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BAND-IT ULTRA-LOK Cable Clamps Reduce Cable Theft | Case Study
April 8th, 2021
Cable Clamps
Cable Theft is a Growing Problem Worldwide
Cable theft occurs globally, but in South Africa it’s fast becoming a national crisis.
Estimates put the loss between 5-7 billion Rand (423 – 593 million USD) a year, with serious implications for the country’s economy, reliability of electricity supply and security.
Cable thefts can cause power outages that could last for days, with copper cable thefts constituting more than 90% of all these thefts. The cost of replacing the metal has a significant disruptive effect on industry and contributes to increased tariffs and prices for ordinary South Africans. Furthermore, the replacement of stolen LV MV HV cables has to take preference over essential maintenance.

Tamper Resistant ULTRA-LOK Cable Clamps
To deter theft, the security of any traditional cable installation can be increased by applying an ULTRA-LOK clamp as frequently as every 150mm of cable. The effectiveness of the ULTRA-LOK cable clamps was recently proved at a client site in August 2015. The client operates in the petrochemical industry, where conveyer belts are located in secluded areas and are difficult to monitor making cable theft monitoring a major challenge. The verdict, after looking at various BAND-IT ties, was that the ULTRA-LOK open end clamp and installation tool would be the best suited to the client’s projects.
BAND-IT’s team was tasked with supplying the client with application tools and clamps, and provided training to the operators that installed the clamps.
INSTALLATION: UL4000-D TOOL
For installing the BAND-IT ULTRA-LOK clamps out in the field, the BAND-IT UL400-D tool is recommended, as it is ideal for mobile installations. The UL400-D power tool uses pre-set tension settings with ULTRA-LOK bands to consistently achieve maximum clamping strength. One tool tightens the clamp and cuts off the tail right at the buckle for a smooth installation. Powered with a Lithium-ion battery, the UL4000-D battery charge lasts longer with consistent peak performance through the life of the battery.
- Speed: Installs cable clamps 3-5x faster than hand tools
- Strength: 20% stronger than BAND-IT band & buckle, full tension lock, provides tighter clamp than band & buckle
- Easy to use: Training takes minutes, reduces mistakes vs. stainless steel band & buckle
- Save money: Faster installation provides lowest installed costs, power tool eliminates costly training vs. band & buckle installation tools, increases productivity and quickly move to your next job
- Safety: Less time spent in hazardous work zone, reduces injuries caused by hand tools, reduces fatigue and chronic ailments caused by hand tools, optional UL Safety Belt available

33kV/132kV Offshore Substations – LV, MV & HV power cables providing support to a wind farms distribution of electricity are located using stainless steel cable ties, banding and strapping. Image: Siemens. Durable, reliable and stable cable management products are specified for wind turbine applications where extreme mechanical stress, vibration, UV and seawater exposure preclude the use of sub-standard non-metallic types of cable ties.

Stainless Steel Cable Ties – clamping, strapping and banding cables in harsh, hazardous area and high voltage (HV) applications
BAND-IT – DISTRIBUTORS, STOCKISTS & SUPPLIERS
Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery from stock for the complete range of BAND-IT stainless steel cable ties.
Stainless Steel Cable Ties Replace Plastic Ties In Harsh Environments
April 8th, 2021
Stainless Steel Cable Ties
BAND-IT Cable Ties
Shine At Precious Metals Refining, Smelting Complex
The conditions in the refinery complex are unique due to its highly-corrosive and hazardous area atmosphere, as even 304 stainless steel is subject to rust after an extended period. Therefore, the specific requirement was for high-strength, durable cable banding / strapping solutions to cater for these challenging conditions. Previously the company was using plastic cable ties for the facility’s electric cables, which proved not durable in the harsh operating environment.
Over a five-month period, Banding & ID Solutions Africa has been upgrading the tying system used on the cables at the refinery complex using a mixture of reusable BAND-IT cable ties. To date, it has supplied about 10,000 reusable BAND-IT cable ties to the company.
BAND-IT Cable Ties Outlast Plastic Cable Ties
The cable straps are expected to last up to five years before they need to be replaced, which is significantly longer than the six-month lifespan of the plastic cable ties (non-metallic) used previously.
In addition to BAND-IT Ties being well-suited to the application at hand, the contractor was impressed that the cable ties were easy to install using a ratchet-operated BAND-IT C075 Bantam strapping tool.
BAND-IT Ties
Thorne & Derrick distribute Stainless Steel Cable Ties manufactured by BAND-IT for bundling, strapping and locating low, medium and high voltage MV HV cables.
Cable ties manufactured from stainless steel are used in industrial and hazardous area locations where high temperature and exposure to corrosive atmospheres requires a high security cable tie and clamping solution – the cable ties provide excellent resistance to weather conditions, UV radiation, extreme temperature, aggressive chemicals or fire.
The cable ties are used to bundle, fasten, clamp and tie LV MV HV cables onto cable containment including cable tray, ladder or basket. The high strength, corrosion-resistant cable ties provide excellent support for all types of power, control and instrumentation cables with resistance to chemical corrosion, UV and vibration.
We provide competitive prices for stainless steel cable ties and cable cleats and cable hanging systems from extensive stocks to UK and international destinations.
➡ Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute the complete range of Band & Buckle products and tools manufactured by BAND-IT from stainless steel used to fasten, strap and clamp LV MV HV cables, pipes and hoses.
See also Cable Cleats | Cable Banding | Cable Ties | Cable Tags | Cable Markers

