Blog
By Anon – A Professional Australian Cable Jointer
April 20th, 2021“I am concerned that without a minimum standard, the cable jointer as we know it will cease to exist,” commented Stewart Cornelius (LV-HV Cable Jointer) recently on LinkedIn.
Stewart is a third generation jointer – he is as qualified to talk as we are obliged to listen.
Cable jointing is in his DNA and he like many other jointers take “massive pride” in their work.
I believe his heartfelt remark probably elicited the following full length article I received earlier today by private email from an internationally respected cable jointer in Australia.
Although the words just made it online today the thought has occupied professional cable jointers across the globe for years.
Professionalism & Privacy Please
The author has requested that their identity remains private.
Please respect their wishes and let’s also not speculate about who or who not it may be.
Let the person reassure you, “understand that I am committed 100% to what I have said, but I cannot be bothered with the deluge that will surely flow from people who can’t handle the facts.”
Perhaps this will galvanise some form of industry action or at least spark some further debate towards strengthening the status of Professional over Cowboy cable jointers.
Cable Tools – Alroc Cable Jointing Tools
The following is reproduced with kind permission of Anon (A Professional Australian Cable Jointer).
“I have noticed lately through LinkedIn that you have shared in dialogue regarding the ongoing fall in standards across the cable jointing spectrum. This is a subject that I have given considerable thought to in recent years. If you will permit I would like to share some of those thoughts with you outside of the LinkedIn forum.
There are a number of factors that combine and contribute to the steady rise in the number of inadequately experienced operatives throughout the voltage range.
The number of people that can tell the difference between a job done and a job well done in our trade is in decline. In the not too distant past the decisions regarding the choice of service provider laid with people who had proven, time served experience within the industry. It was often a decision made from an engineering view point. As the market has changed and become steadily more competitive these people have been displaced by those from commercial backgrounds who have little experience and make their decisions from a financial perspective only.
This opens the door for those with little experience and inadequate skill levels to exist and offer substandard services at low prices, a trend that makes it difficult for the time served experienced operative to maintain an identity. In short once the people that know the difference disappear, there will be no difference.
Training is another contributing element to the overall decline in standards. From my apprenticeship days the practical training I received was delivered by instructors who possessed, through many years in the field, a skill set of the highest order.
I can never once recall being asked to do anything that was not demonstrated skilfully by the instructor. Not the case today. These people have given way to the modern trainer, often an individual with limited experience in the industry with a poor command of knowledge and skills. The end product is often, through little fault of their own, a poorly advised poorly trained operative.
Nationally approved industry training courses, such as those available here in Australia, may sound like the answer. Sadly though they are provided by organisations that are more focussed on generating revenue than producing accomplished tradesmen.
I can assure you that even with the nationally approved courses here in Australia, the problem remains. The very organisations that are being set up to support a trade, if truth be known, are letting it down. Of course you can buy training but the key element, being experience, you cannot buy. Training on its own, regardless of how good it is, is not the answer it must be combined with experience to reverse the current trend.
Combined with your great and I’m sure much appreciated efforts to highlight what is often a little understood trade as well as the work of the guys that operate with great skill in the arena, maybe standards can be lifted. I hope so.
Food for thought……….”
Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Joints | Cable Lugs
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11kV Cable Installation At Carnaby Street
April 20th, 2021Images Courtesy of: Declan Scully – AP, SMSTS, HV Electrical Fitter and Electrician at UK Power Networks
Pictured: 11kV cables installed using cable cleats manufactured by Ellis Patents
WHAT ARE CABLE CLEATS?
Cable cleats are used to fix, clamp and support cables – cleats provide effective short circuit protection, support and retention to LV, MV and HV power cable systems when installed at intervals to circuits to secure electrical installations.
The cable cleats provide restraint and prevent excessive cable movement resultant from fault-current magnetic forces – cleats must be suitably rated for cable size (outside diameter) and anticipated fault current (peak fault level kA).
Correctly specified cable cleats will withstand the forces corresponding to the values of the peak prospective short-circuit current.
Power cable system designers, engineers and specifiers must consider the correct cable fixing or securing system to provide safe and adequate restraint and protection of LV, MV or HV cables – cable cleats restrain movement of cables during electrical fault conditions.
