Why Gamble With Your Power Supply By Installing Underspecified Cable Joints?
A Failed Cable Joint
Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick International, have stocked and distributed 3M Scotchcast cable joints renowned for their field service record and dependability for the connection and repair of existing damaged cables or the extension or diversion of new cable installations.
Whether XLPE, EPR, PILC or other cable type, Scotchcast joints are the preferred option for LV power, instrumentation or control cables.
The primary purpose of any LV cable joint is to remove a damaged or faulted section of cable and re-instate the electrical performance of the jointed cable as closely as possible to the original manufactured condition.
The specification, selection and installation of Low Voltage Resin Cable Joints varies according to industry. So, without a universal methodology the selection factors are usually specific to the cable and industry. Several key factors include : cable function, cable reliability, installation application and consequential loss due to outage or downtime.
Standard resin cable joints are often inadvertently installed forming weak links in many industrial cable networks.
Scotchcast Joints
Whether by Land, Air or Sea
3M Scotchcast resin cable joints provide reliable and safe performance in the construction, rail, renewable, airfield lighting, port authority, offshore, marine, mining, utilities and hazardous area (oil, gas and petrochem) industries.
“Scotchcast” has now become a byword for cable joints.
Scotchcast resins are synonymous with reliability, qualityand dependability when jointing cables, whether above or below ground – a comprehensive range of jointing resins have been developed by 3M with fire resistance, flame retardant, low smoke zero halogen and hydrocarbon resistant performance.
Deep Underground
3M Scotchcast 82-F cable joints are specified for the straight and branch jointing of flexible mining and trailing cables. Utilising flame retardant and flexible 3M Scotchcast 2131 resin with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Acceptance 07-KA060002-MSHA.
3M 82-F flexible cable joints do not impair the bend radius of frequently coiled cables – the submersible cable joints are also seawater resistant for connecting cables by divers to ROV (Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles).
Seeing Beyond The Surface – Worker & Site Safety With 3M Cable Joints
The World’s Biggest Coalmine : Peabody Energy’s operations in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming USA. 40% of America’s coal comes out of the North Antelope Rochelle Mine. Photograph: Mae Ryan for the Guardian
Offshore Cable Joints
3M Scotchcast resin cable joints are specified by the global oil and gas exploration companies for the low voltage jointing of power, instrumentation and control cables.
3M LVI3 resin cable joints suit offshore and marine power, instrumentation and control cable (BS6883, IEEE, UL, UK00A, NEK606 BFOU RFOU types) and instrumentation cable (pair, triple, quad types) – typically used to joint and connect cables in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas to provide low voltage electricity distribution to power and lighting in potentially explosive atmospheres.
3M LVI3 joints are hydro-carbon resistant based on the specification performance of 3M Scotchcast 1402FR and resist degradation by drilling fluids (mud) – the ability of offshore topside and shipboard cable joints to withstand degradation by hydro-carbons and drilling MUD is vital avoid potential cable faults.
3M : Specified By Global Oil & Gas Industry
Repairing Damaged Cables
Cable damage is common offshore due to the extreme mechanical conditions caused by vibration, shock and movement on oil and gas platforms.
Overtime, EPR type rubber cable sheaths are degraded and complete cable change-out can be cost prohibitive or actually impossible.
3M LVI cable joints provide an excellent cable repair or full cable joint to damaged offshore cables preventing possible downtime caused by cable failure due to salt sea atmospheres reacting with cable braiding and conductors and causing a short circuit.
The wrap-around or snap-on 2 part type cable joint moulds permit mid-span cable repairing or jointing without requiring cable disconnection from the remote end – refer to our recent post about repairing damaged cables for further information and solutions including use of cold shrink tubes.
3M Cable Joints are installed on offshore oil and gas platforms, FPSO’s, FPS’s, oil tankers and carriers
With You In The Cable Trenches
Image : Lovink.
Bent double in a muddy hole in the ground wrestling with a post-war imperial PILC cable.
And if you’re cable jointing in the UK then it’s probably raining.
We know the score. Hence, 3M cable joints are designed by jointers for jointers.
Large shell 3M cable joints enable crimping tool access or mechanical shearbolt connector compatibility for simplified cable jointing in tight access cable trenches and cable containment.
Cross core and transition cable jointing of multi-core XLPE to PILC is enabled.
Strong impact resistant cable joints shells withstand trench backfill. Often sand backfill can be mixed with sharp stones, clay and organic detritus.
3M can cope.
Size Matters
The internal working space permitted by the cable joint shell design impacts upon the ability of the LV cable jointer to work comfortably and safely often in tough site conditions.
Ample work-room enables efficient and reliable armour bonding, cross-core jointing, transition jointing and conductor connecting.
