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PICOUP Cable Spiking & Cutting Tool | Redefining Safety Standards in Underground Power Maintenance

PICOUP Cable Spiking & Cutting Tool

Redefining Safety Standards in Underground Power Maintenance

The PICOUP Ultra-safe, electrohydraulic power cable spiking and cutting tool range from PENTA UKI is setting a new standard for safety and simplicity in underground power cable maintenance. Designed without traditional hydraulic hoses, the PICOUP tools safely check the absence of voltage on underground cables without the hazards and complexities associated with explosive cartridges.

The PICOUP tool boasts significant advantages over conventional cartridge-based spikers.

Unlike cartridge-driven spikers that rely on explosive charges to deadproof cables, the PICOUP tool employs a hydraulic system that eliminates the risks of unexpected discharge, misfire, and storage hazards, ensuring a safer working environment. The cable is immediately ready for the works after the use of PICOUP.

As the hydraulic system applies consistent, controlled force, it reduces the risks of cable over-damage and unintended electrical discharge. Cartridge-based spikers can apply uneven force, posing serious safety concerns for crews in the field.

Simplified by design, PICOUP’s user-friendly design is easy to learn, promoting safe and efficient usage among team members and its elimination of cartridges, makes preparation faster and reduces the risk of user error. Maintenance becomes effortless to as PICOUP tools bypass the rigorous inspections required for explosive-based spikers and make routine checks and servicing far simpler.

PICOUP Cable Spiking & Cutting Tool In The Field

Kevin Rushton, Managing Director of PENTA UKI said, “The PICOUP Safety Spiking and Cutting Tool is transforming safety in the industry, providing a highly reliable, non-explosive alternative to traditional cartridge-based systems. With safer force application, quieter operation, and streamlined usability, the PICOUP range is making underground cable maintenance not only safer but also more efficient.”

The PICOUP range is available to purchase in the UK from Thorne & Derrick or rent from Sunbelt Rentals. Read More Here – Spike & Cut Power Cables ! Improving Cable Safety with Sunbelt Rentals

The unique PICOUP 400 from PENTA provides a combined “Spike & Cut” capability up to 140mm in a single-tool operation – exclusively stocked by Thorne & Derrick.

About PENTA UKI

PENTA UKI is an expert manufacturer of electrical safety solutions, driven by a commitment to ensuring your safety in every intervention.

PENTA UKI is trusted by Linesmen, Maintenance Technicians, and Electrical Engineers working across global electricity generation, transmission, and distribution networks, as well as 9 other critical industries. We safeguard your operations with cutting-edge safety technology designed to meet the highest standards in the most demanding environments.

Count on PENTA—where safety meets innovation.

Cembre MG4 | The Newest Thermal Printer for Identification & Labelling

CEMBRE MG4

THERMAL transfer PRINTER

The New Generation of Thermal Transfer Printing with the Cembre MG4

The Cembre MG4 Thermal Printer represents the next generation in thermal transfer printing technology, designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of cable cutting, crimping and labelling tools. Leveraging decades of industrial marking expertise, the MG4 is a versatile and portable solution that excels in a wide range of applications.

Equipped with a ribbon save system, the Cembre MG4 is a useful tool that improves the quality of work of its users by exploiting the technology and experience in industrial marking gained from working in the business sector. The large on-board touch screen enables quick and easy management of print projects, which can be used with both a mains power supply and with the Cembre CAS Alliance rechargeable batteries.

Cembre MG4 Thermal Kit 

• MG4 Printer
• MiniRolly Printer
• M2-32-25-WH1 (Thermo Roll)
• M2-48-25-WH1 (Thermo Roll)
• M2-64-25-WH1 (Thermo Roll)
• TRR-055 842121 (Premium Ribbon)

CEMBRE MG4 PRINTER | Cable Labelling

Technical Specification

High-Speed Printing

• Capable of printing 112 cable tags in under 20 seconds, the Cembre MG4 delivers time-efficient production for high-demand environments.

Exceptional Print Quality

• The Cembre MG4 provides crisp and durable prints, suitable for text, logos, electrical symbols, QR codes, and vector images. It also supports various file formats, including clipart, drawings, barcodes, and bitmap images.

Durable Design

• Engineered for robustness, the Cembre MG4’s rugged construction ensures reliability in challenging work conditions. It is built to withstand frequent use while maintaining superior performance.

CEMBRE MG4

PRINTER BENEFITS

• Advanced Ribbon-Saving Technology: The MG4 is equipped with an innovative ribbon-saving system that optimizes ribbon usage for cost efficiency while delivering high-quality prints. This feature is ideal for businesses looking to reduce waste and enhance sustainability.
• Intuitive User Interface: The printer includes a large 5-inch touchscreen display, enabling effortless management of printing projects. This user-friendly interface ensures quick setup and seamless operation, whether in an office, production environment, or directly on-site.
• Versatile Power Options: The MG4 can operate using either a mains power supply or CAS Alliance rechargeable batteries—a system compatible with all Cembre 18V tools. This makes the printer fully portable and highly adaptable to various job sites.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: The MG4 supports multiple connectivity options, including USB, LAN, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct. Users can print directly from their PCs, smartphones, or tablets, ensuring flexibility in managing and executing projects.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION – CEMBRE MG4

The Cembre MG4 can be connected to the network via USB, LAN, and Wi-Fi networks and can connect devices through Wi-Fi Direct. Using this solution, a project can be printed in the office and sent directly to your smartphone or other communicative messaging methods.

