3M Cable Joints & Terminations

Thorne & Derrick Appointed 3M Electrical Kitting Partners

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

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.

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.

3M Dynatel | 1420 Marker Locators for Underground Cables & Utilities

3M Dynatel Electronic Marker System Locator 1420X/XE

3M Dynatel

1420 Marker Locators for Underground Cables & Utilities

3M Dynatel Locators 1420X/XE Series determines exact location of underground 3M Electronic Marking System (EMS) Markers. There are two variations of the locators 1420-iD and 1420E-iD.

3M Dynatel Locators are microprocessor-based systems that incorporate advanced digital signal processing techniques to quickly and efficiently locate underground cables and utilities even years after construction or maintenance.

This locator reads, writes and locates 3M™ iD Markers.

It locates 2 different marker frequencies simultaneously. It features a lightweight design, large display with easy-to use interface, enhanced connectivity, internal GPS module, and includes Li-Ion battery with built-in charger.

Electronic Marker System Marker Locator | 3M Dynatel

Designed to be accurate, fast and integrated allowing you to accurately and easily:

• Locate, read and write to 3M iD markers
• Pinpoint the depth and location of all existing models of properly installed underground passive EMS markers
• Conduct direct depth reading of markers
• Locate two different marker frequencies simultaneously

Advanced Features

Detect Information About Underground Utilities

A feature exclusive to the 3M 1420-iD/1420E-iD locators is the ability to read, write and lock programmed information into the 3M™ Electronic Marker System iD Markers.

Information such as a pre-programmed unique identification number, facility data, owner information, application type placement date and other details from up to 100 markers can all be stored with date/time stamp and transmitted back to your PC for enhanced resource management.

Accurate Even In Congested Areas

The 3M 1420-iD/1420E-iD locators are unaffected by metal conduit or pipe, metallic conductors, fences, AC power or electronic markers for other utilities. Multiple markers located at close proximity can be read individually using this system.

A Simple, Easy-to-use System

Lightweight and compact, the locators are rugged, ergonomic and require very little operator training. A large bright backlit digital liquid crystal display screen and soft-key operation make them easy to understand and use for more precise locates.

A “memory” feature remembers operator set-up from the previous use. A standard RS232/USB communications port allows interface to an external computer for uploading/downloading of data, unit configuration and remote software upgrades. The system is estimated to operate for more than 25 hours on eight AA alkaline batteries.

Exclusive GPS System Adds Accuracy With Ease

The 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marker System Marker Locators 3M 1420-iD/1420E-iD are now compatible with select GPS/GIS field mapping instruments for real-time mapping of marker placement.

The customized Dynatel interface commands the GPS/GIS device allowing even a generalist field technician to perform real-time mapping. It’s a simple system for mapping marker placement and saving information directly into CAD and GIS systems.

The electronic export of this information in GIS format creates an automated paperless system for records updating, making positive locates in the field easier than ever.

Additional Features Include

• Large backlit, high-resolution graphic display
• PC interface via standard RS232/USB
• User-configurable features and interface
• Detects all seven EMS marker frequencies
• Locator PC tools software
• iD marker read/write capability
• Dual marker frequency search-simultaneous
• iD Marker depth estimation

3M Dynatel Technical Specifications

3M Dynatel 1420-iD

Keypad & Display Definitions

[1] On/Off (Power): Turns unit on and off.
[2] Speaker Volume Control: [2] Adjusts the volume of the locator (off, low, medium, and high).
[2A] Speaker Volume Icon: Indicates the relative volume level of the locator.
[3] Contrast: The arrows located above and below the contrast icon will adjust the contrast of the display.
[4] Gain Adjust: Adjusts the sensitivity of the locator either up or down to maintain a satisfactory signal level.
[5] Locate/OK: Sets the locator to trace mode for locating markers. Also acknowledges setup entries (OK).
[6] Menu: Displays setup screen for configuration of the unit, i.e.: clock, language, depth units, and marker data.
[7] Backlight: Toggles the backlight low, high, and off.
[8] Battery Icon: Indicates battery level.
[SK] Soft Keys: There are four soft keys (yellow keys) on the locator. The function of each key is shown above the key on the display screen. The functions will change, depending on the operation mode of the locator. For instruction purposes in this manual, the display command is followed by [SK] to identify it as a soft key.
[9] Soft Key Commands: Definitions for each of the four soft key functions.
[10] Signal Strength: Digital reading of the signal strength that the locator is detecting from the marker.
[11] Bar Graph: Graphical representation of the received signal.
[12] Gain Level: Displays relative gain level.
[13] External Jack: Not active on this model.
[l4] Serial Port: RS232 port to connect the locator to a PC via serial cable or USB-to-Serial Adapter cable.
[15] Earphone Jack: Will fit standard 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) mini-jack mono earphone plug (not included).

Ordering Information from 3M Electrical

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.