Blog

Thorne & Derrick Certificated by 3M for Medium Voltage Training & Product Familiarisation

Thorne & Derrick have successfully hosted the 3M Electrical “Train the Trainer” Programme and are now the first Certificated UK Distributor for this innovative scheme introduced to support MV Cold Shrink Cable Accessory installation competency.

T-t-T has been conceived by 3M to empower their Approved UK Distributors to deliver Product Training and Demonstrations to customers and ensure the highest levels of installation quality and safety are achieved – reducing cable failures, increasing reliability and securing both the revenue and reputation of asset managers and owners.

We had the privilege of welcoming industry expert Allan Russell (Application Engineering Specialist at 3M United Kingdom) who provided excellent tuition and guidance to our team of Technical Sales Engineers on the installation process of 11/33/66kV Cold Shrink Joints and Terminations.

The focus for the 2 days intensive session was the advancement of education, skills and technical knowledge for our Sales Team to best support the Medium Voltage Cable Accessory requirements of all industries – we covered all practical aspects of Cable Preparation & Accessory Installation for the 3M Cold Shrink ranges of Joints & Terminations covering voltage classes 11kV, 33kV and 66kV.

“The Train-the-Trainer concept enables Thorne & Derrick, as a Specialist Distributor for 3M Electrical since 1985, to bolster our customer service and field support to clients and is the perfect complement to our recent appointment as Approved 3M Electrical Kitting Partners – this is a further formidable personal achievement for Jonny Hewitt and another business accolade for Thorne & Derrick,” comments Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager – Thorne & Derrick).

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

Further Reading

• Thorne & Derrick Electrifying Industry With 3M
• Thorne & Derrick Appointed 3M Electrical Kitting Partners

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.

PFISTERER’s PLUG MARINE High-Current Plug-In System Receives DNV-GL Certification

Revolutionising Marine Electrical System’s with PFISTERER’S Plug Marine 

The PLUG MARINE system manufactured by Pfisterer offers a ground-breaking solution for the electrical connection of power components, energy storage systems, transformers, converters and even propulsion systems on ships and other offshore applications.

Unmatched Performance and Versatility

The PLUG MARINE system is a single-pole plug-in solution designed to safely transmit high currents. It supports a power spectrum ranging from 400 to 1,250 amps at voltages of 1.8 to 3.6 kV, both in DC and AC. This robust connector system has proven its value and reliability through extensive use in trains and wind turbines over the years. The transition to marine applications is a natural progression, leveraging the proven technology in a new and demanding environment.

Certification and Reliability

Recently, the PLUG MARINE system received DNV-GL certification, further validating its suitability for marine applications. This certification attests to its reliability and safety for use on ships, offshore connector platforms, and floating wind turbines. Whether for connecting electric motors and turbines, generator connections, switchgear, transformers, or battery systems, the PLUG MARINE system meets the rigorous standards required in marine environments.

A New Era of Marine Connectivity

With the DNV-GL certification, PFISTERER’s PLUG MARINE system is now recognized for its capability to handle the demanding conditions of marine and offshore installations. This robust and reliable connector system not only simplifies the electrical connections of high-power components but also ensures safety and durability. The use of PLUG MARINE in the marine industry promises to enhance the performance and reliability of electrical systems on ships and offshore platforms, marking a significant advancement in marine technology.

In conclusion, PFISTERER’s PLUG MARINE system stands out as a versatile and dependable solution for high-current electrical connections in the marine industry. Its proven track record in other industries and recent certification underscore its potential to revolutionize marine electrical systems, providing a safe, efficient, and robust alternative to traditional wiring methods.

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

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.