3M Cold Shrink
Invented over 40 years ago by 3M, 3M Cold Shrink Technology is designed to make cable insulating, termination and abandonment as simple as possible. The secret of 3M Cold Shrink technology lies inside it, in the form of a plastic coil. After the 3M Cold Shrink Tube has been placed over the joint or cable end, this inner spiral is pulled out. The insulating tube then contracts and seals onto the cable, exerting constant radial pressure for the lifetime of the joint or termination.
3M Cold Shrink Tubes are installed easily and reliably without the use of cable jointing tools (e.g. gas torches or naked flames). The Cold Shrink tubes manufactured by 3M Electrical are made from extruded EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) or silicone rubber that are stretched onto a spiral core.
The benefits of cold shrink tubes clear a long-term environmental seal that has high performance even in extreme conditions. The tool-free installation reduces downtime, installation time and training requirements.
Silicone
THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation earthing, 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.
Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.
3M 92 GS Series Kits – Mould Body and Connection
3M™ Scotchcast™ Resin 4 GS with Colour Indicator
Professional Cable Jointing Solutions
The new 3M™ Scotchcast™ Resin 4 GS is a CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reprotoxic) free electrical cable jointing resin has a unique colour mixing indicator to show installers when the resin is correctly mixed by the cable jointer.
Scotchcast™ Resin 4 GS comes in a 2-part transparent bag with integrated pouring spout, ensuring mess-free effortless application. The high-performing formulation means the resin will cure to joint or repair the cable, even in the presence of water.
These 3M Scotchcast resin kits are tested according to EN 50393, CMR-Free substance, compatible with EU Directive 2002/95 / EC (RoHS) and EU regulation 1907/2007/ EC (REACH).
Simple, colour indicating mixing
Through a colour change indicator, the 3M Scotchcast resin will turn green when properly mixed by the installer, engineer or cable jointer.
*Gel time at 23°C for 92-NBA 3 GS
3M Scotchcast 92 GS Series Resin Joint Kits with Resin 4 GS are easy to install, mess-free applications with 3M professional cable jointing solutions.
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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 HVÂ
Action Required Following a Serious Incident
Withdrawal of the Metrohm HVD03/2D live line indicator from use by Network Rail staff.
The Metrohm HVD03/2D (PADs Number 094/007055) live line indicator shall be withdrawn from use by all Network Rail staff from the 14th August. Contractors and third parties are still permitted to use the HVD03/2D after the 14th August 2020 until a future date. Although where alternate live line indicators are available, they shall be used in preference to the HVD03/2D.
Until the HVD03/2D live line indicator have been completely withdrawn, the 3-metre rule will remain in place as in the Safety Advice NRA20-05. For devices that do not have a proving unit, a weekly check on a known live 25kV supply must be carried out as stated in the briefs.
Staff should only use the following live line indicators:
The lifesaving rules and associated guidance for Test Before Earth and Test Before Touch on 25kV OLE must still be followed as in the Safety Advice NRA18-12.
HVD03/2D live line indicators must be quarantined and not used by Network Rail staff after the 14th August 2020. Staff should only use live line indicators that they have been briefed to use. Always use live line indicators as instructed.
If at any point staff feel unsafe with any aspect of working on or about the 25kV OLE infrastructure and associated electrical safety risks they should discuss their concern with their supervisor.
Joints & Terminations for Network Rail 25kV Electrification Projects | PADS Approved
Cubis Systems Network Rail PADS Approved Access Chambers & Cable Protection
Network Rail Full Acceptance for Nexans Tee Connectors & Bushings for 25kV Power Transformers
Cable Troughs supplied to Network Rail and London Underground to support insulated electric cables used for power distribution and communication
Connecting 33kV Power Cable In DC Inverter Room
Special thanks to Lee Bavington (Director) at Power Installations Ltd
for allowing Thorne & Derrick to share the following images
Power Installations Ltd have the capability and Authorisation to cover the specification outlined by SP Energy Networks (SPEN) technical requirements for the Jointing & Termination of Medium Voltage Power Cables up to 33kV.
The following sequence of site photographs show the SPEN Angle DC project approaching completion with the installation of Cold Shrink terminations to the DC inverter room.
Below images show standard SPEN specification medium voltage cable termination utilising Cold Shrink technology invented by 3M Electrical over 50 years ago.