3M Electrical Tapes Guide | The Tape For Every Task
April 8th, 2021
3M SCOTCH ELECTRICAL TAPES
Scotch Tapes from 3M include vinyl electrical insulation, high temperature glass cloth, sealing mastic, rubber self-amalgamating and high voltage tapes to provide track resistance, semi-conductive and sheath repairs to 11kV-33kV power cables.
Thorne & Derrick distribute the complete range of 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes for the insulation, repair, identification, jointing and terminating of LV, MV & HV cables – specialist fire resistant tapes, arc resistant, semi-conductive and rubber splicing tapes up to 69kV enable the protection of LV-HV cables including 11kV-33kV medium voltages, against abrasion, moisture, alkalis and acids.
Insulating, Splicing & Cable Jointing Tapes
Precision electrical tapes for insulating, jointing and splicing low-voltage wires or cables up to 69kV, bus bars and motor leads.
3M Scotch tapes are also suitable for end sealing high voltage cables and are highly conformable for irregularly shaped objects. Scotch tapes are stable and durable for years of maintenance-free service.
- Scotch 130C Linerless Rubber Splicing Tapes
- Scotch 23 Rubber Splicing & Self Amalgamating Tapes
- Scotch 70 & 70 HDT Self-Fusing Silicone Rubber Electrical Tapes
- Scotch 2510 2520 Varnished Cambric Tapes
- Scotch 13 Semi-Conducting Tapes
Sealing, Padding & Shaping Cable Tapes
Designed to insulate and keep water out, 3M Scotch electrical sealing tapes can be used to pad sharp edges and make smooth transitions over irregular shape electrical equipment and power cables.
Ideal for insulating bolted connections and service drops, lighting connections and grounding rod connections.
- Scotch 2200 2210 Vinyl Mastic Tapes
- Scotch 2229 Sealing Mastic Tapes
- Scotchfil Electrical Insulation Putty
- Scotch 2228 Rubber Mastic Tapes

3M Scotch Electrical Tapes
3M Electrical Tapes Guide
| General Use Tapes | Professional Grade Tapes | ||||
| Typical Values | 3M Temflex Tape 1300 | 3M Temflex Tape 1500 | Scotch Tape 35 | Scotch Super 33+ Tape | Scotch Tape Super 88 |
| Best For | Simple Light Tasks | Medium Duty Applications | Medium to Heavy Duty | Medium to Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty |
| Target Applications | General bundling, marking, and secondary insulation |
Temporary and/or non-critical marking, bundling, holding and secondary insulation |
Permanent low-voltage primary and secondary insulation | Permanent, low -voltage primary and secondary insulation, cable jacketing and mechanical protection |
Permanent low-voltage primary and secondary insulation, cable jacketing, mechanical protection and padding |
| Application Environment | Normal temperatures and ambient conditions |
Moderate temperatures and conditions |
Harsh temperatures and moist or corrosive conditions |
Extreme temperatures and moist or corrosive conditions |
Extreme temperatures and moist, corrosive or rough conditions |
| Certifications | IEC 60454-3-1-1/F-PVCP/60 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-5/FPVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
CSA and VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-6/FPVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
CSA and VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-7/FPVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
CSA and VDE Certified, UL 510 Listed, IEC 60454-3-1-7/F-PVCP/90 and RoHS2015/863/ EU Compliant |
| Operating Temperature¹ | 0 to 60°C | 0 to 90°C | -10 to 105°C | -18 to 105°C | -18 to 105°C |
| Thickness | 0.13mm | 0.15mm | 0.18mm | 0.18mm | 0.22mm |
| Sticking Power (Adhesion to Steel) | 1.7 N/10mm | 1.8 N/10mm | 2.2 N/10mm | 3 N/10mm | 3 N/10mm |
| Stretch² (Elongation) | 150% | 170% | 225% | 250% | 250% |
| Strength² (Backing Strength) | 20 N/10mm | 20 N/10mm | 30 N/10mm | 26.3 N/10mm | 35 N/10mm |
| Insulation² (Dielectric Strength) | 38 kV/mm | 40 kV/mm | 49 kV/mm | 45 kV/mm | 45 kV/mm |
| Colour Details | Various | Various | Various | Black | Black |
¹ Temperature range may vary by local agency standards.
² Based on ASTMD 1000. Not for specifications. Values are typical, not to be considered minimum or maximum. Properties measured at room temperature 23°C unless otherwise stated.
³ Not all colours available globally. Other colours may also be available in your local market. Yellow/Green typical values may vary. See local datasheet for details.

