3M Cable Joints & Terminations

Renewable Energy Energisations at Medium Voltage with 3M Electrical

MV Power

Reliable Solutions for Renewable Electrical System Installations

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.

For more than 30 years, 3M Electrical has been committed to delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of challenging renewable energy projects, including wind farms, solar farms, and battery energy storage systems.

3M understands the pivotal role that well-designed and dependable electrical installations play in maximising the benefits of renewable energy sources. As energy demands increase and circuits operate at high capacities, minimising downtime becomes essential for maintaining efficiency and productivity.

To address these challenges, 3M offers a comprehensive range of easy-to-install and reliable electrical solutions across Low, Medium, and High Voltage applications. Their products are designed to withstand the rigours of modern energy systems while ensuring optimal performance.

Together, we can collaborate with you to provide strong technical support, training and customised product kits to help you keep your system running.

Power Cable Accessories

Easy-to-install, reliable solutions

3M™ Cold Shrink Medium Voltage splice kit QS200 12-36 kV	Designed from the ground up, these medium voltage cable splices are one of the pinnacles of 3M’s performance, quality and reliability these kits are used with 1-core and 3-core cables, armoured or non armoured. No special cable jointing tools, torches or other heat sources needed.
Designed using a unique Cold Shrink delivery system. Products are supplied pre-stretched on a removable core for efficiency and ease of installation. Electrical field control device pre-installed in the insulation body help to avoid complexity during the installation. The specific properties of the insulating silicon body allow to terminate wide range of cable cross sections. 3M™ MV termination kits are available both with and without mechanical lugs included. 3M™ QT-III Termination is a further development of the QT-II. It has similar functionality but offers additional advantages for the end user. The main advantages of the QT-III Termination are that it contain fewer individual components. This eliminates time-consuming installation steps, which leads to fewer chances of error.	3M™ Cold Shrink Medium Voltage Termination QT-II3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Termination Kit 12-36 kV
3M™ Separable Connector Kit 12-36 kV	The Separable Connector is used to establish the connection between the cable and switchgear, transformer or other equipment. Products are moulded using high quality EPDM and sold in packs of 3 phases and they come with stress control element, earthing set, mechanical cable lug and assembly instructions. The straight, elbow and T-plug connectors cover a wide range of cable cross sections. All kits are fully type tested to Cenelec HD 629.1 (DIN VDE 0278).
3M™ Cold Shrink Connector Insulators are useful as primary electrical insulation for all solid dielectric (rubber and plastic) insulated wire and cable splicing rated to 1000 V, both indoor and outdoor. They are often good in providing physical protection and environmental sealing for communication and other non-electrical applications, including sheath repairs. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 90°C. In applications where the product is continuously exposed to UV radiation it is good to overwrap with e.g. Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Electrical Tape or Scotch® Self-Fusing Silicone Rubber Electrical Tape 70.	3M™ Cold Shrink Connector Insulators 1000 V
3M™ Cold Shrink High Voltage Splice kit QS3000 72.5 kV	3M™ Cold Shrink High Voltage Splice QS3000 Series Kits are designed for inline splicing up to 72.5 kV Umax Voltage class, 1-core XLPE Crossed Linked Polyethylene cables systems with copper wire screen, lead sheath or aluminium sheath according to IEC 60840.
3M™ Cold Shrink High Voltage Termination QTEN Series Kits. 1-core copper wire, lead sheath or aluminium sheath screened cables. The product options cover power cables up to 2500 mm² in size. The QTEN series, is designed for XLPE Crossed Linked Polyethylene cables up to 72.5 kV (U_max) according to IEC 60840. The kit includes silicone Cold Shrink body with integrated silicone rain sheds with a separate Cold Shrink stress control tube. Silicone Cold Shrink tubes are included to seal on cable lug and cable sheath. The creepage current collector is included for a defined earth potential at the end of the rain sheds.	Cold Shrink High Voltage Termination kit QTEN Series 72.5 kV
3M™ Sensored Cable Accessories (SCA)	3M™ Sensored Cable Accessories (SCA) are Medium voltage cable accessories including accurate current and voltage sensors to support the grid automation. It provides high accuracy voltage, current and phase angle with real time measurements when connected to secondary equipment, like RTUs or protection relays, at the medium voltage secondary substation. Moreover with a capacitive voltage sensor, the accessories provide reliable measurements over a wide temperature range and capable to capture up to the 50th harmonic (2500 Hz), offering a unique way to measure key parameters on the grid for use in prominent use-cases such as Real time monitoring, Fault detection and location, Voltage regulation and volt-var optimisation, Power quality management and Asset health.