Cable cleats are available to suit all environmental conditions (onshore and offshore), industrial applications and operating voltages – specialist cable fixings for fire resistant, low smoke zero halogen (LSF LSOH) and quadrafoil (Quad) cable installations.
“Every conductor or cable shall have adequate strength, and be so installed as to withstand the electromagnetic forces that may be caused by nay current, including fault current.” IET Wiring Regulations 17th Edition BS7671:2008 (2011).
CABLE CLEAT SPECIFICATION
Selection of cable cleats should consider several key factors:
- Cable Diameter – the overall diameter of the LV-HV cable ensure the correct size of cleat is chosen. This dimension, namely the outside cable diameter around the cable sheath, is also required for calculating short circuit forces the cleat could potentially be subject to under fault conditions.
- Performance – depending on the cable installation application there may be a requirement for the cleat to include material performance and specification features, for instance fire resistance, LSF (Low Smoke Fume), LSOH LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) or corrosion resistant (stainless steel)
- Cable Type – check cable voltage and construction: LV Low Voltage, MV Medium Voltage or HV High Voltage.
Thorne & Derrick | Ellis Patents UK Distributors
Jointers blog
Subscribe now to our POWER NEWSLETTER– a monthly email circulation packed with news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars, career opportunities and white papers.
Includes access to our popular JOINTERS BLOG with contributions from utility professionals, linesmen and cable jointers working on MV HV EHV cables and overhead lines typically at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and up to 132kV.
15,000+ Subscribers. ➡
How To Remove Bitumen From Subsea Cables & Umbilicals Using Socomore Wipes
April 20th, 2021
Cable Cleaning Wipes
Cable Cleaning | Socomore PF-BR Bitumen Remover Wipes
Bitumen is field-proved to be a highly effective corrosion protection for steel armour wires in array cables, subsea power cables, umbilicals and power umbilicals.
Socomore (formerly PT Technologies) bitumen removal wipes are used for cleaning cables (power, subsea and submarine), umbilicals and electrical equipment including cable rollers and ROV’s – the electrical cleaning solvent wipes are used by cable jointing and technician teams for cleaning and wiping down cables and equipment in the power generation, transmission, distribution and renewable sectors.
PF-BR cleaning wipes from Socomore are extra large, heavily saturated wipes specifically designed for the bitumen removal process during electrical and cabling operations. Used for cable cleaning prior to cable jointing, termination and maintenance of cables, switchgear and network equipment operating at LV MV and HV up to 440kV.
Socomore PF-BR bitumen remover wipes easily remove oils, soils, tar and bitumen. The extra large cleaning wipe reduces the requirement for many smaller wipes, reducing time and wastage during cable preparation which results in cost savings.
The easy hold and grip on the extra large bitumen remover wipe also allows the operator to clean the whole diameter of the cable with one wipe, without touching the cable – suitable for use on static and live cables; low, medium and high voltage applications (up to 440kV).
The bucket wipe system eliminates the transport, storage and logistic issues commonly associated with flammable liquid solvents. Other benefits of the product include reduced solvent consumption and VOC emissions, improving your companies Health & Safety and environmental impact.
Cleanly Remove Bituminous Compound From Submarine Power Cables.
Socomore PF-BR Electrical & Cleaning Wipes – Key Applications
- Removal of bitumen protection
- Cable cleaning before cable jointing or cable splicing
- Cleaning and degreasing switchgear and network equipment
- Cable end preparation and construction of cable joints
- Cleaning and degreasing cable and moulded connectors
- Cleaning and maintaining large generators, insulators, transformers and motors
- Cleaning and degreasing of plastic and metallic tools
- Electrical equipment and components cleaning
- Degreasing assembly connectors on underground cables
- Cleaning connector interfaces
- General multi-purpose maintenance degreaser
66kV Cable | Typical Offshore Wind Cable Construction | Image Prysmian
Bitumen Removal
from Subsea Cables & Umbilicals
Directions for Use
Bitumen Removal | Heat cable to soften bitumen. Holding an end of impregnated wipe lengthways in each hand, vigorously move the wipe up and down the cable until all bitumen is removed. Dispose of all jointers wipes in an appropriate bin.