Cooper Power | Bushing Interfaces & Separable Connectors Guide
April 8th, 2021
ANSI Connectors | Medium Voltage Power Cable Connectors for Transformers & Switchgear Bushings from Cooper Power Systems
Cooper Power Systems Separable Connectors (ANSI) & Bushings are rated for 15kV, 25kV and 35kV medium voltage power systems in accordance with the following ratings. More Reading | ANSI Connectors | Screened Separable Connectors from Cooper Power Systems
| 200 Series Connectors
Bushing Interface Type: A1 |
Cooper DB250, PPS24/250 | ![]() |
| Connection Type | 7.9mm Plug-in Pin Contact | |
| Max Voltage Rating | 24kV | |
| Max Current Rating | 250A | |
| Complies with | EN50180 & EN50181 | |
| Connectors | DE250 / DE251 / DS250 / DS251 | |
| 400 Series Connectors
Bushing Interface Type: B1 |
Cooper DB400, PPS36/400 | ![]() |
| Connection Type | 14mm Plug-in Pin Contact | |
| Max Voltage Rating | 36kV | |
| Max Current Rating | 400A | |
| Complies with | EN50180 & EN50181 | |
| Connectors | DE400 / DE436 / DT400P / DT436P | |
| 400 Series Connectors
Bushing Interface Type: C1 |
Cooper DB630, PPS36/630 | ![]() |
| Connection Type | M16 (Bolted) | |
| Max Voltage Rating | 36kV | |
| Max Current Rating | 630A | |
| Complies with | EN50180 & EN50181 | |
| Connectors | DTB624&636 / DTS624&636 / DTB1242 & DTS1242 | |
| Interface type C2 (1250A) also available upon request | ||
| 600 Series Connectors
Bushing Interface Type: D |
Cooper 15BT-OB | ![]() |
| Connection Type | 5/8 (Bolted), M16 also available | |
| Max Voltage Rating | 24kV | |
| Max Current Rating | 800A (Al) / 1250A (Cu) | |
| Complies with | HD629.1, IEC60525-4, & ANSI/IEE 386 & 404 | |
| Connectors | DE400 / DE436 / DT400P / DT436P | |
| Interface to D1 (800A) & D2 (1250A), EN50180 / EN50181 | ||
| 700 Series Connectors
Bushing Interface Type: E |
Cooper 35BT-OB | ![]() |
| Connection Type | 5/8 (Bolted) | |
| Max Voltage Rating | 36kV | |
| Max Current Rating | 800A (Al) / 1250A (Cu) | |
| Complies with | HD629.1, IEC60525-4, & ANSI/IEE 386 & 404 | |
| Connectors | 35BT Bol-T (DT635 / DT638) | |
| Interface to E1 (800A) & E2 (1250A), EN50180 / EN50181 Interface types F1, F2, & F3 also available upon request |
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Thorne & Derrick
Contact us for Competitive Prices & Fast Delivery from Stocks for Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink & EPDM Rubber Connectors, Joints & Terminations up to 66kV.
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
Cutting Cables Using Portable Radio Controlled Hydraulic Cutting Units from Cembre
April 6th, 2021
Portable Radio Controlled Hydraulic Cutting Units – B68RC3 Series
NEW Hydraulic Cutting Units – Radio Controlled B68RC3 Series
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of cable cutting and crimping tools from Cembre, including the new B68RC3 series of Hydraulic Cable Cutting Units.
Hydraulic Cutting Units
Portable Radio Controlled
Hydraulic cutting units, from the B68RC3 range, are fitted with a unique wireless sensor paired to the receiver integrated in the pump using European frequencies (868 MHz).
The sensor is maintenance-free as it is fully protected and has battery-free technology.
All RC heads are fitted with eyelets to hang the head for better support during operation, and grounding point is provided to facilitate the grounding of the head when cable cutting is required.
The Cembre B68RC3 range of hydraulic cutting units features 3 variations: the B68RC3-85, B68RC3-96 and B68RC3-120. Each variation of the radio controlled cutting units have different cutting diameter ranges.
Hydraulic Cutting Units
Cembre B68RC3-85

B68RC3-85 Hydraulic Cutting Unit
Maximum cutting diameter |
85 mm |
Pump Height |
236 mm |
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Battery material |
Li-Ion |
pump Weight |
6.2kg |
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Battery voltage |
18 V |
Head Length |
409 mm |
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Battery current |
7 Ah |
Head Width |
174 mm |
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Nominal pressure |
729 bar |
Head Height |
140 mm |
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Pump Length |
417 mm |
Head Weight |
6.2kg |
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pump Width |
212 mm | ||
Cembre B68RC3-96

