According to Statista, the total amount of data created, copied and consumed in the world was estimated to reach 59 zettabytes in 2020 – this exponential growth projection to support the cloud computing and digitization drive has been accelerated by this year’s pandemic. Our internet connection has been an umbilical, our online life-line, to the outside world connecting friends, families and business – with the Internet under strain European data centre demand is forecasted to rise by a third in 2021.
No Time for Downtime | Resilient & Reliable HV Power Systems
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are the leading Specialist Distributors of Cable Connection, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Equipment to support the construction and maintenance of High Voltage Power Distribution Systems – we can specify and supply from stock market-leading brands of Joints, Terminations & Connectors in Cold Shrink, heat-shrink, silicone and EPDM rubber technology up to 33kV.
Recently, Thorne & Derrick have supplied products in conformance with the Electrical Work Scope Specifications of owners and operators of hyper-scale digital infrastructure assets including Virtus, K2, Microsoft, CyrusOne, Interxion and Google.
11kV & 33kV Electrical Services & Substation Connections
Separable Connectors | Inner & Outer Cone Style for Gas Insulated Switchgear & Transformer Connections
Cable Terminations & Joints | Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink & Silicone Push-on for Air Insulated Switchgear, Transformers & Circuit Breaker Cubicles
Stockists of 3M ColdShrink, Pfisterer CONNEX, Elastimold and Nexans Euromold (AIN Slip-on & MONO Heat Shrink) cable accessories up to 33kV. Contact us with your Enquiry.
We supply an extensive range of LV Cable Accessories & Installation Equipment to support cable and electrical infrastructure located in server rooms and data halls.
Temporary Cable Supporting Hooks
The CableSafe Extreme hooks, available from T&D stock on overnight delivery, provide orderly support and suspension for temporary cables; creating a cable management system to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity during construction, maintenance or Shutdown/TAR. S-shaped hooks are UV stabilized, Flame Retardant (Class: 94V-0, Flame Class Rating 3) and Cold Weather rated.
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 into gas-insulated 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, connectors and preparation tools for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 66kV.
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
EV Charge Points
With a key driver for the electrification of vehicles being the environmental benefits they promote, electric vehicles (EV) are becoming pivotal parts of urban regeneration.
Reducing emissions and improving the carbon footprint of both individuals and communities, EVs and their supporting infrastructure, such as EV Pillars, are now vital assets for cities and towns throughout the world.
From DNO accredited cut-outs and isolators for on-street chargers, through to larger ‘heavy duty’ EV feeder pillars for fast, rapid and super chargers, Lucy Zodion’s products and design team can solve your connection requirements.
Lucy Zodion manufacture a wide range of products suitable to provide Low Voltage Electrical Power Distribution for EV charge points – from distribution network operator (DNO) accredited cut-outs and isolators for on-street chargers, to feeder pillars for electrical vehicle charging.
A UK Government Policy Paper on accelerating our EV infrastructure states that “the UK must have an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint network that works for everybody, everywhere”.
Yet, it’s still commonplace news to hear of driver frustrations as they compete for a limited number of public charging points.
For Local Authorities and CPOs looking to improve their EV infrastructure, here are our top 5 recommendations:
1. Plan Properly – Anticipate that the process will take longer than expected and, given the increasing demand for new connections, timescales will only get longer
2. Follow The Process – Check with your DNO when ordering a new connection that you are using the right process. Many have fallen foul by not checking first, resulting in an installation that will not get approved
3. Install Quality Products – Installing high-quality products will reduce potential issues that may arise in the future. Ensure all your products comply to the appropriate regulations and are tested regularly
4. Consider Oversizing – Consider oversizing your supply and include some spare capacity in your EV connection and supply pillar. By making your system scalable, you can add to the number of charge points or upgrade the rating of your charge points in the future, when technology supersedes current equipment
5. Maintain Regularly – In order to keep your equipment in good working order test and inspect it regularly. It is pointless having stranded assets that aren’t serving customers and/or earning revenues
Due to the growing demand for Electric Vehicles (EV) around the world and the resulting strain that the charging infrastructure has on our electrical network, a wide range of safe and compliant electrical power and connection solutions are needed.
➡ Blog Feeder Pillars – Electric Vehicle (EV) Power Supply Pillars
Lucy Zodion | Fortress Feeder Pillars | Pre-Wired Feeder Pillars | Street Lighting Cut-Outs | DNO Cut-Outs | Electrical Power Distribution Enclosures
T&D distribute the most extensive range of LV, MV & HV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
Key Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Clothing & Fusegear.