Insulation, Connection and Termination Solutions for Renewable Electrical System Installations

3M™ Locating and Marking System

3M™ Locators and Markers provide a complete system for locating, marking and mapping vital underground assets. From markers that give an exact path and estimated depth of underground utilities, to markers that store information, to utility locators that interface with GPS/GIS field mapping instruments, 3M offers the precision tools needed to manage your assets.

3M™ Path Marking Tape	3M™ EMS and iD Ball Marker	3M™ Dynatel™ Locator XE Series

Cable Jacket Repair

Scotch® Cable Jacket Repair Tape	3M™ Heat Shrink Tubing HDCW

Other Supplies

Vinyl Electrical Tape	Rubber Electrical Tape	3M™ Scotchflex™ Cable Tie

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to Solar EPC’s & High Voltage Jointing Contractors working on the design, construction and maintenance of UK, European and international projects supplying an extensive range of LV HV Solar Cables, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.

We stock LV HV Cables, Accessories & Electrical Equipment to enable the construction, maintenance and operation of utility-scale PV installations – our products connect 600V/1500V solar cables into combiner boxes, inverters, transformers and energise switchgear up to 33kV/132kV for high voltage grid connections. Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations. 

Thorne & Derrick Appointed 3M Electrical Kitting Partners

PR | Uploaded 18.7.2024 by Chris Dodds - Sales Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick

11kV 33kV 66kV

Thorne & Derrick have been appointed as the Approved Medium Voltage Kitting Partner for 3M Electrical – this significantly strengthens our ability to lead the market through the innovation and delivery of cable-customised Joints & Terminations for MV applications.

Our Kitting Partnership facilitates the design and distribution to customers on short lead-times of 11kV, 33kV and 66kV Cable Accessories, utilising Cold Shrink Technology developed by 3M Electrical over 40 years ago.

Cold Shrink Technology is track-record proven to deliver the highest levels of electrical reliability and safety for the jointing, termination, abandonment and repair of Low, Medium & High Voltage Cables – ensuring optimum uptime through resilient power cable systems with a safe flame-free installation and a component design that reduces the scope for installer error to the absolute minimum.

“We are delighted to welcome Thorne & Derrick as a new kitting partner and look forward to continued joint success and growth. Being a kitting partner enables tailored solutions for our end customers, which allows us all to meet demands for specifications and react more quickly to dynamic timeframes” Jenny Swindells | Regional Division Leader, Northern Europe

Customisation, As Standard

As a leading UK Specialist Distributor of MV Cable Accessories, Thorne & Derrick deliver from stock the most extensive range of industry standard Joints & Terminations to connect and energise cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines up to 66kV.

The Renewable Revolution and Digital Economy have accelerated pressure on industry to develop project specific Cable Accessories compatible with diverse and evolving cable specifications – our Kitting Partnership with 3M empowers Thorne & Derrick to design tailored MV Connection solutions to the electrical power industry.

This includes customer specific MV Joints & Terminations to UK DNO, National Grid, TfL and Network Rail engineering requirements.

You can now work with us to overcome challenging supply-chain bottlenecks; we keep pace with your project programme and connection commitments so together we energise on-time, everytime.

Resilient & Reliable HV Power Systems

Thorne & Derrick’s EPC Framework Agreements and our Approved Vendor Listing with major project delivery contractors has led to outstanding growth in the Renewables, BESS, Rail, Data-Centre and Explosive Atmosphere sectors.

Pictured | Jonny Hewitt (Sales Engineer | Medium & High Voltage Projects) pictured with Allan Russell (3M Trainer) having successfully completed and achieved 3M Authorised Trainer Certification up to 66kV.

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.

Rail Electrification Innovation | The next-generation of 25/45/52kV Network Rail PADS ColdShrink Joints with Concentric Neutral, stocking at Thorne & Derrick.