The smart, large touch screen further allows quick and easy management of projects even if multiple users are connected to the system.

The Cembre MG4 is perfect for diverse cable marking tasks, including:

• Text Printing: For clear and precise identification.
• Logos and Clipart: Adding branding or visual elements.
• Electrical Symbols: Essential for compliance and clarity.
• QR Codes and Barcodes: Simplifying asset tracking and inventory management.

MG4 MARKING tAGS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

The MG4 system offers metal-detectable tags and holders, produced with a unique additive that allows detection via metal detectors and X-rays. These tags ensure:

• High resistance to oxidation
• Easy identification in production processes
• Compatibility with third-party terminal blocks or direct application with cable ties

This feature is particularly valuable for industries requiring strict contamination control.

MG4 Marking Tags

Cembre MG4 Thermal Printer | GeniusPro

Cembre’s GeniusPro Mobile App enables seamless on-site management of print projects. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the app simplifies real-time updates and configuration changes, ensuring workflow efficiency.

Cembre is a leading European manufacturer of electrical connectors, crimping tools, cutting tools, and a variety of accessories for LV (low voltage), MV (medium voltage), and HV (high voltage) power systems. Designed for switchgear and control panels, Cembre tools are ideal for installing low and medium voltage connectors.

We’re Exhibiting & You’re Invited

⚡️ Collaborating For Cable Safety ⚡️

Thorne & Derrick and our hire-partners Sunbelt Rentals are delighted to announce that we will be co-exhibiting at OWNE, a leading national event for the offshore wind sector hosted by NOF – the event attracts an outstanding line-up of speakers and supply chain opportunities.

Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager) and Jonny Hewitt (Key Accounts Manager) from Thorne & Derrick will be joined by Patrick Winter (National Business Development Manager) and Ste Brown (Service Centre Manager) from Sunbelt Rentals – together we all look forward to meeting existing and new clients and suppliers on Stand C03. 

High Voltage Cable Safety

We will be Exhibiting & Demonstrating products to ensure array and export cable safety and the reliability of high voltage power systems and offshore substations – this includes Tools and Instruments for Cable Testing, Cutting, Spiking & Termination up to 120kV from PENTA, Alroc, Nexans, Ripley, Vicera and b2 electronics GmbH.

Cable SPIKING & CUTTING TOOL

We will be demonstrating LIVE the Picoup 400 Cable Spiker with Integrated Cutter alongside the industry’s most comprehensive range of Cable Preparation, Termination & VLF Test Instruments for 33kV, 66kV and up to 120kV power cables.

The unique PICOUP 400 from PENTA provides a combined “Spike & Cut” capability in a single-tool operation – exclusively stocked by Thorne & Derrick. Available from the Sunbelt Rentals hire fleet.

Location: Beacon of Light Sunderland
Date: 6th & 7th November

Click here to register to attend!

Find The Beacon of Light

NOF

NOF is a UK wide, business development membership organisation, helping to make valuable connections between businesses in the global energy sector. They work on behalf of members and their network of partners to put companies of all sizes in touch with the best and most innovative supply chain businesses in the UK.

The organisation offers an annual membership with four core services: Business Development, Industry Introductions, Events and Supply Chain Engagement. Your NOF membership can be enhanced with access to the Offshore Wind Projects Database.

Thorne & Derrick

Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Electrical Cable, Jointing, Tools & Power Distribution Equipment up to 66kV to the UK and international Offshore & Onshore Wind & Renewable industry – we hold several Framework Supply Agreements with international energy providers, wind turbine manufacturers and High Voltage Power Energy Companies.

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.

Thorne & Derrick | HV Termination, Jointing, Pull-in & Tooling | Specialist Distributors

Cable Drum Trailer Manufactured for Major High Voltage Power Project

Pictured : L – R | Richard Derrick (MD T&D), Andy Smith (SEB Technical Sales Engineer), Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager T&D), Paul Millett (MD SEB), Regan Redpath (Apprentice Sales Engineer T&D), Kieron Clarke (SEB Junior Fitter) & Lee Mellors (Lead Multi Skilled Fitter. 

Thorne & Derrick, the leading UK Distributor for the SEB range of cable pulling and laying equipment, recently visited their facility to factory witness test the operation of their largest cable drum trailer manufactured to date – based on the standard CD980S Adjustable & Extendable Cable Drum Trailer the custom-design to a utility client specification provides operational simplicity, maximum power and ultimate reliability built-in. The trailer will safely handle and transport high voltage power cable drums (400kV) with a maximum drum width of 3.6 metres and drum height of 5 metres with a 50 Tonne payload.