Large cable jointing shells enable the use of mechanical shearbolt connectors, such as Pfisterer Sicon, ideal for imperial-metric-AWG connections and hydraulic crimp tool heads where close quarter working is needed.
Is The Cable Joint Shell Large Enough For The Crossing Of Phased Cores?
Whatever the Weather
Cable damage is common offshore due to the extreme mechanical conditions caused by vibration, shock and movement on oil and gas platforms. Challenging offshore weather conditions vary from brutal hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico to violent Atlantic nor’easters.
Closer to home, the North Sea UK continental shelf regularly experiences violent Force 10 storms inflicting extreme wind and wave effects on offshore assets.
3M Scotchcast Standing Out From The Crowd
3M Scotchcast low voltage cable joints are designed to ensure the installation process is simpler, quicker and safer.
Some selection and specification considerations :
Safety – 3M’s unique Advanced Delivery system provides integrated resin pour for the cable jointer eliminating vapour inhalation or direct skin contact
Simplicity – one part, wraparound cable joint shell enables rapid installation. Reduced man-hours cuts installed cost and drives labour productivity gains often during tight time schedule shutdowns
Reliability – eliminate or minimise cable faults
Specify and buy 3M Scotchcast cable joints for first class safety and service record without any hidden dangers.
3M Scotchcast Resin Advanced Delivery
Just How Do 3M Do It?
Single Piece Cable Joint Mould Shell – simpler installation process for the cable jointer. No cutting or sawing cable mould to size. Range taking foam seals at the ends of the cable joint shells provide an excellent tight and reliable seal – this adaptable 3M cable sealing system eliminates the need for the cable jointer to cut and tape the joint shell to size. Folding cable mould meets at the top of cable joint, not along both sides reducing potential resin leakage paths. 3M cable joint moulds resist cracks or breaks even at low temperatures. Suitable for direct burial.
Why Don’t I Need To Cut 3M Cable Joint Shell To Fit The Cable?
Earthing – 3M’s robust armour continuity earthing system suits both wire armoured (AWA single core and SWA multi-core), wire braided (copper and phosphur bronze) and lead sheathed cables. To avoid awkward manipulation of armour wires while trying to fit worm drive clips over the cable support rings, 3M have chosen to use constant force springs for earthing. Constant force springs offer significant advantages over “single wire type” earth continuity systems, which can fail if poorly positioned within wire armour cores that have “spread”. The flat soft copper earth braid ensures good electrical contact.
Safe & Sound With Constant Force Springs : Cable joints move and expand due to earth shift and heat from electrical current. Constant force springs react to this movement and maintain a sound electrical connection between the steel wire armouring and the earth continuity braid
Mechanical Connectors – fast, simple and range-taking conductor jointing of copper and aluminium conductors, whether stranded, sectoral or solid. Suits jointing of metric, imperial and AWG conductors.
Resins – high quality cable jointing resin with good moisture resistance and always enough in the joint kit for the application. No need for “topping-up”.
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, switchgear and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
Thorne & Derrick invite you to join LinkedIn’s largest LV-HV Electrical Discussion Group : Low & High Voltage Power, Cabling, Jointing & Electricals. Discussion subjects include cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV. Network, engage and promote your profile, company or products with over 10,000 influencers.
This video by 3M Electrical shows how to apply3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints safely to splice, repair and connect low voltage power cables, 600V/1000V.
3M Cold Shrink cable joints utilise tool free cold shrink technology where no heat or gas torch is required for jointing cable in onshore and offshore locations with polymeric type cable insulation construction including both XLPE and EPR.
Cold shrink is an effective alternative to resin cable joints and can be used indoors, outdoors, overhead or used in cable trays.
Jointing Cables
Ensure all cables and conductors are free from dirt, residue and contaminants using cable cleaning wipes prior to preparing the cable to install the joint.
Cold shrink tubes and copper wire sleeves are first positioned over the cable.
The cable cores are then cut in such a way to stagger the position of the connectors – either mechanical shearbolt or crimp splice connectors are compatible. Check the proposed conductor connector is of suitable physical dimensions to be used with the cold shrink joint – on larger conductors due to volume displacement of multiple mechanical type connectors it maybe preferable for the jointer to use crimp/compression splices due to smooth profile design overcoming any potential bulging or distortion of the cold shrink tubes.
Accepted brands include Cembre, Arcus and Pfisterer Sicon type connectors.
The cable insulation is then removed and connectors are installed.
Most connector technology can be used providing they suit the requirements of the cable voltage, conductor construction and fit dimensionally within the 3M cable joint.
