Image Courtesy of: Luigi Salvatore (General Director Global Technologies Services srl).

Pictured: Old Circuit Breaker (MSM 170kV) Replaced By New Circuit Breaker (COMPASS I 170kV ABB SpA) in SE Buzzi Unicem Guidonia Plant.

Old Circuit Breaker (MSM 170kV) Replaced By New Circuit Breaker (COMPASS I 170kV ABB SpA)

Further Reading

Jointers blog

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Cable Jointer : Steve Fielder – HV/EHV Cable Jointer

Location : Baltimore USA

Who is Steve?

“I have been working in the cable industry for 29 years. Originally trained at BICC Cables, went on to work in R&D and type approve cable systems ranging from 11kV up to 400kV oil, XLPE up to 500kV EPR cables and High Pressure Oil and Gas Pipe Type.”

“I became more heavily involved in the High Pressure Pipe Type cable systems in North America working on a range of different projects from 115kV up to 345kV,” Steve informs.

Who are G&W?

G&W Electric has been a global supplier of high voltage electric power equipment since 1905.

G&W Electrical products include EHV cable joints, cable terminations, overhead and underground distribution switches, Lazer® Automation solutions, reclosers, distribution and transmission cable accessories and current limiting system protection devices.

Unite jointer with joint and watch the magic unfold…..

115kV Break Down – cable joint break down, ferrule cut out, ready to be re-made.

Sweated Bonding – EHV jointing on insulated G&W remake

Master Jointer – If jointing instruction is the sheet music, then joint is the instrument and the Maestro is Steve Fielder….

Jointers blog

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MV and LV Electrical Substation Hub: Courtesy OSHA

Guest Article By Sam Pherwani. P.Eng, CESCP Engineer, Instructor, Entrepreneur

Medium Voltage Electrical Safety

Five years+ of doing this, I’m still a student.

However been grateful to my customers for the exposure to windfarms, oil and gas, substations, pulp/paper meeting many fine electricians and learning from spirited discussions on how industry in US and Canada interprets Electrical Safe Work practices. Of course, NFPA 70E/NEC/CSA Z462 form the basis of Electrical Safety on this side of the pond.

These few pointers come out of experience in the Medium Voltage (per ANSI C84.1) Electrical Systems practically (2.4kV-69kV). Hope we see more of these best practices considered and frequently I might add, as the new world rolls into a better future.

Electrical Safety Footwear – Conventional Electrical Hazard rated Safety Boots most electrical workers have are rated to ASTM F2413-11 and CSA Z195-14 offer very little electrical shock protection, 600VAC or less if in wet conditions. Most well written MV electrical safety Risk Assessment forms (JHA/JSAs) call for secondary protection such as dielectric insulating mats or dielectric insulating safety overshoes but human error, inertia sometimes causes these steps overlooked. ASTM F1117 Class 2 AC EN 50321 dielectric boots now offer 17kV/20kVAC protection, comparable to Class E hard hats, making it a better fit for MV workplace.
Arc Rated Suits & Arc Flash Protective Clothing – Until NFPA 70E-2015 the soft “do not exceed” threshold for unsafe energized work was 40 cal/cm2 of incident energy at working distance (3-4 feet, length of hot-stick away from equipment). Since then, PPE manufacturers making arc flash suits rated to as high as 140 cal/cm2 have influenced the standards to soften stance on that verboten verbiage. Their rationale – no OSHA recorded fatalities for arc blast at these higher cal ratings. My take – first of all, probably none of the mavens have experienced a 100 cal blast first hand from within the arc flash suit or PPE. Secondly, G-forces of even a 1.5 cal/cm2 blast could rattle human vitals like jello, permanently marring a victim with weakened resistance to other adverse forces soft or direct, possibly even a shorter lifespan if not an instant injury. Personally, I’d find a way to minimize high incident energy exposure regardless of the arc flash protective clothing.
Current Probe – So you want to work on MV Medium Volage electrical equipment (make modifications) … you de-energize the system, test for absence of voltage, and apply grounds, You troubleshoot with a voltage detector, not clearly distinguishing between nominal, stray, backfed or induced voltages. Would be nice to have a current meter clamped device hotstick mountable to gauge trace currents. Can’t find one? Until we do, here is one good at least for measuring current draw on troubleshooting. An amp-probe such as this one works well in tandem with a tick tracer. https://sensorlink.com/products/ampstik-plus. Consider adding one to your toolbox.
Rescue Hooks – OSHA 1910.269, 70E-110 are not clear on when rescue hooks or insulating sticks are to be used for shock mitigation. The urban legend of using a 2×4 lumber on an electrocution won’t die, the victim might, especially in an MV environment. In addition to switching bare overhead substation equipment, racking of breakers, 4160V MCCs justify use of rescue shepherd hooks. The second Qualified Electrical person should secure the worker with a rescue hook and correct body position, weight pulling outward passively. Many a site has a rescue hook sitting in a warehouse collecting dust, just for the fact nobody included it in their electrical safety program conditions.
Infrared Thermograhy – 70E/Z462 very clearly say equipment may not be in normal operation if equipment is not properly maintained. So you buy a maintenance contract (per NFPA 70B, CSA Z462, NERC) for peace of mind. You still could have a potential situation where a transformer or breaker is in imminent danger of failure owing to end of life, service fatigue, process upsets or transients. Infrared thermometers, prohibitively expensive 20 years ago are now very feasible tools, reasonable in price and are way preferable to contact troubleshooting methods. A big plus is predictive maintenance if baseline images/videos have been established. Care is required to use rated instruments in outdoor MV environments, outside restricted approach shock boundary.
Performing Ground Resistance Studies – You inherit a substation, so you’re only worried about above ground equipment maintenance right? Whats under the ground can hurt you … Copper theft, corrosion, increase of plant or station capacity from initial Ufer/ring ground design, improper grounding and bonding could result in fault currents light up the ground in ripples (step & touch potential hazards). Yes, those yellow sleeves on guy wires have a real purpose. NEC 250 requires 25 ohms or under as ground resistance for industrial sites but utilities, power generation consultants usually count five ohms or less as rule of thumb. Its a good idea every few years to perform a ground resistance test – three/four point method, preferably during a shutdown in vicinity of mains transformer.

