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Thorne & Derrick Electrifying Industry With 3M

PR | Chris Dodds (Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager) 4.7.2024  

Thorne & Derrick International have been honoured to welcome Patrick Rogiers (President at 3M Electrical Markets Division) alongside a delegation from 3M Europe and the UK Channel Management Team to their UK office.

The high-profile visit recognised the significant business growth Thorne & Derrick have achieved in recent years with 3M Electrical – a success story rooted deep in a relationship existing since the formation of our company in 1985.

“Without exception today was the most personally satisfying and commercially significant working day in my 30 year career with Thorne & Derrick. I joined Thorne & Derrick in 1994 when we held a supply-contract to the nationalised mining industry with British Coal; we were supplying MV Cable Accessories to electrify and power our economy.”

“Fast forward to 2024 and a strong constant pervades; relationships.”

“As we move towards a digitalised and de-carbonised world Thorne & Derrick’s relationship with 3M and global energy providers continues to electrify industry from trackside to turbine, from Teesside to Taiwan,” comments Chris Dodds.

5 Steps

Thorne & Derrick, identified as a global fast-growth 3M Electrical Distributor, focused during the business review meeting on an even-closer integration of our core business objectives to drive further high sales growth through a “best-in-class” service offer to customers.

We identified and agreed our 5 Steps to further intensify and improve our service provision to back up your business;

1. Kitting – a new Agreement and ability to deliver from stock cable-customised MV HV Joints & Terminations tailored to projects and delivered on the shortest lead-times in the industry – this includes new MV Kit developments to meet evolving cable specifications, UK DNO and Network Rail PADS Approved variants at 11kV, 33kV and 66kV.

2. Stocking – an expansion of existing and the introduction of new product lines 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 at Thorne & Derrick.

3. Training – advanced “Train the Trainer” Programme for the Thorne & Derrick team to enable delivery to customers of office and field based Product Installation Training for Cold Shrink Cable Accessories at 11kV, 33kV and 66kV.

4. Relationships – selective expansion of Qualified Electrical Construction Contractor Appointments to provide a 20 Year Warranty for 3M Medium Voltage Cable Accessory installations. QECC is a Partnership between 3M, Thorne & Derrick and the Contractor Partners designed to provide valuable benefits to industry. As part of the QECC Programme, contractors receive in-depth 3M Medium Voltage product and technology training – this includes both practical installation and theoretical training on 11kV, 22kV, 33kV and 66kV Joints, Terminations and Separable Connectors.

5. Strategy – a collaborative sales-marketing strategy to further extend market share-gain with added sales growth underpinned by a world-class customer service experience.

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.

Stakeholder Engagement with 3M | Left to Right: Jonathan Hewitt – Key Accounts Sales Engineer (Wind Energy) at T&D, Kate Palmer-Randle – Channel Manager North Europe at 3M, Lee Burrell – Company Director at Advanced Power Services, Andy Townsend – National Sales Specialist at 3M, Jenny Swindells – Regional Division Leader Northern Europe at 3M, Chris Dodds – Sales & Marketing Manager at T&D, Carl Cox – Sales Engineer (Rail) at T&D, Patrick Rogiers – President at 3M, Heather Andrews – Business Development Manager at Advanced Power Services and Richard Derrick – Managing Director at T&D

Advanced Power Services are 3M QECC Certified installers of 3M Medium Voltage Cable Accessories supported by a 20 Year Warranty, including Network Rail PAD’s variants and industrial Cold Shrink Cable Joints, Terminations and Connectors up to 66kV.

“Thank you Chris for scheduling a great day, I enjoyed it very much and I am looking forward to capitalizing on the joint opportunities that we have ahead of us. Empowering customers to deliver efficient, reliable and sustainable energy is the worldwide strategic intent of 3M Electrical. I was impressed and delighted to see, hear and better understand how Thorne & Derrick are emphatically contributing alongside 3M to this global goal” – Commented Patrick Rogiers President at 3M. 

“3M’s science appliance to material technology has enabled us to introduce product innovations for cable protection, repair, jointing, testing and termination up to 66kV,” added Chris Dodds – Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick.

The Centre of the Renewable Universe

Our visitor group were hosted in the afternoon by Stephen Thompson (BDM HV Electrical – ORE Catapult) at Blyth in the North East of England, the UK’s leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewable energy. This included a tour of their world-class facility for the testing and validation of HV Cable Systems, Terminations and Accessories.

ORE Catapult’s continued investment and capability expansion has accelerated the scale up of cable and accessory voltages from 33kV to 66kV to 132kV – this significant contribution to Net Zero has supercharged the development and growth of UK supply-chain expertise, including Thorne & Derrick.

