PICOUP Cable Spiking & Cutting Tool

Redefining Safety Standards in Underground Power Maintenance

The PICOUP Ultra-safe, electrohydraulic power cable spiking and cutting tool range from PENTA UKI is setting a new standard for safety and simplicity in underground power cable maintenance. Designed without traditional hydraulic hoses, the PICOUP tools safely check the absence of voltage on underground cables without the hazards and complexities associated with explosive cartridges.

The PICOUP tool boasts significant advantages over conventional cartridge-based spikers.

Unlike cartridge-driven spikers that rely on explosive charges to deadproof cables, the PICOUP tool employs a hydraulic system that eliminates the risks of unexpected discharge, misfire, and storage hazards, ensuring a safer working environment. The cable is immediately ready for the works after the use of PICOUP.

As the hydraulic system applies consistent, controlled force, it reduces the risks of cable over-damage and unintended electrical discharge. Cartridge-based spikers can apply uneven force, posing serious safety concerns for crews in the field.

Simplified by design, PICOUP’s user-friendly design is easy to learn, promoting safe and efficient usage among team members and its elimination of cartridges, makes preparation faster and reduces the risk of user error. Maintenance becomes effortless to as PICOUP tools bypass the rigorous inspections required for explosive-based spikers and make routine checks and servicing far simpler.

PICOUP Cable Spiking & Cutting Tool In The Field

Kevin Rushton, Managing Director of PENTA UKI said, “The PICOUP Safety Spiking and Cutting Tool is transforming safety in the industry, providing a highly reliable, non-explosive alternative to traditional cartridge-based systems. With safer force application, quieter operation, and streamlined usability, the PICOUP range is making underground cable maintenance not only safer but also more efficient.”

The PICOUP range is available to purchase in the UK from Thorne & Derrick or rent from Sunbelt Rentals. Read More Here – Spike & Cut Power Cables ! Improving Cable Safety with Sunbelt Rentals

The unique PICOUP 400 from PENTA provides a combined “Spike & Cut” capability up to 140mm in a single-tool operation – exclusively stocked by Thorne & Derrick.

About PENTA UKI

PENTA UKI is an expert manufacturer of electrical safety solutions, driven by a commitment to ensuring your safety in every intervention.

PENTA UKI is trusted by Linesmen, Maintenance Technicians, and Electrical Engineers working across global electricity generation, transmission, and distribution networks, as well as 9 other critical industries. We safeguard your operations with cutting-edge safety technology designed to meet the highest standards in the most demanding environments.

Count on PENTA—where safety meets innovation.

Pictured : L – R | Richard Derrick (MD T&D), Andy Smith (SEB Technical Sales Engineer), Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager T&D), Paul Millett (MD SEB), Regan Redpath (Apprentice Sales Engineer T&D), Kieron Clarke (SEB Junior Fitter) & Lee Mellors (Lead Multi Skilled Fitter. 

Thorne & Derrick, the leading UK Distributor for the SEB range of cable pulling and laying equipment, recently visited their facility to factory witness test the operation of their largest cable drum trailer manufactured to date – based on the standard CD980S Adjustable & Extendable Cable Drum Trailer the custom-design to a utility client specification provides operational simplicity, maximum power and ultimate reliability built-in. The trailer will safely handle and transport high voltage power cable drums (400kV) with a maximum drum width of 3.6 metres and drum height of 5 metres with a 50 Tonne payload.

Cable Drum Trailer Specification

High Voltage Cable Drum Trailer Diagram

Cable Pulling & Laying Equipment

Suppliers & Distributors

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – this includes the most extensive range of Cable Pulling & Cable Laying Equipment to enable the installation of low, medium and high voltage power cables into underground trench or duct.

We service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at LV, 11kV/33kV and up to EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

T&D distribute the complete range of LV-HV Cable Pulling and Laying Equipment including cable rollers, cable socks, drum jacks, drum trailers, cable lubricant, underground cable protection and conduit duct rod.

THORNE & DERRICK are Specialist Distributors of LV HV Cable Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV – this includes the most extensive range of Ex Stock Innovation Tooling to facilitate safe and reliable preparation, termination and installation of cables.

MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors

Surface Tracking – 3M Medium Voltage Cable Terminations

Surface Tracking on Cable Terminations

Surface tracking is the irreversible damage and degradation on the surface of a medium or high voltage cable accessory or  insulative material, such as a cable termination, due to the formation of conductive, carbonized paths.

Tracking results when discharges cause carbon to be left on an insulating surface as a result of the degradation caused by the heat of the discharge. This carbon deposit will grow to eventually create a continuous conducting path, which will lead to catastrophic failure.