Scotch Electrical Tapes
Scotch 23 self-amalgamating tape is used to over tape the connectors. Layers of Scotch 23 are applied tightly around each connector overlapping into the primary insulation on each side of the connector position.
A piece of cable jacketing that has been saved from the cable preparation is then wrapped around the connectors for added mechanical protection.
Scotch 33+ premium insulation tape is applied across the lengths of the cold shrink joint to improve electrical insulation and water sealing protection.
The copper wire sleeve is then repositioned over the joint and secured onto the cable armours (either wire or braid armour) with constant force springs providing a 360º earth screen around the cold shrink cable joint for added protection.
Scotch 23 self-amalgamating tape is used to tape over the constant force springs ensuring the application is in the same direction as the constant force springs.
Scotch 2228 mastic tape is wrapped over the constant force springs to ensure a smooth profile and to achieve the required cable seal.
The 3M cold shrink protection tube is then positioned over the cable joint. The coil is then removed by hand to install. The live memory action of the specially formulated material shrinks the cold tube into position and ensures a constant radial pressure and seal.
Cold Shrink Joints Selection Table For Power Cables
Selecting the correct 3M LC type cable joint for use with single and multi-core type power cables, typically BS5467 (SWA) or BS6883 (GSWB).
Standard 3M Cold Shrink cable joints in the LC range can be over-protected by using cable joint moulds and then filled by pouring resin into the mould to encapsulate the joint – for example the cold shrink joint can be modified to provide resistance to hydrocarbon damage in hazardous area locations by using 3M Scotchcast 1402FR resin.
Can 3M Cold Shrink Joints Be Used To Joint Halogen Free & Flame Retardant Cables?
3M cold shrink joints can be used in conjunction with 3M STFF outer-protection sleeve – the joint sleeve is designed to protect the joint from fire. STFF sleeve is halogen free/zero halogen, flame retardant and does not emit toxic fumes in fire situations. Specified for onshore, offshore and rail tunnel applications where fire resistant protection of the cable joint is critical to overall performance, safety integrity and operational fire performance of the electrical cable and power system.
Can 3M Cold Shrink Be Used For Cable Repair?
Where cables have been subject to sheath degradation overtime due to electrical and mechanical stresses whilst in service a cold shrink tube can be used to re-instate the levels of cable insulation – note this requires access to an open-end of the cable or disconnection of the cable due to the tubular design of the cold shrink. If disconnection or isolation of the power cable system is not possible a heat shrink wrap-around type cable repair can be carried out. Read more about this subject in our detailed Blog covering solutions for repairing damaged cables.
Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables
We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Low Voltage Cold Shrink Cable Joints.
➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.
Learn more about the benefits and applications of Cold Shrink:
Thorne & Derrickare Approved Vendors to Lamprell of LV, MV & HV Cables, Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt.
T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
We supply UK and international businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV.
We provide global express delivery from stock at competitive prices.
Thorne & Derrickare Approved Vendors to SNC Lavalin of LV, MV & HV Cables, Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt.
T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
We supply UK and international businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV.
We provide global express delivery from stock at competitive prices.
Electrical Safety Equipment | MV HV Medium & High Voltages
Uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
CATU Electrical is the world leading manufacturer of Electrical Safety Equipment for working on opower systems including cables, switchgear, substations and electrical equipment operating at LV (Low Voltage), MV(Medium Voltage) and HV(High Voltage).
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are the largest stockist and supplier of CATU Electrical products in Europe.
Together, we make the world a safer place. Here’s how.
Once Upon A Time…..
CATU Electrical was created in 1919 and since the beginning it has dedicated its activity to the manufacture of safety material, PPE and equipment for LV MV HV electricity networks and installations – whether underground or overhead, onshore or offshore, CATU Electrical protects utility workers from the workplace hazards of the amp and volt.
Since 1936, CATU’s activity has been concentrated on equipment for personal protection against electrical hazards such as arc flash clothing and accordingly has now more than 60 years experience in this field.
After the end of World War II, many French companies involved in Production, Transmission and Distribution of electrical energy were amalgamated into one national company, called “Electricité de France” (EDF).
Poster : Le Bon D’Electriciteby Mario, an original vintage poster from 1926 France. This original antique poster features a plug and contact nest in the shape of the map of France.
A short time later, a central department for Safety and Prevention of Accidents was created within EDF.
Because of experience that CATU already had in this field, a close cooperation was forged between EDF and CATU which resulted in joint development of all the important Safety Material and Equipment now used in France.
The international recognition gained by EDF in this field has contributed to giving CATU Electrical a foremost position as international suppliers of LV MV HV Electrical Safety Equipment from Argentina to Zambia.