Testing & De-risking Offshore Renewable Energy Technology

George Rafferty, Director of Communications at NOF, provided an insightful and powerful presentation emphasizing the strategic role of NOF and Energi-Coast in the Energy Transition of our planet. NOF are the UK’s strongest business development organisation helping to make valuable connections between companies in the global energy sector.

NOF have assisted in the fast-tracking of Thorne & Derrick’s revenue and profitability growth by facilitating our supplier status and strengthening our positioning with several of the world’s most high profile wind energy projects from Dogger Bank (Teesside) to Greater Changhua (Taiwan) to Vineyard – the first large-scale operational wind farm in the USA.

Spearheading Success | From small round table meetings to high profile energy sector conferences, NOF organise targeted events that provide access to major energy brands and opportunities to showcase our products and services.

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.

Spike & Cut Power Cables ! Improving Cable Safety with Sunbelt Rentals

uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager with Thorne & Derrick

Thorne & Derrick, the Specialist Distributor of LV HV Cable Accessories, Tooling & Substation Electrical Equipment, are delighted to be working alongside Sunbelt Rentals UK, the global leader in the hire of Electrical Test Equipment.

Together, we are launching the PENTA PICOUP UltraSafe range of Spiking Tools with Integrated Cable Cutters to improve industry safety and simplicity for contractors working on underground or subsea cable repair, jointing and fault restoration work, 600v to 132kV.

The unique PICOUP provides a combined “Spike & Cut” capability in a single-tool operation with a choice of 2 models; PICOUP 65 (LV up to 65mm) or PICOUP 400 (LV HV up to 140mm) diameter, including armoured (SWA) cables.

Safely spike then cleanly cut – one tool does it all.

Collaborating for Safety 

“Our PICOUP collaboration is based upon excellence in customer service and delivering cable safety improvements through tooling innovation. Thorne & Derrick provide a competitive purchase option with availability from stock, while Sunbelt Rentals have invested and introduced PICOUP into their hire fleet. Whether to buy or to hire, our collaboration guarantees immediate availability,” comments Chris Dodds from Thorne & Derrick.

“The Remote Controlled Hydraulic Spiking & Cutting Tool allows the user to verify the cable for absence of voltage and once proven Dead to then cut it in a one-tool procedure. I am genuinely excited about our collaboration – it improves safety, efficiency and further consolidates Thorne & Derrick as the global market-leading stockist of LV HV Jointing, Installation & Cable Preparation Tooling,” adds Chris.

“Penta ESP, Thorne & Derrick and Sunbelt Rentals are a unique collaboration in the industry, and one we are proud to be part of. Having a joint Sales-Hire option with both companies allows any potential customer to have fast access to either the Rental Fleet or to a Stocked Item ready within hours of interest. This nationwide service provides a cutting-edge product within easy reach. We are available to provide a Nationwide Demonstration of any product from the PICOUP range – all of our UK team will be happy to support you with further information should it be required,” comments Bill Earlie (Commercial Manager Penta UK).

“The PICOUP range of Ultra-Safe Cable Spiker and Cutting Tools are an absolute game changer with regards to SAFETY and OPERATIONAL CONSOLIDATION, in that they remove the requirement for live ammunition and incorporate both the spiking and the cutting of the cable, whether that be Low, Medium or High Voltage, into one function, thus saving time and costs.

Working together with Thorne and Derrick, a fellow North East of England company coupled with the expertise of Penta, means we are able to collaborate fully for both the hire or purchase of these fantastic tools and make a real difference to people’s lives who work in the cable industry,” adds Patrick Winter (National Business Development Manager at Sunbelt Rentals Limited).

• HYDRAULIC – safe operation, no resort to firing hazardous class, explosive cartridges
• REMOTE – safe working distance with no physical connection between the user and tool
• POWERFUL – hardened steel blades spike and cut up to 140mm diameter cables

To Site Overnight | 1 Tool = 2 Functions | Hire or Sale Option

Left to Right | Pictured at Sunbelt Rentals UK Hire & Service Centre in Stokesley, UK; Richard Derrick (MD Thorne & Derrick), Bill Earlie (Commercial Manager UK PENTA), Patrick Winter (National Business Development Manager Sunbelt Rentals UK) and Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager Thorne & Derrick).

Rugged & Robust | The IP67 waterproof heavy-duty tool is suitable for outdoor trench cable installations. Pictured : Safely cable spiking and cleanly cutting a 4 core 120sqmm XLPE/SWA BS5467 cable.

Image Credit : John Hayes (Director at JH Jointing & Cabling Contractors Ltd).