THORNE & DERRICK | LV-HV | Cable Jointing, Termination, Substation & Electrical Eqpt Distributors 600V to 66kV

5 Steps 

Thorne & Derrick with 3M Electrical have identified and introduced 5 Steps to the industry to redefine customer-service excellence.

Our shared objective is a “best-in-industry” service provision to customers.

We are Electrifying your Power.

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to EPC’s & Contractors working on the design, construction and maintenance of UK, European and international projects supplying an extensive range of LV HV Cables, Accessories Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt – this includes Hazardous Area (ATEX & IECEx Certified) Equipment to provide Power, Heating & Lighting to the Potentially Explosive Atmospheres industries.

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.

Did you know 3M has some of the industry’s most outstanding performance metrics? Cold Shrink Reliability Record Low Failure Rates*: – 0.067% for Cold Shrink Cable Joints/Splices – 0.022% for Cold Shrink Terminations. *Data based upon U.S. failure data of U.S. manufactured 3M Cold Shrink MV HV Cable Accessories between 2009 and 2012.

Kitting Partner | 3M Medium Voltage Cable Joints & Terminations

Electrical Tapes & Cable Repairs

Sheath Repairs for Cables | Electrical Tapes Distributed from Stock 

Tape Repairs for Damaged Cables

Safe and reliable electricity distribution depends upon the integrity of power cables and the monitoring and maintenance of cable condition to ensure service is not disrupted by cable failure – the early warning indication of potential power problems is the condition of the Cable Sheath.

3M Electrical and Scotch brand tapes provide high specification and performance repairs to damaged cable sheaths and jackets for power systems, 600V to 66kV – this can include minor sheath nicks and more substantial deeper damages caused during the transportation, cable pulling or operational service of the cable circuit.

Scotch Electrical tape repairs from 3M provide durable sheath re-instatement to LV MV HV cables located in underground or outdoor locations providing excellent protection against moisture and contaminant penetration into the cable construction and consequently compromising cable circuit integrity and power system uptime.

• Convenient tape solutions for service vans with reduced inventory, cost and disruption
• Versatile field repairs from the roll with range-take for diameter cables
• Ideal for repair of stress cracks and splits caused by exceeding cable bending radius
• Quick and easy tape repairs requiring no flames, heating or gas torch for safe use in confined spaces and potentially explosive atmospheres with hazardous areas Zone 1/2
• Flexibility and fast repair with excellent cable sheath adhesion

Temporary & Permanent Repair of Field Damaged

Low & High Voltage Cable Using Electrical Tapes

Damage Level 1	Damage Level 2	Damage Level 3
Minor damages. Surface damages like scratches and grooves from sharp edges.	More substantial damages with cable cores intact. Cuts and breakouts of the cable jacket.	A new cable splice is required. Severe damages with damages cable cores. Punctures and deep damages affecting the inner layers of the cable. Further detection of the cable is necessary.

Task – Repair for Minor Damage Cables 

For repairing cable damage like scratches and grooves from sharp edges:

• Clean the cable surface with a solvent and sandpaper – use 3M™ Cable Preparation Kit CC-3 or Scotch® 1626 Degreasing and Cleaners
• Half-lap Scotch® Cable Jacket Repair Tape 2234 over the damaged jacket area
• Overwrap each end with Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Tape. This tape will add radial pressure to ensure optimum adhesion and sealing

Task – Repair for Substantial Damage Cables 

When dealing with more significant damage where a portion of the cable jacket is torn, first check if the inner layers of the cable are undamaged:

• Remove the torn and damaged edges of the cable jacket
• Clean the cable surface with a solvent and sandpaper – use 3M™ Cable Preparation kit CC-3 or Scotch® 1626 Degreasing & Cleaning Spray
• Fill and seal voids with 3M™ Scotchfil™ Electrical Insulation Putty
• Overwrap the whole repair length with Scotch® Cable Jacket Repair Tape 2234

3M Cable Sheath Repair Video

Watch this short video on how 3M and Scotch Brand Tapes help reduce or mitigate downtime with reliable cable jacket repair tapes.