General Usage | Apply a thin film of PF-BR using liquid or a pre-saturated wipe. Allow a few minutes for surface action to dislodge contaminants. Wipe off with the same pre-saturated wipe or with a clean, dry low lint cloth (recommended). Dispose of all jointers wipes in an appropriate bin.
Cable Cleaning (Jointing Operations) | Follow cable manufacturers guidelines for cable jacket stripping to semi-conductive shield peeling. Clean the cable with PF-BR – conduction and insulation – to remove residue and degrease. Always clean in the same direction from cable outward (conductor) to cable inward (semi-conductive shield) to avoid re-depositing residues already removed. Wipe off with a clean, dry low lint cloth (recommended). It is not necessary to wait for full evaporation before further working on the system. Solvent residues will not affect the subsequent full cure of epoxy resins in cable jointing systems (heat shrink or cold shrink). Dispose of all jointers wipes in an appropriate bin.
Cable Pulling & Cleaning Products
Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading stockist and supplier of Cable Pulling & Cable Laying Equipment for the installation of underground land and subsea power cables and overhead lines up to 400kV – the products support cable pulling teams to install LV MV HV cables into trench, cable duct, risers and all forms of cable containment.
➡ Further Resources | Cleaning Cables In The Power Industry | PF SOLVENT
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.
Key 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
See how T&D support, supply and service the Renewable Energy industry.
MV HV 11kV 33kV 66kV | Cable Joints, Terminations & Connections | Distributors & Stockists for 3M Cold Shrink | Nexans Euromold | Pfisterer CONNEX
Cleaning Cables In The Power Industry | PF SOLVENT
April 14th, 2021
Cleaning Cables in the Power Industry
Electrical cables are everywhere for power distribution within cities or industrial areas.
They run within buildings but are also buried. Often forgotten, offshore marine cables are used under the ocean for power transmission too – this includes subsea and submarine cables which require bitumen removal prior to jointing, termination and connection to electrical equipment.
In sewer and water construction and maintenance, and in the energy and communications industries, we use cleaners to degrease cables and accessories during both installation and maintenance activities.
The main problems are the contaminants that accumulate during years of use, that can provide a path over the insulation and increase the risk of tracking. Solvent cleaners remove contaminants found on the cables before installation or jointing and termination.
PF SOLVENT manufactured by Socomore is a multi-purpose cleaner, available in liquid or as an impregnated cable cleaning wipe. It’s a perfect cable cleaning solvent that is specifically designed as an electrical solvent cleaner, including MV and HV.
Are you looking for an efficient power industry cleaner? Keep reading!
What differentiates PF SOLVENT?
Key Points of this Power Industry Solvent Cleaner
- Multi-purpose
- Multi-approved
- Reduction of installation faults for long-lasting cable life
- Solvent consumption, VOC emissions & costs reduction
- Wide range of power network materials compatibility
- With low lint pre-saturated wipe system: no hazardous storage, transport and logistical issues of loose flammable liquids
Cable Cleaners
Uses
Operations and Applications
PF SOLVENT is used for the cleaning and degreasing of cables during jointing and maintenance activities as well as on switchgear and network equipment.
Some companies also use it during substation cleaning and maintenance as well as the degreasing of overhead power lines in rail applications.
The fact that you can use this product liquid or pre-impregnated on wipes, as well as its cleaning effectiveness and capacity to endure use on high voltage/electrical cables makes its use very broad.
PF SOLVENT is suitable for the 3 families of cables:
- ground impregnated paper cables
- pressure cables
- extruded cables
It can be used to clean the cables but also specific parts of them or accessories like:
- cable oversheaths
- cable metallic sheaths
- connectors (conductor or not)
- termination components
Don’t forget generators or electrical transformers.
The product is a residue free solvent that removes:
- greases
- oils
- sealants
- cable jellies
- soils
- tar
- bitumen
It cleans semi-conducting insulation shield residue, silicone grease, dirt, joints, etc.
PF SOLVENT Approvals
PF SOLVENT is a multi-approved product. The electrical and cable cleaning product is used, recommended and approved by several energy key players including utility companies such as Electricity North West, ESB, Scottish Power, UK Power Networks, Scottish and Southern and Northern PowerGrid. This cable cleaning product is also approved for use by cable companies like ABB, Nexans, Prysmian, NKT Cables, Pfisterer, Sudkabel and Elastimold.
