Wind power continues to emerge as one of Germany’s key energy sources.
Offshore turbines are being engineered for ever greater capacities, which presents new challenges for energy transmission in the turbines themselves and in the offshore wind farms. As well as the technical challenges, health and safety considerations are another important factor.
Operators of offshore wind farms are increasingly designing their systems for higher voltages because of the continual rise in power demands, and also because it makes the process of transmitting the energy generated by the wind farm far more efficient. Offshore wind farms currently operate at 66kV and are preparing for an upgrade to 132kV. This places extremely high demands on the turbine installations as well as the associated cabling and connection equipment.
Installations out at sea also need to be as easy as possible to maintain and offer maximum resistance to salt water and the harsh marine climate. Moreover, health and safety aspects must be taken into account as a priority alongside the technical requirements. From a technical standpoint, offshore wind parks are governed by the standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The Prysmian Group offers a large portfolio of innovative cable solutions specified to meet these requirements. Prysmian invests on an ongoing basis in the development of cable technologies that reduce lead content, aimed at creating innovative and more efficient solutions.
Prysmian Windflex Cable
Under its trademarked brands Feltoflex® and Windflex® the Prysmian Group offers cable solutions that withstand the toughest condition on the high seas and the very specialized technical specifications of the wind energy industry. The low bending radius of Prysmian Feltoflex cable saves space during routing – a feature that distinguishes it from other products currently on the market. Feltoflex cables are also well suited to connecting offshore platforms with one another, an application that demands a high degree of flexibility as the platforms can move relative to each other.
The Feltoflex solution is used primarily in those cases where the sea cable cannot be attached directly to the switchgear that connects it with the tower. This is where the Feltoflex line serves as a so-called dropper cable, securing the connection between the turbine and the network. To be more precise, it docks onto the array cable that connects the offshore wind farm’s individual turbines and enables transmission to land of the wind energy generated. The dropper cable thus forms the connection between the wind turbine and the network. One of the most notable technical benefits of the Feltoflex solution compared with conventional high-voltage cable is its tight bending radii.
This means it can be installed in extremely small spaces and, as a result, significantly reduce construction and installation costs.
Because the wind turbine’s nacelle turns as the wind direction changes, the power cables that transmit the energy down the tower have to turn with it. Windflex and Feltoflex cables come into play where the lines run in a cable loop. This is where flexibility really matters in order to prevent potential mechanical damage and breaks.
A number of factors must come together to ensure maximum flexibility of the Windflex cable – most notably the thickness of the sheathing, the construction of the energy conductor and the ductility and fire retardance of the material.
The big advantages of the Windflex and Feltoflex range include their mechanical resilience and especially their outstanding torsional performance. Among the parameters tested is whether the nacelle in the tower is able to rotate several times by up to 100 degrees per meter in one direction without damaging the cable. They are also put through their paces to ensure they are robust enough to withstand extreme fluctuations in windspeed and temperature. Windflex and Feltoflex cables can cope with temperatures from -40 to +80 °C. Environmental conditions can vary substantially and call for project-specific adaptations. Windflex cables are zero-maintenance and overwhelmingly wear-resistant.
The Windflex product range was used for the first time in 2005, and has been running in those installations ever since without a single failure. The range is engineered to last the entire lifecycle of a platform, i.e. at least 25 years. Extensive testing on facilities such as Prysmian’s own torsion test rig provide the basis for first-class product quality and contribute to an ongoing expansion of the digital database.
Prysmian Feltoflex Cable
Prysmian Group is world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. With almost 140 years of experience, sales exceeding €11 billion, about 29,000 employees in over 50 countries and 106 plants, the Group is strongly positioned in high-tech markets and offers the widest possible range of products, services, technologies and know-how.
It operates in the businesses of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, of special cables for applications in many different industries and of medium and low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors.
For the telecommunications industry, the Group manufactures cables and accessories for voice, video and data transmission, offering a comprehensive range of optical fibres, optical and copper cables and connectivity systems. Prysmian is a public company, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange in the FTSE MIB index.
Prysmian Joints, Cleats & Cables Terminations
Onshore Cable Pulling Starts At Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm
Providing Electrical Safety & PPE to Offshore Wind Farm Workers
Cable Testing – Is Resonance Testing The Way Forward For Offshore Wind?
Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery from stock for the complete range of Prysmian cable cleats, joints and glands. We distribute Prysmian cable cleats, joints, glands and connectors for terminating and jointing cables including low, medium and high voltage cables – contact us for competitive price quotations and delivery from stock for the Prysmian product range.
Nexans’ Smart CableThe construction and mining industry require huge amounts of energy. In many cases, diesel oil for machines and vehicles is the primary energy input. But times are changing.
Mining and construction companies want to boost their environmental performance – and they are switching to electricity to achieve this.
Electricity is the perfect power source because it produces no carbon emissions at the point of use and there are no particulates (a key consideration in tunnels and confined spaces).
On top of this, energy costs are much lower with electricity.
A key point is that electricity can be used to replace diesel power in any type of machine or vehicle. Examples include dragline excavators (for strip mining and civil engineering), cutting, drilling and shovelling equipment, trucks, and load-haul-dump (LHD) machines.
All can be powered by electricity.
View the complete range of Mining Cables – this includes low, medium and high voltage flexible trailing and reeling cables to provide electrical power and supply in underground and surface mining industries.
Nexans – MV Medium Voltage Cable Jointers Tool Kits 11kV 33kV
One of the most cost effective and flexible ways to supply electricity to machines and vehicles is by using dynamic cables. These are extra-tough electrical umbilical cables that are designed to connect moving machines to fixed electricity supply points.
Dynamic cables are highly reliable. But managing them on a busy worksite presents a number of challenges. One of these is identification: cables are often stored outside and piled up like spaghetti, so it can be difficult for field operators to find the one they need. This problem is amplified by the fact that cable markings quickly wear away.
Another challenge is getting reliable data about cable condition.
Field operators and asset managers need to know about the age and number of repairs done on each cable. But linking this information with individual cables is difficult because, as noted above, identification marks soon wear off.
➡ Thorne & Derrick distribute Silver Fox and BAND-IT wire and cable labels for electrical, instrumentation and process pipeline and cable identification – cable labels clearly identify LV-HV power, telecom, data, signal, instrumentation, fibre optic and control cables.
The tough, trackable Nexans’ Smart Cable is designed to solve all of your dynamic cable dilemmas. The solution combines Nexans’ Smart Inventory Management (SIM) platform with RFID-enabled cables (tags are embedded in the cable itself). Benefits include:
Nexans’ Smart Cable solution is designed to save you money and boost performance. And just as important, it provides a stepping stone on the path to greener, all-electric operations.
Onshore Wind Farms: Nexans Awarded Underground Power Cable Contract for Viking Wind Farm
UKPN 33kV XLPE Aluminium Wire Screen Single Core 185sqmm-300sqmm IEC 60502-2
SSE 11kV XLPE CWS 3 Core Al BS7870:2011 4.20 70-300sqmm
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV.
Stocking & Supplying | Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling Eqpt | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV
Euromold MV HV | Cable Terminations, Connectors, Elbows & Joints
BS EN 343 Standard Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
The BS EN 343 standard is the European Standard for garments that protect against rain.
BS EN 343 specifies the requirements and test methods for materials and the seams of protective clothing that has been designed to give protection against precipitation (i.e. rain, snow), mist and ground moisture.
There is also a separate test EN 14360 for assessing the waterproofness of the complete finished garments but this test is not included in EN 343.
This standard’s icon shows an umbrella placed under two numbers that represent the X and Y values. The X value indicates the waterproofness and the Y value indicates the water vapour permeability (the garment’s breathability).
This standard falls within the scope of ‘self-certification’. This means that manufacturers are allowed to certify their own products, which therefore do not need to be assessed by an independent Notified Body. This is because the only risk to the wearer is that he/she might get wet, which is not a life-threatening hazard. If EN 343 is used in combination with other EN standards the whole combination of standards is assessed by the Notified Body.
The X and Y Values
The X value indicates the waterproofness of the garment. There are 3 Classes with 3 being the highest (i.e. the most waterproof) and 1 is the lowest. A specific quantity of pressurised water is applied to the fabric and the respective Class is derived from the amount of pressure the fabric can withstand.
The Y value indicates the breathability of the fabric/s (all the layers used in the article). There are also 3 classes for breathability with Class 1 being the lowest and Class 3 the highest. Wearing Class 1 garments longer than x minutes is not recommended (the length of time the article may be worn (x) is given in the standard in a table).
View further information about Arc Flash Clothing Standards.
BS EN 343 | Standard Overview
Protective Clothing. Protection against Rain.