Tools to Remove Kinks from Overhead Line & Catenary
The Hydraulic Kink Remover is used to straighten out areas on the contact wire that have developed ‘kinks’ on the UK rail electrification networks. This ensures that the overhead wire is continuously in contact with the pantograph. The catenary wire straighteners are specifically designed for maintenance use on overhead rail cables.
Battery Tool
BDL041
The delivery of electricity to railways is usually through a system of overhead lines. This is called a catenary. Meanwhile, transmission to the trains is through a Pantograph. This a framework which collects power and passes it through to the motors. One of the key maintenance issues is that there is a lot of movement in the cables. This is hardly a surprise given the high speeds of modern trains. As a result, the Pantograph adjusts its position to remain in contact with the overhead line.
Maintaining the Catenary involves regular inspection and repair. In particular, this involves the removal of any ‘kinks’ that develop in the line.
Hydraulic Head
XDH41
Much of the work on overhead lines involves high-level maintenance trains. Above all, they provide a stable platform to work from. Moreover, they provide the hydraulic power needed for the XDH41. For remote or emergency works, where a maintenance train is not available, there is the Stanley Dubuis BDL41. This battery tool shares the same in-line ergonomic handle as the Stanley Dubuis cable cutting and crimping tools.
Likewise, it uses the 18 volt 5.0Ah DeWalt/Stanley batteries, common to the whole range.
| XDH41 | BDL041 | |
| Force | 40 kN | 40 kN |
| Weight | 3.800 kg | 4.950 kg |
| Dimensions (mm) | 205 x 80 x 205 | 375 x 80 x 210 |
| Power Supply | 700 bar hyd. source | 18 V Li-ion battery |
| Rail Networks | 700 V / 1 500 V 3 000 V / 15 000 V 25 000 V |
700 V / 1 500 V 3 000 V / 15 000 V 25 000 V |
| Cases | ||
| Weight | 0.900 kg | 1.320 kg |
| Dimensions (mm) | 310 x 280 x 110 | 550 x 336 x 158 |
| Part No. | Supplied with the tool | Supplied with the tool |
| Capacity | XDH41 tool | BDL041 tool + 2 batteries + 1 charger +1 handle |
Thorne & Derrick supply an extensive range of 400V-66kV Rail Cable Accessories & Power Distribution Systems 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.
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
CableSafe Confined Space Safety products significantly reduce accidents in confined spaces
Cable Safety Equipment | Workplace Safety | UK & Export Sales
Manholes, crawl spaces, tunnels, sewers, tanks, pipelines and trenches, all have one thing in common, they are enclosed or partially enclosed and are refer to as confined spaces.
These confined spaces are not intended for continuous occupancy, why? If people work in a confined space, they could face life-threatening hazards such as toxic substances, electrocutions, explosions and asphyxiation, there could result in serious injury or death.
A confined space can be more hazardous than regular workspaces for many reasons, many workers are injured and killed each year while working in confined spaces. To effectively control the risks of accidents with unauthorized confined space entries, the entrance and exit should be restricted.
➡ Thorne & Derrick supply the complete range of Safety Tools & Equipment to enable safe working in sectors such as the construction, renewables, data centres, rail, manufacturing and oil, gas, petrochemical industries. We also offer a range of Push Pull Tools for the reduction in Hand Injuries in the workplace designed to improve safety at work.
CableSafe®’s confined space entry protection barrier or manhole protection barrier is the ideal tool for employees and contractors to secure these dangerous openings. The barrier warns co-workers and public of dangers and prevents unauthorized (or accidental) entry.
“In the construction industry, entering confined spaces is often necessary, but fatalities don’t have to happen,” said Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez.
The law requires employers to provide their employees with safe and healthful workplaces. With CablesSafe® range of safety products you can avoid penalties that come with non-compliance to safety standards and legislations.
The CableSafe® Manhole Quick Barrier is very flexible and suitable for signing and restricting access to a broad range of out-of-bounds and hazardous areas via apertures, gaps, doorways, windows, openings, vents, and works corridors.
The easy to install barrier is necessary if you want to work safe, quick and efficient. Manhole quick confined space barrier restricts access of manhole. Made of robust materials and easy to install. Custom size possible.
Made of robust materials and easy to install. CableSafe®’s Manhole entry barriers do not only restrict entry into a confined space, it has been designed with visual cue to alert workers and public to hazard.
Designed as a physical barrier with a sign that hooks easily on the rungs so the warning cannot be missed. This prevents unauthorized entry to manholes, vessels, tanks and vaults.
The barrier is durable, has a diameter of 990 mm (40 inch) and a 4 mm thickness and can withstand impacts, scratches, and other industrial conditions.