Today, CATU Safety Equipment including all the ranges of short-circuiting and portable earthing systems, voltage detectors and testers, the live working tools and the electrical safety equipment for Cable Jointers and Linesmen is used by the main power utilities and electrical contractors in over 100 countries spread across 5 continents.
CATU’s experience and level of investment and research is unmatched and unrivalled – they are members of the main national and international technical committees (such as UTE, CENELEC, IEC and ASTM).
CATU Electrical is contributing to the development and application of the latest technologies – this quest for continuous improvement and innovation is now reinforced with their ISO 9001:2000 Quality Insurance Certification.
No surprises then that CATU Electrical is the preferred brand of choice and most specified manufacturer by the world’s leading oil and gas EPC companies.
Insulating gloves conform to international IEC-60903 standard – to satisfy the requirements of this standard CATU Electrical gloves are subjected to dielectrical, mechanical resistance and ageing tests.
* CATU part references to be completed by size A, B, C, D. **References to be completed by size C, D. Correspondence with standard sizes: A = 8, B = 9, C = 10, D = 11
CATU Electrical manufacture insulating boots made from elastomer canvas support, very flexible and slip resistant for offshore electrical engineers and substation workers. Anti-perforation stainless steel sole and shell the electrical insulating footwear is in accordance with EN 345.
Insulating Matting
The insulating matting is manufactured of elastomer compounds with slip-resistant surface. High quality dielectrical rubber matting conforming to international IEC 61111 standard for LV MV HV offshore electrical switchgear and switchboard applications including 11kV and 33kV operating voltages.
Wall mounted life saving kit with instructions in English / Arabic
36kV
840mm x 754mm x 270mm
21kg
Compact Carrying Life Saving Kit
This compact kit is designed especially to be carried in a vehicle for safety electrical intervention (up to 24 kV). Made in two part (of moulded material: PEHD), the case is also on its red part, an insulating platform.
CATU Substation Life Saving Kits
Composition of the kit:
1 insulating platform 24 or 36 kV
1 telescopic insulating stick
1 voltage detector with autotest
1 rescue hook
1 insulated cable cutter
1 pair of insulating gloves
1 pair of insulating boots
1 talcum powder can
1 safety instructions and safety first aid posters
Life saving kit with instructions in English / Arabic
36kV
710mm x 510mm x 240mm
21kg
Voltage Detectors
➡ Further information about voltage detectors manufactured by CATU Electrical.
The DETEX voltage detector HBL is designed to offer users maximum safety on MV installations with explosive atmosphere.
Voltage presence is indicated by both extremely bright red flashing LED’s and powerful rated audible signal > 60 dB/2 m.
High reliability
Tropicalized: -25 / +55 °C.
housing made from polycarbonate with high mechanical properties and dielectric strength.
CATU CC-365-(*)-HBL-(**)
**End fitting C or K, recommend stick: CE-4-21
*Range of voltage 3/10 kV, 10/30 kV, 30/45 kV
Phase Comparators
➡ Further information about phase comparators manufactured by CATU Electrical.
Detect differences in voltage between any two points of an installation indicated by LED’s. It also enables assessment of the order of magnitude of the residual voltage induced by nearby live lines or circuits, and thus differentiates it from the one provided directly from a high voltage source.
Range of voltage: 2/36 kV
CATU CL-8-36
Short Circuiting & Portable Earthing Systems
Installations on fixed permanent points
CATU Part Reference
Rating (kA/1 s)
Installation on fixed points
Composition
Connection set
CATU MT-1910
20
Ø 20 mm MT-2951 range
3 clamps MT-1911-E 1 MT-1911
3 cables 95 mm2
1 earth cable 35 mm2
CATU MT-1920
30
Ø 25 mm MT-3951 range
3 clamps MT-1921-E 1 MT-1921
3 cables 150 mm2
1 earth cable 50 mm2
Recommended stick to be ordered separately: CF-5-40-E
Installations on bare conductors
CATU Part Reference
Rating (kA/1 s)
Installation on fixed points
Composition
Connection set
CATU MT-5805
20
Ø 5-35 16-40 5-40
3 clamps MT-815-C 1 MT-840/1
3 cables 95 mm2
1 earth cable 35 mm2
CATU MT-8408
12.5
Ø 18-33
3 clamps MT-814/3 1 MT-840/1
3 cables 70 mm2
1 earth cable 35 mm2
CATU MT-9801
10
Ø 5-16 0-16 Ø 5-28
3 clamps MT-817-C 3 clamps MT-814/2 1 MT-840/1
3 cables 50 mm2
1 earth cable 25 mm2
Recommended stick to be ordered separately: CF-4-21-C
♦ Further Reading
For more reading about Electrical Safety, read the T&D blog:
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipmentto 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.
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