THORNE & DERRICK

Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage power systems:

Slip-on Cable Terminations
Cold-shrink Cable Terminations
Heat-shrink Cable Terminations
Cable Joints – Heat & Cold-shrink
Separable Connectors (Euromold)
Surge Arresters & Switchgear/Transformer Bushings

Experts In Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres with ATEX & IECEx Certification

Stokbord Drum

Protection of High Voltage Electricity Cables

Representatives from across the utilities sector were shown first-hand how new developments in cable protection have made a significant step forward.

Centriforce, working through their distributor network including Thorne & Derrick, announce a new cable protection product that can help to improve working safety for High Voltage Electricity Cables applications – known as the Stokbord Drum.

The utility sector have been shown first hand how new developments in high voltage cable protection have improved performance, capacity and sustainability

Centriforce, manufacturers of the Stokbord Cable Cover and Stokbord Drum Systems, have developed a revised specification in accordance with The National Grid Standard TS 3.05.07, ENA-TS 12-23 Class 1 and ENA-TS 12-23 Class 2 technical specifications: which takes the thickness from 14mm and 12mm, to 12mm and 10mm.

Simon Carroll, Centriforce CEO, said: “The focus on the day was to demonstrate how Centriforce Stokbord Cable Cover and Stokbord Drum are capable of meeting technical specifications – delivering consistent protection with the benefits of 12mm for The National Grid Standard TS 3.05.07 and ENA-TS 12-23 Class 1 and 10mm for ENA-TS 12-23 Class 2.

“Traditionally, it has been considered industry practice to refer to 14mm protection for The National Grid Standard TS 3.05.07 and ENA-TS 12-23 Class 1, and 12mm for ENA-TS 12-23 Class 2 technical specifications.

“We were involved in those initial specifications, but materials science has moved forward, and the strength and performance of Stokbord now means that the utilities industry can draw on our research and development activity to achieve optimum safety with these new levels.

“This advancement makes a strong economic case for our utilities clients – ensuring that the Stokbord solution continues to be the optimum choice where safety and security count – whilst offering cost savings and sustainability benefits as standard.

“That brings a variety of advantages, including the reduced labour and transportation costs all associated with the introduction of lighter materials.”

Stokbord is a highly versatile impact resistant product that protects underground utilities from damage and at the same time provides a highly visual alert of what lies beneath.

For the utilities sector, it is provided as a cable cover, which is a one metre tile, or in the new drum format – launched last year – which offers a faster and safer solution to installation.

Both systems can used to protect underground utilities, particularly high voltage electricity cables, but can also be used for water and gas pipes, as well as fibre optic cables.

They help to prevent damage to cables buried underground by ensuring that anyone digging in the area at some point in the future, where a cable is laid, hits the Stokbord before they hit the cable – preventing serious injury, as well as a costly and disruptive outage in the electricity system.

Simon added: “For decades, we have been recognised across the industry for our time-proven and trusted methods of keeping underground utilities safe.

“Stokbord is specified around the world for its ability to deliver heavy duty protection for buried utilities, including gas, water, electricity and telecoms.

“It’s built a reputation based on trust. We’ve been the ‘go to’ partner in utilities for more than 40 years, standing out as pioneers in the sector and seen as the experts in knowing what we are doing.

“That expertise and industry knowledge means we are now well-placed to deliver new levels of performance with 12mm and 10mm standards, for 2020 and beyond.”

As part of the event, the visitors to Centriforce were able to witness an on-site impact test by an independent consultant engineer, to see first-hand the impact resistance and specification capabilities at the reduced thicknesses.