Cold Shrink & Condensation In Medium Voltage Switchgear & Cable Terminations

Hydrophobic silicone Cold Shrink terminations provide excellent performance in Medium Voltage electrical equipment, such as switchgear, where cables endure temperature fluctuations caused by thermal cycling when under load – this “heating and cooling” effect condensates potentially causing premature partial discharge at the cable termination point. 3M Cold Shrink technology has a material tendency to reject and repel moisture accumulation and thereby reducing the probability for discharge-initiated erosion and tracking on medium/high voltage cable terminations.

N2XS(F)2Y Cable Terminations 12/20 22kV 24kV

Energising Data Centres | The QTIII range of MV Terminations are approved and in widespread service throughout the data centre sector for 12/20 (24)kV connection of N2XS(F)2Y Medium Voltage Cables with XLPE Insulation, Copper Wire Screen and Stranded Copper Conductor to BS EN 60228 into electrical switchgear equipment.

Surface Tracking Causes

Carbonized paths can occur from the dielectric breakdown of insulation, and/or by the introduction of contaminants on the surface that allow for electrical discharges across the surface.

The 3 factors that enable surface tracking to occur on cable terminations (MV HV): 

Hydrophobicity

3M Terminations | Protecting Against Tracking

Tracking is defined as a process that produces localised irreversible deterioration on the surface of an insulator, resulting in the loss of the insulating function by the formation of a conductive path on the surface of the insulator.

Silicone is an excellent track resistant material and is hydrophobic, repelling water and making the insulator self-cleaning which results in a dryer surface and lower leakage currents. 3M outdoor cable terminations include 3M rain sheds which disrupt any wet leakage paths that occur in industrial environments and also allows the creepage distance of the termination to be much shorter.

Insulator Skirts

Use of skirts on cable terminations increases the creepage distance (leakage distance) between the voltage source and ground plane. The undercut skirts disrupt wet leakage paths that occur in outdoor environments.

Advanced Materials

Insulators and skirted assemblies are made of formulated silicone rubber, which has excellent tracking resistance and hydrophobic properties. Special High K materials formulated to effectively control electrical stress.

Effective Stress Control

Electric field stresses are distributed in a controlled manner along the entire termination length. Voltage stress concentrations on the insulator surface are kept below 15 V/mil at rated voltage.

Further Reading

• 66kV Terminations | NEW Stock Introduction for 3M Cold Shrink Cable Terminations
• Stress Control | MV Cable Terminations by 3M Electrical
• Cable Jacket Repair | 3M Electrical Webinar

3M DISTRIBUTORS, STOCKISTS & SUPPLIERS

Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery from stock for the complete range of 3M Scotchcast and Cold Shrink cable joints, terminations, resins and Scotch electrical tapes – we stock high voltage cable joints and terminations manufactured from 3M using Cold Shrink for 11kV and 33kV cables.

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 

4.10.2024
By Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick International

In our latest Blog, we would like to focus on Energy Transition and the future Green direction of our business at Thorne & Derrick as members of NEPIC (North East Process Industry Cluster). NEPIC represents the largest single cluster of process, pharmaceutical and chemical companies in the UK, and is the second largest in the whole of Europe.

Thorne & Derrick International, based in the North East of England, are leading UK Specialist Distributors of products to guarantee personal safety, site efficiency and plant reliability in Harsh, High Voltage & Hazardous Areas.

Our diversity is our strength, from providing legacy asset management solutions for aging electrical infrastructure to the delivery of high voltage cable connection products to repair or energise networks from 600V to 66kV. 

NEPIC Membership and their energetic corporate team have been an invaluable and a vigorous catalyst to the outstanding business and employment growth at Thorne & Derrick over recent years.

NEPIC supports the needs and interests of the process industry sector in the North East of England and exists to ensure our region thrives – lobbying for and supporting investments, innovations and opportunities with a partnership network of members.

Pictured | Thorne & Derrick at NEPIC’s flagship annual networking Event, Meet-the-Members – an opportunity to initiate new client introductions, strengthen existing relationships and gain invaluable insight into the Energy future via Main Stage talks delivered by industry leaders.

During the Event we showcased and received substantial interest in our ATEX certified range of products that provide LV & HV Power, Lighting and Heating to the emerging-energy, process and power industries.

Thorne & Derrick add premium supply-chain value to the Process Industry Sector – with an unrivalled product and service provision from locally manufactured Hazardous Area Lighting by Raytec to Cold-Shrink cable accessory products from global giant and Fortune 500 company 3M Electrical. Our business also provides design services for electric heat tracing and lighting systems for industrial and Explosive Atmospheres to ensure regulatory compliance with DSEAR and ATEX certification requirements.

We specify, supply and are Certificated to provide Installer Training for the 3M range of Cold-Shrink Medium Voltage Cable Accessories in the 11kV, 33kV and 66kV voltage classes.