Project Details
Angle-DC is a smart and flexible method for reinforcing distribution networks. The project is creating a controllable bidirectional Direct Current (DC) link between two sections of our network, Isle of Anglesey and North Wales. Angle-DC is converting existing 33kV Alternating Current (AC) assets to DC. The DC link will enable improved power flow and voltage control. Converting AC assets to DC operation will enhance the thermal capability of the circuit in a timely manner. The Anglesey example, while complicated, is representative of many of the challenges all DNOs are facing in the transition to a low carbon economy. This pilot scheme will incorporate a novel technology as part of the toolbox of solutions for network reinforcement and renewable connections. The solution could be deployed to interconnect two distribution networks which would otherwise be operated split due to fault level and thermal limits. View the project Fact-Card here.
DC Inverter Room
Cable Terminations 33kV
The Jointers from Power Installations Ltd had to sleeve the copper screen wires of the 33kV power cable below the line of the surge arrestors that the invertor cradles were mounted on due to the fault potential from the invertors as they were not earthed as part of the DC system.
New SPEN Angle DC Project
Technical Resources
NIC Project Medium Voltage Direct Current Link Technical Specification | This Specification details SP Energy Networks (SPEN) requirements for a bidirectional Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) Link for the ‘Angle-DC’ project, being carried out in conjunction with Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition (NIC).
NIC Project Holistic Circuit Condition Monitoring Specification | This Specification details SP Energy Networks (SPEN) requirements for network monitoring equipment for the ‘Angle-DC’ project being carried out in conjunction with Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition (NIC).
Thorne & Derrick | 3M Electrical Distributors & Stockists Since 1985 | Medium Voltage Joints & Termination from stock up to 66kV
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 33kV and 66kV cables.
Watch Video & Read Blog about the benefits of Cold Shrink technology from 3M Electrical
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 HVÂ
The power utility industry is risk-averse.
The decision to change a technology is not taken lightly. You need data, you need research, and you need proof that what you’re using is most reliable, so you can have peace of mind when powering entire cities.
Currently in Canada cable crimp compression technology is the more predominate technology for LV MV HV cable connections. However, just because its what’s you’re used to or many companies use it doesn’t mean it’s the most reliable solution of splicing, connecting or terminating cables.
This is why I conducted a cable connection comparison study to compare continuous shearbolt and crimp compression technologies. The goal of this study was to determine which solution offered superior cable connection reliability.
So, utilities could have peace of mind. Here are my study results.
An easy distinction between continuous shear technologies and crimp compression technologies is that in a continuous shear installation the lug or connector is installed by continuously shearing off the bolts. Where as, with crimp compression technologies you must crimp a connector or lug using a die and special crimping tool.
The study results: how did continuous shearhead bolt technology and crimp compression technology stack up against each other?
My research found that not only does continuous shear technology offer better performance, it also helps enhance the safety and reliability of the network while driving total cost of ownership down in the long run.
This study proved that, despite some benefits, such as offering standardisation improvements, crimp compression technology (CSA hex die system) is not a fool proof solution. A critical shortcoming is that utilities do not have full control in terms of quality or installation because CSA hex die dimensions are proprietary to the die manufacturer.
This can prevent utilities from being able to fully dimensionally check the dies before releasing them for use in the field. This can be problematic because any slight variation in manufacturing tolerances from one crimping tool manufacturer to another, and one die manufacturer to another, as well as small dimensional differences, or variations in material hardness of the connectors and/or lugs, can determine whether it was a successful or failed installation. In short, there’s not enough control, therefore crimp compression technologies like CSA hex die systems are less predictable.
But, with continuous shear technology that shortcoming does not exist.
Our study found various reasons reinforcing continuous shear technology as the more reliable solution. Here are three critical takeaways:
Study highlight: The continuous shear technology plays an important role in an aging utility infrastructure that requires substantial upgrades. It also offers new project construction options for a more robust and reliable, electrical network.
THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation earthing, 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.
Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.
Published 02 Sep 2026
Celebrating Charlie & Ella’s Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeships At Thorne & Derrick International, we are proud to champion talent development and recognise the dedication required to achieve professional growth. We are therefore delighted to congratulate Charlie Baines and...
Published 11 Aug 2026
Thorne & Derrick will be Exhibiting at Solar & Storage Live UK 2026 at the NEC Birmingham from 22nd–24th September, showcasing our support for HV Cable Accessories, Joints, Terminations, Separable Connectors, Cable Tooling and Grid Connection Products used across...
