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Cold Shrink Technology & Moulded Parts For Electrical Installation | Fast & Easy To Install

3M Cold Shrink

Cold shrink tubing and moulded parts for electrical installation

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.

3M Cold Shrink End Caps

Cold Shrink Applications

• Electrical insulation up to 1000 volts
• Insulation of low voltage joints for electrical cables
• Cold Shrink is suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Mechanical protection of installation
• Cable jacket repair
• Protecting and sealing non-electric applications

Silicone

Cold Shrink Advantages

• Easy and safe installation
• High reliability
• High shrink ratio
• Compressive environmental seal
• Tool-less installation of Cold Shrink
• Reduced contractor training requirement
• Reduced installation time compared to heat shrink
• High performing in extreme conditions

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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™ Scotchcast™ Resin 4 GS with Colour Indicator and 92 GS Series Resin Kits

3M 92 GS Series Kits – Mould Body and Connection

3M™ Scotchcast™ Resin 4 GS with Colour Indicator

Professional Cable Jointing Solutions

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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).

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What is 3M Scotchcast Resin 4 GS?

• A unique electrical jointing resin from 3M
• Newly designed formulation provides colour change indicator for mixing
• Free of CMR substances, Isocyanate, Halogens and SVHC
• Enhanced water and humidity resistance during curing
• Mess free, rapid installation of the cable joints for low voltage cables
• Supplied as bags or as part of the Scotchcast 92 GS Series Resin Kits

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.

• Newly designed CMR-free formulation
• Unique colour change indicator
• Enhanced water and humidity resistance
• Fully integrated mess-free delivery spout
• Immediate power-up
• Choice of bag sizes to suit your application

*Gel time at 23°C for 92-NBA 3 GS

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3M Scotchcast 92 GS Series

Resin Kits

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.

Transparent two-chamber bag with an integrated spout ensures no contact with resin during pouring.
Open the seam between the two chambers to mix the resin and hardener.
In approx. 2 minutes the resin will turn green to indicate it is thoroughly mixed.
A visible colour change indicates the mixture is ready to pour.
Place the spout on the mould body, quarter turn to release the resin and fill the kit.
Resin colour changes into darker green as the curing proceeds.

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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.

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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 

Live Line Indicator | Safety Alert & Network Rail Approved Live Line Indicators

Safety Advice

Live Line Indicator

Action Required Following a Serious Incident

Withdrawal of the Metrohm HVD03/2D live line indicator from use by Network Rail staff.

• Issued to: All Network Rail line managers, safety professionals and accredited contractors
• Ref: NRA20-10
• Date of issue: 14/08/2020
• Location: National
• Contact: Linda Penfold, Professional Head Contact Systems (AC/DC) or  Felix Langley, Professional Head of Power Distribution HV/LV

Live Line Indicator Safety Advice

Overview

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:

• PBwel Westminster D3 resistive
• Cotec C31 resistive
• Pfisterer KP-Test 5HL Capacitive live line tester
• Arthur Flury AG 25kV Capacitive live line indicator
• High voltage indicators and live line testers – LLT 33kV – HVI
• London Midland type resistive
• Eastern Region type resistive
• HVD03/2B – HS1 only

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.

Immediate action required

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.

Further Reading

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

Angle-DC Project | Cold Shrink Terminations Connecting 33kV Power Cable In DC Inverter Room

Cold Shrink terminations

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.

Contact Power Installations Ltd 

• 07851179000 (Mobile)

[email protected]

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 HV 

Continuous Shearhead Bolt vs. Crimp Compression Technologies By 3M Electrical

3M Electrical

Comparative Study

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.

Continuous shear vs. crimp compression.

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.

The winner: continuous shearhead Bolt technology

Our study found various reasons reinforcing continuous shear technology as the more reliable solution. Here are three critical takeaways:

1. Enhanced performance: continuous shear technologies, like 3M Mechanical Shearbolt Lugs and Connectors are equipped with scientific design elements, such as the predefined contact points, incorporated elasticity, mitigation of contact aging, and optimisation of contact force – offering superior cable connector performance compared to existing technologies, like crimp compression technologies.
2. Operates at lower temperatures: In the comparative heat cycling testing, we found that 3M™ Mechanical Shearbolt Lugs and Connectors operate at lower temperatures. This is important because it means that the connector will thermally age less, so it will last longer compared to aluminium crimp compression connectors under the same test conditions.
3. Ease of install: continuous shear technology, like 3M Electrical Mechanical Shearbolt Lugs and Connectors, is easy to install because of its range taking capabilities. It also does not require any additional tools or dies and can accommodate both copper and aluminium conductor types.

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.