This document specifies requirements and test methods for the performance of materials and readymade garments for protection against the effects of precipitation (e.g. rain, snowflakes), fog and ground humidity.
Garments for protection against other effects than precipitation (e.g. water splashes, waves) are excluded from this standard. The protective effects and requirements of footwear, gloves and separate headwear are excluded from the scope of this document.
Standard Status | Current, Under Review
Published | 2019
➡ Standards | RIS-3279-TOM | IEC 61482-2 | BS EN ISO 11611 | BS EN ISO 20471 | BS EN ISO 14116 | BS EN ISO 11612 | BS EN 13034 | BS EN 342 | BS EN 14404 | BS EN 1149-5 | HSG47
Protective clothing. Protection against rain – Withdrawn 4th September 2003.
Clothing & Garments
Protecting Workers Against the Dangers of Arc Flash
Thorne & Derrick stock and supply the most extensive range of Arc Flash PPE, Clothing & Protective Garments – should you require any further information, sample garments for field test and trial or a quotation please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Electrical Safety Equipment & Cable Accessories for the Maintenance of Low, Medium & High Voltage Power Systems
BS EN 14404 Standard Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
BS EN 14404 Standard relates to personal protective equipment, knee protectors for work in the kneeling position. ProGARM® produces safety garments that are certified in accordance with the BS EN 14404 Type 2 standard. This EN Standard relates to trousers and coveralls which offer kneepad pockets to protect the wearer when kneeling.
EN 14404 only applies in combination with certified knee pads and a garment that has been assessed. All ProGARM® workwear garments with knee pockets comply with EN 14404 and have been assessed accordingly by a notified body.
The measurements prescribed for kneepads depend on the size of the garment in which they are used. The ProGARM® Gel Foam kneepad is our recommended kneepad for use in our garments to ensure the pad fits the pocket and offers protection for wearers from short to long leg lengths.
There are three properties of knee protectors that are tested – these are Penetration Resistance, Force Distribution and Shock Absorption. Two levels of protection can be provided. The ProGARM® Gel Foam Knee Pad has been tested according to and meets the requirements for EN14404 Level 1.
Level 1: This level requires knee pads to provide protection on a surface on which the wearer will not generally risk injury from lying objects more than 1 cm high. Penetration resistance of at least 100 N.
Level 2: This level requires kneepads to be able to withstand use under heavy conditions, such as kneeling on stones in mines and quarries. Penetration resistance of at least 250 N. View further information about Arc Flash Clothing Standards.
BS EN 14404 | Standard Overview
Personal protective clothing. Knee protectors for work in the kneeling position.
The following is an excerpt from BS EN 14404:2004+A1:2010 EN 14404:2004+A1:2010 (E)
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 14404:2004+A1:2010. It supersedes BS EN 14404:2004 which is withdrawn.
Kneeling is an unnatural working position. Without knee protectors, workers may suffer discomfort and immediate injuries from hard surfaces and small stones and similar objects lying on the surfaces. However no knee protector can ensure that workers will not suffer medical complications if they are required to kneel for long periods.
It is important that knee protectors do not compromise venous drainage in the leg while kneeling or standing up. Therefore it is important that it is easy for workers to change position and to stand up to re-establish a normal blood circulation at frequent intervals while wearing knee protectors. Work in a kneeling position involves the risk of chronic diseases such as prepatellar bursitis and cartilage injuries caused by continuous pressure on the knees. Knee protection is therefore recommended for all work in the kneeling position.
The protection should distribute forces evenly and prevent small hard objects on the ground causing injuries. Many workers have pre-existing damage to their knees particularly to their cartilages from sports injuries and from previous work. These injuries will be made worse by further kneeling, but knee protectors should slow the process.
Work in a kneeling position may expose the skin of the shins, knees and thighs to toxic and corrosive materials normally kept off the body while walking and standing by waterproof or water-resistant footwear. Knee protectors and trousers for use with such wet materials and particularly wet cement, should take this into account and provide adequate protection, as does footwear.
Knee protectors incorporated into trousers or attached to trousers or worn over trousers or on the bare knees should remain in place while kneeling down, and while shuffling (walking) on the knees. Their size should ensure that they protect the knees during movement.’