Attendees also saw a demonstration of the Stokbord Drum system, where Stokbord supplied on a reel enables it to be rolled across a large area with minimal intervention.

Jonathan Pearce, Head of Sales at Centriforce, said: “The drum system was developed in our work with our customers, who recognised that the amount of time spent in the trench was a rising concern.

“We focused on creating a mechanical rather than manual installation, keeping operatives safer and at the same time significantly speeding up the process.

“It reduces the manual labour involved and creates a lower risk environment as operatives spend less time in the trench.

“With this system and Stokbord Cable Cover, there is now a choice to meet exact project needs.”

Press Release | Thorne & Derrick Appointed Approved Stockist for UK Leading Cable Pulling Equipment Manufacturer

Stokbord Drum Features

Time saving installation for cable protection at LV MV HV EHV
Lower risk to operatives and cable installation teams
High impact resistance – cable protection does not shatter on impact
Provides clear visual warning with bright colours and bold warning text
Rot resistant and chemically inert meaning a long service life
Cable covers conform to internationally recognised standards (e.g. BS 2484)
Tried and tested by UK Distribution Network Operators and their contractors

Stokbord Drum Cable Protection for Underground Utility Cables

Stokbord® Drum has since been successfully used on a number of large projects across the UK.

Centriforce Tapetile and Stokbord underground cable protection tiles and covers are the market leading, heavy duty utility protection system for protecting underground cable and pipes – this includes low voltage, medium voltage and high voltage power networks working at 11kV and 33kV.

Stokbord Drum Cable Protection for Underground Utility Cables

HV Cable Cleats

As part of its comprehensive cable cleat range, CMP offers a selection of high voltage (HV) cable cleats that are designed to safely restrain high voltage cable (s). CMP is able to provide cable cleats for any level of cable voltage; for example 3.3kV, 230kV or 1,000kV.

Manufactured from the highest quality materials, CMP’s HV cable cleat range has excellent corrosion resistance, strength and durability, making them suitable for use in the harshest of environments.

Designed and manufactured in accordance with the International Standard IEC 61914: Cable cleats for electrical installations, CMP cable cleats undergo rigorous short circuit testing.

CMP designed two bespoke trefoil cable cleats for high voltage cable for the major, and highly technical Singapore Tunnel Project.

What standards does the range comply with?

All CMP high voltage cable cleats are third-party certified in accordance with the International Standard IEC 61914: Cable cleats for electrical installations, to ensure the securing and retention of cables without sustaining damage to the cable(s).

Where specific client requirements mean that the short circuit test parameters fall outside of the criteria laid out in IEC 61914; for example the customer specific size of cable to be tested is larger, or the number of cleats per test setup is smaller; then the test procedure and criteria of IEC 61914, and the customer’s test requirements, are both adhered to.

CMP has conducted numerous additional client specific tests, with certification obtained as required on a project specific basis.

What materials are used for CMP’s High Voltage Cable Cleats?

CMP’s high voltage cable cleats are manufactured from the highest quality 316L stainless steel to provide products with high creep strength and excellent corrosion resistance.

A selection of products within this range are also available in aluminium. The grades of aluminium we use are selected for their high corrosion resistance and superior tensile strength.

Cleats can be optionally powder coated – CMP offers standard Epoxy or Polyester powder coating. A polymer alloy coating which is UL94 V0 flame retardant, and Low Smoke and Fume Zero Halogen (LSF0H) is also available.

The polymer cleat liners supplied as standard are classified as Low Smoke and Fume Zero Halogen (LSF0H) and Phosphorus-Free.

Bespoke HV cable cleats for specific project requirements

CMP works with clients to design and manufacture bespoke cable cleat solutions to cater for specific project requirements. We can supply industrial products which do not require certification, designed to exact requirements.

We also offer a design service which includes all testing and third party certification of the products.

Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) during the product design process, CMP’s dedicated cleat development team are able to model the stresses on cable cleats under short circuit situations, allowing them to make accurate predictions as to how products will perform when installed. This saves vast amounts of time in the early development and testing phases, reducing the overall lead time for our customers.

	Product Code	Description
	HVSS-EC	High voltage trefoil cable cleat with expanded cable centres. (Fixed and sliding base variants available)
	HVSS-CC	High voltage trefoil cable cleat with closed centres. (Fixed and sliding base variants available)
	SHVSS-JSC	Single high voltage, stainless steel, joint support cleat
	SHVSS-WM	Single high voltage wall mounted cleat
	SHVSS	Single high voltage cable cleat

Approved Suppliers & Vendors To TfL & London Underground

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.

Jointers blog

Further Reading – More G&W blogs

Jointers blog

Medium Voltage Electrical Safety

Further Reading

THORNE & DERRICK

Stokbord Drum

Stokbord Drum Features

FURTHER READING

HV Cable Cleats

What standards does the range comply with?

What materials are used for CMP’s High Voltage Cable Cleats?

Bespoke HV cable cleats for specific project requirements

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