Cable Drum Trailer Specification

High Voltage Cable Drum Trailer Diagram

Video Gallery

VIDEO 1 – The cable drum trailer has already been raised off the ground using a diesel engine powered hydraulic system that powers 4no wheeled lifting jacks. The video shows the offside of the cable trailer being hydraulically opened to its full extent.

VIDEO 2 – This video shows the drive rollers turning, these are used to assist in turning the drum of the cable. It also shows the drive rollers which are mounted to a frame being moved forwards, this system applies the rollers to the drum flange, the rollers are then turned.

VIDEO 3 – Once the cable drum trailer has been loaded the pintles (the black tubes) are inserted into the drum. The video shows how the pintles are raised hydraulically, this is done on both sides of the drum trailer which raises the cable drum off the ground.

VIDEO 4 – This shows the nearside of the cable drum trailer being closed. Also, the silver bars across the back are the rear tie bars which are used to hold the rear of the trailer when a high voltage cable drum is installed, they are adjustable to suit any width of cable drum that the trailer can hold.

VIDEO 5 – This shows the diesel engine being started, the operation of the hydraulic control valve that raises the trailer off the ground and the cable drum  trailer being lifted up.

Cable Pulling & Laying Equipment

Suppliers & Distributors

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – this includes the most extensive range of Cable Pulling & Cable Laying Equipment to enable the installation of low, medium and high voltage power cables into underground trench or duct.

We service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at LV, 11kV/33kV and up to EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

T&D distribute the complete range of LV-HV Cable Pulling and Laying Equipment including cable rollers, cable socks, drum jacks, drum trailers, cable lubricant, underground cable protection and conduit duct rod.

THORNE & DERRICK are Specialist Distributors of LV HV Cable Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV – this includes the most extensive range of Ex Stock Innovation Tooling to facilitate safe and reliable preparation, termination and installation of cables.

MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors

3M Terminations | Surface Tracking on Medium Voltage Cable Terminations

Surface Tracking – 3M Medium Voltage Cable Terminations

Surface Tracking on Cable Terminations

Surface tracking is the irreversible damage and degradation on the surface of a medium or high voltage cable accessory or  insulative material, such as a cable termination, due to the formation of conductive, carbonized paths.

Tracking results when discharges cause carbon to be left on an insulating surface as a result of the degradation caused by the heat of the discharge. This carbon deposit will grow to eventually create a continuous conducting path, which will lead to catastrophic failure.

Cold Shrink & Condensation In Medium Voltage Switchgear & Cable Terminations

Hydrophobic silicone Cold Shrink terminations provide excellent performance in Medium Voltage electrical equipment, such as switchgear, where cables endure temperature fluctuations caused by thermal cycling when under load – this “heating and cooling” effect condensates potentially causing premature partial discharge at the cable termination point. 3M Cold Shrink technology has a material tendency to reject and repel moisture accumulation and thereby reducing the probability for discharge-initiated erosion and tracking on medium/high voltage cable terminations.

N2XS(F)2Y Cable Terminations 12/20 22kV 24kV

Energising Data Centres | The QTIII range of MV Terminations are approved and in widespread service throughout the data centre sector for 12/20 (24)kV connection of N2XS(F)2Y Medium Voltage Cables with XLPE Insulation, Copper Wire Screen and Stranded Copper Conductor to BS EN 60228 into electrical switchgear equipment.

Surface Tracking Causes

Carbonized paths can occur from the dielectric breakdown of insulation, and/or by the introduction of contaminants on the surface that allow for electrical discharges across the surface.

The 3 factors that enable surface tracking to occur on cable terminations (MV HV): 

Hydrophobicity

3M Terminations | Protecting Against Tracking

Tracking is defined as a process that produces localised irreversible deterioration on the surface of an insulator, resulting in the loss of the insulating function by the formation of a conductive path on the surface of the insulator.

Silicone is an excellent track resistant material and is hydrophobic, repelling water and making the insulator self-cleaning which results in a dryer surface and lower leakage currents. 3M outdoor cable terminations include 3M rain sheds which disrupt any wet leakage paths that occur in industrial environments and also allows the creepage distance of the termination to be much shorter.

Insulator Skirts

Use of skirts on cable terminations increases the creepage distance (leakage distance) between the voltage source and ground plane. The undercut skirts disrupt wet leakage paths that occur in outdoor environments.

Advanced Materials

Insulators and skirted assemblies are made of formulated silicone rubber, which has excellent tracking resistance and hydrophobic properties. Special High K materials formulated to effectively control electrical stress.

Effective Stress Control

Electric field stresses are distributed in a controlled manner along the entire termination length. Voltage stress concentrations on the insulator surface are kept below 15 V/mil at rated voltage.

Further Reading

• 66kV Terminations | NEW Stock Introduction for 3M Cold Shrink Cable Terminations
• Stress Control | MV Cable Terminations by 3M Electrical
• Cable Jacket Repair | 3M Electrical Webinar

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.

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