Characteristics
What are PF SOLVENT main characteristics?
One of the main characteristics is its high flash point.
Due to its intrinsic properties, it is suitable for high, medium and low voltage applications.
It is designed specifically following the recommendations of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Due to its key features and properties, this is an ideal replacement to traditional fast evaporating solvents. An example is the Trichloroethane.
Physical Properties
The appearance is a fluid liquid, you can also buy the product in pre-saturated wipes format.
The specific gravity is 0.765 for the liquid format, or >1 if you use pre-saturated wipes.
PF SOLVENT’s flash point is 61°C.
Cable Pulling & Cleaning Products
Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading stockist and supplier of Cable Pulling & Cable Laying Equipment for the installation of underground land and subsea power cables and overhead lines up to 400kV – the products support cable pulling teams to install LV MV HV cables into trench, cable duct, risers and all forms of cable containment.
➡ Further Resources | How To Remove Bitumen From Subsea Cables & Umbilicals Using Socomore Wipes
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.
Key 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
See how T&D support, supply and service the Renewable Energy industry.
MV HV 11kV 33kV 66kV | Cable Joints, Terminations & Connections | Distributors & Stockists for 3M Cold Shrink | Nexans Euromold | Pfisterer CONNEX
Jointing, Grounding & Terminating DC Solar Cables
April 14th, 2021
Reliance & Compliance
- uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales Marketing Manager with Thorne & Derrick
Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute a range of tailored Solar Cable Jointing & Termination Kits complete with cable-specific shielding, earthing bonds and terminals for low voltage power cables used in the renewable energy sector.
Currently working with Solar PV Operations & Maintenance contractors we have trouble-shooted several UK solar farm locations suffering service issues due to substandard and incorrectly specified cable accessories creating multiple weak points within circuits.
Additional shortcomings in solar power system designs have included knowledge shortages on how to prevent moisture ingress, how to provide adequate electrical insulation using heat shrink products, how to to create a safe and secure earth connection and utilising a trusted product to lug the cable ends with appropriate short-circuit ratings and without significantly damaging the conductors. This includes the jointing and termination of solar cables with tinned fine copper strands according to VDE 0295 /IEC 60228, Class 5.
In summary, typically several contractors are using Jointing, Grounding & Terminating products that are suitable for Cu/XLPE/PVC/AWA/PVC 0.6/1kV (BS5467) when they should be using heat shrink cable accessories suitable for Alu/XLPE/ATA 1000V AC/ 1500V DC cable.
Simply, different cable types that require different cable joints and terminations.
Thorne & Derrick | Exclusive UK Distributors of the SPS range of Solar Power Joints & Terminations for Low Voltage DC Power Cables
Joints & Terminations
Working with Shrink Polymer Systems, we have innovated a product range to achieve safe permanent, connection and a proper grounding. Maintenance, repair and replacement of the cables and connectors should only be carried out by authorised and trained personnel.
Kit List
- Reliable and harmonized connection and grounding concept
- With accurate use, according to the instruction manual, no contact corrosion due to durable sealing
- Consistently safe contact with the aluminium conductor and the earthing screen
- Grounding wire in tinned copper braid with water blocking
SPS1449 | Heat Shrink Grounding Termination Solar DC Cables ALU-ATA 1500V
➡ INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION ON REQUEST
SPS1306 | Heat Shrink Joint Kit Solar DC Cables ALU-ATA 1500V
➡ INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION ON REQUEST
SPS1449
SPS1449 | Solar DC Cable Termination With Earth Bond
Strip Solar DC Cables
LV MV HV Electrical Safety Equipment & Arc Flash Protection Clothing | Renewables (Solar & Wind Onshore Offshore) | Battery Storage | Data Centres | Oil & Gas | Manufacturing | Substations Switchgear Transformers | Rail | Hazardous Areas
THORNE & DERRICK
SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the renewable energy sector – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
- Key Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Copper Earth Tapes, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.
- Distributors for: 3M Cold Shrink, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Furse, Lucy Zodion, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec.
LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