For easy installation the barriers are equipped with bolts & nuts. Based on specific needs, magnets (95 Newton; 9.5 KG force) and locks can be provided on request for easy handling and/or locking of the confined space protection barrier.
Confined Space Entry Protection by CableSafe®
Specially designed with a bright yellow colour. CableSafe®’s manhole cover prevents a fall-in for workers while performing activities around an open manhole.
It is strong, can support 140 kilograms and the frame is furnished with anchor bolt holes.
CableSafe® Safety solutions are critical cable essentials and are well proven construction safety products. The CableSafe® range of cable hooks can be used during maintenance, turnaround, outages, shutdowns, construction work to suspend cables and hoses and other work gear and equipment from the working space.
For further information see:
Confined Space Entry Equipment | Safety Products
Confined Space Safety Heavy Duty Barrier
Cable Safety Equipment | Cable Stand | Cable Bridge | Cable Rail | Cable Guard | Dropped Object Prevention Mats
Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute a range of Safety Tools including Push Pull Tools from Hand Safety Tool Company designed to minimise hand injuries by keeping hands out of the line of fire.
Cable Safety Equipment | Workplace Safety | UK & Export Sales
Worksite cuts and abrasions are just a few minor injuries workers can sustain on a worksite due to falling or flying objects, much serious injuries includes concussion, blindness, and even death – matting is used for dropped object prevention across all industries and workplace applications.
Working at height, beneath scaffolds or areas where overhead work is being performed puts workers and the public below at risk from falling (dropped) objects.
The term dropped object takes on a specific meaning, it can be:
In either case, the result can be injury and harm to people, property or the environment. On way to mitigate this problem is by using Dropped Object Prevention Guard Nets.
➡ Thorne & Derrick together with CableSafe® offer an extensive range of workplace safety products including Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mat which can be used on elevated gratings, catwalks and platforms. When working at height, dropping tools or other equipment poses a significant electrical safety hazard.
Dropped Object Prevention Guard Net is designed to prevent dropped objects while working at height. Standard size netting that suit most standard railings is supplied to create a safe work environment. The fabric is suitable for most heavy industries and is supplied with flame retardant coating (often required). The Guard Net is designed for strong wind loads.
According to Dropped Object Prevention Scheme (DROPS), an object that weighs less than three pounds if dropped from a height of 30 feet can be fatal. If your worksites is typically elevated, you will definitely be dealing with such dropped object hazards on a daily basis.
You may have purchased or use several safety net/guard, the one that promise but does not deliver.
Thorne & Derrick recommend that you use CableSafe®’s “Dropped Objects Guard Net”, this is a safety guard that actually protects with a remarkable 7 years long standing history of high performance usage and reliability in offshore conditions. CableSafe® “Dropped Objects Guard Net” is ideal for use in Construction, Offshore industries and general industry.
CableSafe® dropped objects prevention significantly reduces the risk of dropped objects. It is a cost effective drop safety tool.
CableSafe®’s “Dropped Objects Guard Net is a cost effective drop safety tool, that is made in Germany, and efficiently protect and prevent personnel from dropped objects accident in the worksite. The guard rail/net is made out of flame retardant coated polyester fabric with a reinforced hem provided all around, secured with lashing ratchets and come with a life span of 5 years.
Through our commitment to excellence, we have delivered top quality standard products to customers across the globe in many industries and we guarantee, that Dropped Objects Guard Net will brings safety to your “Work at Height” operations without requiring much active involvement of your worker or any one on the worksite site.
The Guard Nets are used in wind park projects (wind turbine safety) during installation and maintenance. CableSafe® have developed dropped object prevention guard nets for installation inside wind turbine towers, improving safety during maintenance and reducing structural weight of steel reinforcements. These nets can be used for prevention against the wind – weather protection.
Guard Net is designed for re-use. Guard Net has over 7 years operational experience in offshore conditions.
CableSafe® Safety solutions are critical cable essentials and are well proven construction safety products. The CableSafe® range of cable hooks can be used during maintenance, turnaround, outages, shutdowns, construction work to suspend cables and hoses and other work gear and equipment from the working space.
Cable Safety Equipment | Cable Stand | Cable Bridge | Cable Rail | Cable Guard | Dropped Object Prevention Mats
Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute a range of Safety Tools including Push Pull Tools from Hand Safety Tool Company designed to minimise hand injuries by keeping hands out of the line of fire.
Published 12 Mar 2026
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Published 06 Mar 2026
Nexans 240–300mm² Multi-Joint – Medium Voltage Cable Joint Installation Medium voltage cable jointing requires reliability, consistency and safe installation practices. The Nexans 240–300mm² Multi-Joint is designed to simplify medium voltage jointing while maintaining high electrical performance for demanding power...