Standard Status | Current, Under Review
Published | 2004
➡ Standards | RIS-3279-TOM | IEC 61482-2 | BS EN ISO 11611 | BS EN ISO 20471 | BS EN ISO 14116 | BS EN ISO 11612 | BS EN 13034 | BS EN 342 | BS EN 1149-5 | BS EN 343 | HSG47
Clothing & Garments
Protecting Workers Against the Dangers of Arc Flash
Thorne & Derrick stock and supply the most extensive range of Arc Flash PPE, Clothing & Protective Garments – should you require any further information, sample garments for field test and trial or a quotation please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Electrical Safety Equipment & Cable Accessories for the Maintenance of Low, Medium & High Voltage Power Systems
BS EN 342 Standard Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
Arc Flash & Protective Clothing Standards
BS EN 342 standard covers Protective Clothing & Protection Against Cold.
This EN Standard specifies the requirements and test methods for garments and clothing combinations designed to protect the wearer in a cold environment (characterised by a combination of humidity, wind and air temperature lower than -5 °C). The standard does not contain any specific requirements for head, hand or foot protection.
This standard’s pictogram is an ice-crystal placed alongside three figures that represent the insulation (Clo), air permeability (X) and, if applicable, the water vapour resistance (Y) values. The precise meaning of these values is explained below.
The Clo, X and Y Values
The Clo value indicates a garment’s insulation properties and is a measurement of how long a person can work at a specific temperature when wearing this clothing. It is not a specific class, but can be any value. The table below shows the significance of the Clo value.
(Table to follow)
The X value indicates a garment’s air permeability. The X value has 3 classes (1 to 3). Class 1 garments have the highest air permeability and Class 3 the least. The air permeability is a wind proofing measurement, Class 1 is therefore the least windproof and Class 3 the most.
The Y value indicates a garment’s water vapour resistance. The Y value also has 3 classes (1 to 3). Class 1 garments have the lowest water vapour resistance and Class 3 garments the highest.
A more recent version (2004) of EN 342 is now available
The new version has the following values: Icler / Icle, this is the equivalent of the Clo value and two Y values. The first Y value indicates the air permeability; it is assessed in a different way to the old EN 342, but is still given as Class 1 to 3. The second Y value indicates the garment’s waterproofing. Clothing that complies with EN 342 does not necessarily have to be waterproof. This value can therefore sometimes be omitted. This value has 2 classes – 1 and 2. Class 1 is the least waterproof and Class 2 the most. If a garment is waterproof, its breathability must also be tested.
View further information about Arc Flash Clothing Standards.
BS EN 342 | Standard Overview
Protective Clothing. Ensembles and garments for protection against cold. Material performance and design requirements.
This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for the performance of clothing ensembles (i.e. g two piece suits or coveralls) for protection against the effects of cold environments equal to or below −5°C (see Annex C). These effects comprise not only low air temperatures but also humidity and air velocity.
Requirements and test methods of garments for protection against cool environments are specified in EN 14058.
The protective effects and requirements of footwear, gloves and separate head wear are excluded from the scope of this standard.
Standard Status | Current
Published | 2017
➡ Standards | RIS-3279-TOM | IEC 61482-2 | BS EN ISO 11611 | BS EN ISO 20471 | BS EN ISO 14116 | BS EN ISO 11612 | BS EN 13034 | BS EN 1149-5 | BS EN 14404 | BS EN 343 | HSG47
Protective clothing. Ensembles and garments for protection against cold. This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 342:2004, incorporating corrigendum March 2008. It supersedes DD ENV 342:1998 which is withdrawn.
Clothing & Garments
Protecting Workers Against the Dangers of Arc Flash
Thorne & Derrick stock and supply the most extensive range of Arc Flash PPE, Clothing & Protective Garments – should you require any further information, sample garments for field test and trial or a quotation please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thorne & Derrick International supply arc flash clothing and protection equipment including coveralls, gloves, helmets, face shields and general head-to-toe PPE is used to protect against flashover – complete range of insulating matting is also available for worker protection when exposed to energised electrical switchgear and transformers.
Typical applications include LV, HV & EHV cable jointing and terminating, fuse pulling, switchgear commissioning, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working on medium and high voltage electricity networks.
T&D are national distributors LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable cleating, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Electrical Safety Equipment & Cable Accessories for the Maintenance of Low, Medium & High Voltage Power Systems
Published 12 Mar 2026
Compound Box Filling Compound end boxes rarely get attention — until one fails. Across ageing networks, replacement of compound-filled end boxes is becoming more frequent, particularly where original insulation systems have deteriorated and air insulation is not practical because...
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...