T&D Supply PADS Network Rail Approved 3M Cable Terminations For TRU Project

Thorne & Derrick | 3M Stockists & Key UK Distributor Since 1985

PR | Uploaded by Natalie Lundie | Supply Chain: Marketing Lead at Thorne & Derrick

3M Cable Terminations

PADS Network Rail Approved Medium Voltage Cable Accessories

Thorne & Derrick are proud to have supplied 3M Cable Joints & Terminations to the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project. Our partnership with 3M Electrical since 1985 has enabled us to deliver high-quality electrical solutions to various projects.

The TRU project involved the installation of an overhead gantry and the laying of 3km of high voltage cables through the deep Marsh Lane Cutting, which connects Leeds and Neville Hill. To ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations, the project required the use of PADS Network Rail Approved joints and terminations.

By supplying reliable and durable Cable Joints & Terminations, we were able to support the TRU team in accomplishing their goals. This project is crucial for the future electrification of the line east of Leeds, providing the necessary power infrastructure for efficient and sustainable transportation.

Transpennine Route Upgrade

The TRU project is a major programme of railway improvements aimed at bringing better journeys to passengers traveling across the Pennines between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.

Stretching across the North of England the 70-mile Transpennine main line serves 23 stations, crosses over and dips under dozens of bridges and viaducts, passes through six miles of tunnels, and crosses over 29 level crossings.

TRU will transform the Transpennine main line into a high-performing, reliable railway, bringing more frequent, more reliable, faster & greener trains. The Transpennine Route Upgrade East Alliance is a collaborative effort between several organisations including Network Rail, J. Murphy & Sons, Siemens, Systra, and VolkerRail. These companies have come together to deliver infrastructure improvements on the eastern part of the route between York and Leeds.

Thorne & Derrick are a Network Rail Approved Vendor, which means we have met the necessary criteria and have been approved to supply our products and services to Network Rail. PADS (Product Acceptance and Design Services) is the product approval process used by Network Rail.

PADS Approved Solution

The client contacted Thorne & Derrick requiring PADs Approved Joints & Terminations so the team could carry out planned major engineering works.  As part of the TRU project they needed to install an overheard gantry and lay 3km of high voltage cables between East of Leeds Colton & Neville Hill.

The cable joints & terminations provided by Thorne & Derrick will be used to enhance the electrical connectivity and reliability of the railway infrastructure in this area. These components are crucial in ensuring efficient transmission of power and signals along the tracks.

3M cold shrink cable joints require no hot-work permit or special tools for installation – specified for rail cable sealing, insulation and protection and are approved by Network Rail for live rail terminations and inline cable joints for DC track feeder cable applications.

Why T&D?

One of the reasons Thorne & Derrick was chosen for this project was our ability to offer the best price and quickest delivery of the cable terminations. The delivery had to be completed within a specific timeframe in order to guarantee that the engineering works could proceed as planned. The terminations were available ex stock, meaning they could be shipped the next day.

The use of high-quality cable joints and terminations in the TRU project aims to minimise signal interruptions, electrical faults, and downtime on the line. Electrification of the line east of Leeds is an important step towards achieving efficient and sustainable transportation in the future. This demonstrates a commitment to delivering a modern, efficient, and reliable railway network. Ultimately, this will lead to improved train performance, reduced delays, and a better overall experience for passengers.

⚡️ November: The TRU team installed an overheard gantry and laid 3km of high voltage cables through the deep Marsh Lane Cutting between Leeds and Neville Hill.

These will provide the power for future electrification of the line east of Leeds. pic.twitter.com/Y7q19tdrh6

— The Transpennine Route Upgrade (@theTRUpgrade) December 31, 2023

The project’s investment in the latest technologies and partnerships with trusted suppliers like Thorne & Derrick aim to provide a safe and seamless travel experience for passengers in the East Leeds Colton and Neville Hill area.

As a Network Rail Approved Vendor, Thorne & Derrick is proud to serve the rail industry as a reliable and trusted supplier, helping to contribute to the efficient and reliable functioning of the national railway infrastructure in the UK and meeting the demanding requirements of the rail industry.

With our extensive range of PADS Approved Medium Voltage Joints & Terminations available from stock, T&D is well-equipped to support the Transpennine Route Upgrade and other railway projects in the future.