B68RC3-96 Hydraulic Cutting Unit
Maximum cutting diameter |
96 mm |
Pump Height |
236 mm |
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Battery material |
Li-Ion |
pump Weight |
6.2kg |
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Battery voltage |
18 V |
Head Length |
498 mm |
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Battery current |
7 Ah |
Head Width |
147 mm |
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Nominal pressure |
729 bar |
Head Height |
249 mm |
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Pump Length |
417 mm |
Head Weight |
9.7kg |
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pump Width |
212 mm | ||
Cembre B68RC3-120

B68RC3-120 Hydraulic Cutting Unit
Maximum cutting diameter |
120 mm |
Pump Height |
236 mm |
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Battery material |
Li-Ion |
pump Weight |
6.2kg |
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Battery voltage |
18 V |
Head Length |
536 mm |
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Battery current |
7 Ah |
Head Width |
140 mm |
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Nominal pressure |
729 bar |
Head Height |
223 mm |
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Pump Length |
417 mm |
Head Weight |
10.9kg |
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pump Width |
212 mm | ||
Radio Controlled hydraulic pump
The new portable pump B68M-P18-KV-RC3 is the core of every hydraulic cutting unit, which is battery operated for independent use.
The B68M-P18-KV-RC3 has the same inherent strength as the Cembre range of 18V tools – including the range of Hydraulic Cable Cutting Tools. The pump is a lightweight and of high capacity, equipped with an innovative radio remote control designed specifically for man-hole environments to allow operators to control and operate the pump out of the man-hole at a safe distance.

B68M P18 KV RC3 Portable Pump
New Li-Ion 18V 7Ah batteries used in the hydraulic pump provide high capacity while improved operating speed results from a revitalised hydraulic system with double speed action, and a maximum pressure sensor assures greater precision and repeatability of the pressure cycle, while a security valve doubles the provision for operator safety.
The unit is fitted with a patented unique system for stopping the pump when the cutting head sensor signals that its blades have travelled fully. At this point the LED indicator and buzzer notify the operator of the successful completion of the cutting operation.
For this reason, each pump is paired to its specific cutting head only and it must be considered as a complete unit.
A manual pressure release button is installed in case of emergency. Easy access to the oil reservoir is by means of an oil top-up inlet. The innovative remote control function is able to work in man-hole environment where radio communication is normally more complicated.

Cembre B68RC3 Cable Cutting Tools
The unit features an OLED display to provide essential real time tool operating information including:
- Operating mode selection (cutting or crimping)
- Release mode selection (Smart release, manual release)
- Minimum set pressure and momentary pressure reached in bar/psi to allow verification of correct operation
- Battery charge level
- Number of cycles performed
- Number of cycles before scheduled recommended maintenance
- Motor temperature
- Operating command (radio or manual)
The unit has a secondary operating trigger which can be selected through the OLED display in the case that it is needed – the unit is fitted by dielectric oil for operator protection in case of cutting cables that may be accidentally live.
Each radio remote control is paired to only its specific pump.
Designed with improved handling characteristics for convenience and manageability, the Cembre B68M-P18-KV-RC3 cutting unit has a fibreglass-plastic shell with high resistance to wear and damage.
Hydraulic Pump Operating features
- 20 meters radio control operating range
- Intelligent auto-return at the end of the cycle (Smart Release)
- OLED multifunctional display with touch button
- Electronic Pressure Sensor (EPS)
- SMARTOOL technology for viewing and downloading operational data
- Wireless blade sensor (no batteries)
- Double acting with radio control or manual intervention
- Pressure release button
- Audible and visual indication of operational progress, completion and alarms
- Anatomical shaping for more convenient and practical handling
- Li-Ion 18.0 V-7Ah rechargeable high capacity battery
- Automatic battery connection system with release button

Hydraulic Portable Pump Operating Instructions
Hydraulic Crimping Head
130kN RHC131LN-KV Hydraulic Cable Crimping Head
The 130kN hydraulic crimping head featuring a large (42mm) jaw opening; complete with quick automatic coupler for connection to a hydraulic pump with a working pressure of 700 bar. It is suitable for a wide range of connectors up to 400sqmm using die sets common to the Cembre 130kN range of cable cutting tools.
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For Cembre electrical connections, see Cable Crimps, Lugs & Connectors
Contact T&D to discuss crimping cables at MV-HV, including 11kV-33kV, to ensure correct Cembre tool, lug/splice and die set selection – visit battery crimping tools for repetitive crimping of cables without strain injury or worker fatigue.
Full range of battery cable cutting tools also available.









