the Cembre HT131-C with a crimping and compression range up to 400sqmm for LV and MV cables up to 33kV.
LV Lugs & Connectors – complete range of copper crimp connectors suitable for use with joints and terminations for low voltage cables | Cable Lugs | Cable Splice Connectors | Aluminium Lugs | Aluminium Splices | Bi-Metallic Cable Lugs
Tools for Cutting & Crimping Cables
This post is from a series of articles written to provide advice and guidance on the care and servicing of Cembre cable cutting and crimping tools.
HV Lugs & Connectors – complete range of copper crimp connectors suitable for use with joints and terminations for medium/high voltage cables | Cable Lugs | Transformer Lugs | 2 Hole Lugs | Pin Stalk Connectors | Through Connectors | 11kV 33kV
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 | Cold Shrink
Special Thanks To Alex Veselov At Noja Power For The Above Image
My partners in Sweden just shared some great pictures of OSM27-SEF NOJA Power Reclosers surrounded by nice winter nature. Swedish 20kV distribution network has isolated neutral and therefore very low earth fault currents. This is where a special SEF (Sensitive Earth Fault) version of OSM27 can help as it works from as little as 0.2 A fault currents. View the NOJA Power OSM Automatic Circuit Recloser 15kV 27kV 38kV download.
The OSM15, OSM27 and OSM38 automatic circuit reclosers incorporate vacuum interrupters inside solid dielectric insulated poles which are housed within the arc fault venting designed, stainless steel tank. This ensures maximum life and reliability with a fully insulated arrangement inside the long life housing.
NOJA Power is a world leading manufacturer of Medium Voltage Electrical Equipment.
With more than 64,000 OSM units installed in over 92 countries, our SF6 Free equipment is essential to the future of electricity distribution.
We offer our customers integrated solutions using innovative products combined with unrivalled service and reliability world wide.
We specialise in Medium Voltage Outdoor Switchgear, covering applications such as overhead lines protection, substations, renewable, distributed generation connection & underground cable protection.
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 cable 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.
All international sales enquiries can be serviced and supplied by our Export Power Team.
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
High Voltage Enabling Works at Bryn Pica Eco Park Development
Special Thanks To Tristian Jones For His Kind Permission To Republish
C&P’s high voltage company, C&P High Voltage Services have been busy this week completing the 1st phase of construction of a high voltage ring for the future development of a multi-million-pound Eco Park development for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council – the facility will be the first of its kind in the UK.
Once completed the electrical infrastructure will be extended into phase 2 to supply further factory buildings for future recycled materials production.
C&P High Voltage services division will provide enabling works which includes design, supply, install, test and commissioning for a 2MVA package substation, Ring Main Unit (RMU), HV cable system for a 2MVA package substation, Low Voltage (LV) cable system for Mattress recycling, visitor centre fence distribution board, feeder pillar to replace perimeter fence distribution board and Low Voltage (LV) cable transfers.
This week a smart feeder pillar was installed, along with a 2MVA transformer and RN2D close coupled RMU with VIP protection on the circuit breaker. This will allow for remote monitoring and operation through a BMS or website control platform.
Eco Park Development – which would be the first of its kind in the UK
Over the past 18-months C&P has been rapidly expanding its high voltage services and maintenance activities, securing a number of critical projects and contracts across the UK.
David Demock, C&P’s High Voltage Engineering Director commented: “We are extremely pleased to partner with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to deliver such an important phase for this prestigious project. We have been adding to our power engineering capabilities over the past few years which has assisted us to grow and offer clients such as Rhondda Cynon Taf Council even more value through our unique approach.
Using our own people, plant and highly experienced engineering solutions we are pleased that we can play a vital role in the development of the park. This will ultimately help to recycle more, protect the environment and create commercial opportunities and job creation in the Cynon Valley”.
C&P High Voltage Services provide a full range of high voltage electrical contracting services across a diverse range of customers. Their full turnkey high voltage engineering services cover design, installation, testing, commissioning, energisation, operation and maintenance for both new high voltage electrical installation and refurbishments for private networks up to and including 132kV.
High Voltage Services include:
• Design & Installation
• SAP Services
• Operation & Maintenance
• Jointing & Cable Installation
• Commissioning
• Fault Analysis & Management
• Voltages – 11kV, 33kV, 66kV, 132kV
• HV Testing up to 68kV – Substation, Transformer, Switchgear, Cables
• Consultancy & HV Safety
• Contestable New Electricity Connections
LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
THORNE & DERRICK 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
Published 18 Mar 2026
INDUSTRIAL LABEL PRINTING SOLUTIONS When clear, durable and professional identification is required across control panels, cable systems, production facilities and industrial installations, print quality, reliability and ease of use are critical. Cembre industrial label printers are designed to support...
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HIGH VOLTAGE JUNCTION BOXES & ENCLOSURES When high-voltage power distribution and cable termination are required, safety, enclosure integrity and long-term reliability are critical. HV Junction Boxes and Electrical Enclosures manufactured by Abtech are engineered for the safe distribution, cable termination and protection...