Thorne & Derrick’s experience and expertise in the electrical distribution industry, combined with our strong relationship with 3M Electrical, have allowed us to contribute to significant infrastructure projects like the TRU. We remain committed to delivering reliable and innovative solutions to our customers in the UK.

Installation of Medium Voltage Termination

3M Cold Shrink technology ensures quick, easy and safe installation of the QTIII Termination Body by pulling and unwinding the plastic support core in counter clockwise direction. Specialist cable jointing tools are not required. Included with each kit are installation instructions for the 3M QTIII Series Terminations.

3M 95-EP631-2 uses innovative Cold Shrink Technology combined with Network Rail (NR) and PADS Approval to meet the requirements for the installation on medium voltage electrical infrastructure – forming part of rail cable joints & terminations range by 3M Electrical.

3MCold Shrink High Voltage Termination Kit QTEN is suitable for application up to 72.5 kV (U_max) single-core copper wire-screened cables. The silicone cold shrink insulation body provides an easy and secure solution for cable termination.

The 3M 95-EP620-1R cold shrink cable termination, with PADS Approval for used on high voltage power networks at Network Rail, is suitable for the connection of 52kV single core polymeric insulated cables with copper wire screens

PADS Approved Rail Equipment

Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute a wide range of cable accessories and electrical equipment for rail applications. These accessories are used by contractors who work on various aspects of the rail system, including low voltage power distribution, high voltage electrification, substations, DC traction and networks, OLE (overhead line equipment), and track feeder cable renewals.

Our product range includes cable terminations, joints, cable repair products, and connection products that are approved by Network Rail PADS. These products are suitable for medium voltage cables and can handle voltages up to 66kV.

The cable accessories provided by Thorne & Derrick include options like heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on, and slip-over varieties. These accessories are used to joint, terminate, and connect medium and high voltage power cables to various equipment such as oil, air, or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors, and overhead lines including 3M Cold Shrink, Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold products.

To view the full range of PADS approved rail equipment that Thorne & Derrick can offer click here –  Rail Cable Accessories LV HV

3M Scotchcast™ Resins – EU Regulation 2020/1149 Amending REACH Restrictions

3M Scotchcast™ Resins

3M 92 NBA GS Scotchcast resin cable joint kits are low-voltage cable jointing kits using the innovative epoxy, CMR-free 3M™ Scotchcast™ 4 GS Resin.

The Scotchcast cable joints incorporate electrical insulation and mechanical protection and are compatible with both compression (crimp) or mechanical shearbolt connectors for conductor jointing of copper or aluminium cores.

92 NBA GS Scotchcast resin cable joint kits includes 8 sizes with options of an integrated connector and different joint types. It features a unique design which builds upon the experience of 3M in low voltage cable accessories.

Due to EU regulation 2020/1149 amending REACH restrictions, the EU has introduced mandatory training for workers handling diisocyanates, effective 24 August 2023.

3M™ Scotchcast™ Electrical Insulating Resin 4 GS in bags

How does this affect the use of 3M™ Scotchcast™ Resins?

The 3M™ Scotchcast™ 4GS Epoxy Resin was developed with sustainability, safety and ease-of use in mind.

The product is free of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances, without compromising the performance. The isocyanate-free formulation means that it is not concerned by the EU regulation 2020/1149, and as a result, avoids the need for the mandatory training.

The popular 3M™ Scotchcast™ 40 Polyurethane Resin and 3M™ Scotchcast 40 Resin Kit products are impacted by the EU regulation 2020/1149, as they contain Diisocyanate component typical for Polyurethane resins.

But reassuringly, all of the 3M™ Scotchcast™ Resin Kits which come with an innovative closed mix & pouring (CMP) system that connects the resin bag with the housing body (which is a convenient one-piece mould) ensure a mess-free, no-contact, fast and safer installation. This minimises the risk of human exposure to the resin.

3M Electrical | Scotchlok | ColdShrink | Scotchcast Resin | Scotch Electrical Tapes

Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have been Approved Distributors for 3M Electrical Products (LV HV) including Cold Shrink and Scotchcast products – whilst the competitive supply of product from stock on short lead times is essential to the distributor it is equally vital that 3M product reputation is preserved through the correct installation of products in accordance with 3M recommendations.