A Sustainable Future for our Energy & for our Business

Our NEPIC Membership has positioned Thorne & Derrick alongside a cluster of industrial, power, process and hydrogen businesses dedicated to the decarbonisation of industrial operations through the deployment of Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) – we are working to specify and supply compliant critical equipment to build and operate the infrastructure required to transport CO2 from emitters in the Teesside and Humber regions to a secure offshore carbon store beneath the North Sea via the East Coast Cluster and the Northern Endurance Partnership.

Image | The East Coast Cluster & Energy Transition

Net Zero Teesside

Net Zero Teesside (NZT) is a collection of industrial, power and hydrogen businesses which aim to decarbonize their operations through the deployment of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS).

Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) is a first-of-a-kind fully integrated gas-fired power and carbon capture project and a key driving force behind plans to make Teesside the UK’s first decarbonized industrial cluster.

NZT Power’s proposed combined cycle gas turbine electricity generating station will have an electrical output of up to 860 megawatts (MW) of low carbon electricity, enough to power up to 1.3m homes per year.

NZT | The UK’s First Decarbonised Industrial Cluster

T&D are Specialist Distributors to the Process Industries – this includes the fine and speciality chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and polymers manufacturing sectors.

We supply and support businesses working on the design, construction and maintenance of UK, European and international projects.

We can competently specify and competitively supply an extensive range of Hazardous Area Equipment (ATEX & IECEx) to provide Power, Heating & Lighting to the Explosive Atmospheres industries – this includes LV HV Cables, Accessories, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt from 600V to 66kV.

Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.

Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.

Data Centres | 600V to 66kV

Reliable 3M Electrical Solutions That Help Keep Your Power On

Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have been Authorised Distributors for the 3M Electrical range of Low, Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories for the insulation, connection, repair and provision of reliable electrical power up to 66kV utilising Cold Shrink, heat shrink, Scotch Tape and Scotchcast Resin technologies.

3M Electrical is a trusted supplier of advanced materials for Data Centres. Long-lasting 3M electrical products are engineered to enhance performance, help improve reliability,
and offer the right protection for less downtime and fewer interruptions.

3M Electrical Products — More Uptime, Reduced Outages

Insulate, Connect, Protect & Energise

Each letter below represents an electrical construction or maintenance application. Match all letters that apply to the facility illustration to see all the places where 3M electrical products help you deliver efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.

Cable Applications

A	Insulate Wires and Cables • Repair and re-insulate LV cables and busbar • Repair or replace busbar insulation • Insulate and seal in harsh conditions
Connect Wires and Cables • Conductor to conductor (pigtail and inline) • Conductor to flat pad or pin-connection	B
C	Splice Cables • Splice underground buried and submerged • Splice in cable tray or ductwork • Shearbolt and compression connectors
Rejacket and Protect Medium Voltage Cables • Rejacket buried and submerged cable • Provide mechanical and abrasion protection	D
E	Terminate Cables • Terminate in switchgear • Terminate live-front busbar connections • Terminate with dead-front separable equipment connection • Terminate in outdoor pole top and substation connection
Motor and Equipment Maintenance • Insulate motor lead connections • Repair busbar insulation • Repair metal housing for motors and pumps	F
G	Be Safe on the Job • Equipment outlet line insulation • Personal protection
Protect Cables from Fire, Water or Corrosion • Resist water, oil and chemicals • Resist abrasion, puncture and cut-through • Resist pipe corrosion	H
I	Fire Protection • Protective wraps • Caulks, putties, foams and large opening solutions • Sprays, sealants and tapes
Locate & Mark • Map path and depth of underground assets	J
K	Maintain & More • Cable identification and cable management • Metal lubrication and rust resistance

Data Processing Centre Guide

Voltage Rating of 3M Product Applications

Indicates High Voltage Application (69KV-145KV)
Indicates Medium Voltage Application (5KV- 46KV)
Indicates Low Voltage Application (<1000V)

Kitting & Stocking Commitment | Thorne & Derrick have expanded existing stock lines and introduced products into stock across the 3M Electrical Product range from LV to HV. From Scotch Tapes for 600V repair to QTEN for 66kV termination – we hold the deepest and broadest selection of 3M Scotch, Scotchcast and ColdShrink cable accessories in UK stock, 11kV 33kV 66kV.

3M Electrical Product Application Guide

NOTE: Products vary within each category. Not all products will be suitable for all the application requirements listed.

*Speciality Tapes coding: S=silicone, C=corrosion protection, G=glass cloth, V=varnished cambric

Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Substation & Electrical Eqpt to EPC’s & High Voltage Jointing Contractors working on the design, construction and maintenance of UK, European and international data centre projects.

Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.

Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations

View our Data Centre Capability page.