The UK’s Largest Rental Equipment Provider | Protection Relay Testing, Circuit Breaker Testing, Power Quality Monitoring, Cable Fault Location & Earth Testing.

T | 01642 718 900

E | [email protected]

Ellis Patents Extend Vulcan+ Cable Cleat Range To Accommodate Smaller Cables

Ellis Patents Vulcan+ Cable Cleat Range Extended

Thorne & Derrick | Cable Cleats Distributed from Stock | Approved Supplier | UK & Export Sales

Vulcan+ Cable Cleats

Due to popular demand, Ellis Patents have extended their VULCAN+ cable cleat range to include six new products that can accommodate cables from as small as Ø10mm in Quad formation, Ø15mm in Trefoil formation and Ø18mm in Single formation.

Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, stock and distribute the complete range of cable cleats and cable hangers manufactured by Ellis Patents including Vulcan cleats for short circuit retention and cable protection of LV (Low Voltage), MV (Medium Voltage) and HV (High Voltage) cable systems in single-way or trefoil or quad installation.

The Ellis Vulcan+ cable cleat has been designed, developed, tested and manufactured in accordance with IEC 61914 (cable cleats for electrical installations).

The frame of the cleat is manufactured from corrosion resistant 316L grade stainless steel, the cable is supported by a liner manufactured form a low smoke zero halogen (LSOH) material. The closure fixings are manufactured from A4-70 grade stainless steel. Vulcan+ can be fixed to the supporting structure by either one or two M10 fixings.

Ellis Patents VULCAN+

SINGLE/TREFOIL Cable Cleats

• 316L Stainless Steel Frame & Fixings
• Soft LSF Polymeric Liner Protects Cable Sheath
• Captive Closure Fixings For Fast Install
• Short Circuit & Mechanically Tested To IEC 61914
• ABS & DNV Type Approved & Also UL Listed

Vulcan+ Single or Trefoil Cable Cleat Dimensions

Ellis Patents VULCAN+

quad Cable Cleats

• 316L Stainless Steel Frame & Fixings
• Soft LSF Polymeric Liner Protects Cable Sheath
• Captive Closure Fixings For Fast Install
• Short Circuit & Mechanically Tested To IEC 61914
• ABS Type Approved & UL Listed

Vulcan+ Quad Cable Cleat Dimensions

Further Reading

• Cable Cleats | Importance of Short Circuit Testing by Ellis Patents
• Cable Cleats | Importance, How To Specify & International Standards
• Important Factors You Need To Consider When Working With Cable Cleats

THORNE & DERRICK

Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage power systems:

• Slip-on Cable Terminations
• Cold-shrink Cable Terminations
• Heat-shrink Cable Terminations
• Cable Joints – Heat & Cold-shrink
• Separable Connectors (Euromold)
• Surge Arresters & Switchgear/Transformer Bushings

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 

33kV Cable Stripping | Bonded Semicon Removal Using Ripley US02

Application | Stripping 33kV Cable BS7870 XLPE AWS Single Core 500sqmm

Using | Ripley US02 Bonded Semicon Screen Removal Tool

Contractor | Direct Jointing & Power Services Ltd

Cable Jointer & Company Director | Daniel Sowden

Direct Jointing & Power Services Ltd | Installing & Maintaining High Voltage Cables & Power Networks up to 33kV

Contact | [email protected] | 07468533057

More Information | US02-7000 Semicon Shaving Tool | Ripley US02 | Cable Tool HV

33kV Cable Preparation | Pre-Polish

33kV Cable Preparation | Post Polishing

Cable Preparation Tools | Distributed From Stock | Approved Supplier 

Ripley US02-7000

Semicon Shaver & Stripping Tool manufactured by Ripley Tools quickly and easily removes bonded semi-con from MV & HV power cables without the requirement for lubrication.

The semicon tool has a unique blade shape which preserves the smooth surface on the XLPE insulation of medium voltage cables typically distributing electrical power at 11kV and 33kV voltages – the Ripley US02 tool eliminates the need for deburring or additional surface finishing of the cable insulation. Its optimal stability design securely supports cables with diameters from 18 mm to 60 mm throughout the shaving operation of the cable preparation process, prior to jointing or terminating medium voltage cables.

The US02 tool provides an exceptionally smooth finish and does not require lubricating grease as the integral wheels provide a sustained motion during the cable preparation process – the US02 has four settings on it that adjust the pitch as it winds down the cable and a stop that enables the jointer to provide a square cut to finish off. The settings are 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm and 2mm.

Thorne & Derrick are now Official Distributors for the Vicera range of Cable Jointing Stands – the introduction of this new product range is an excellent extension to our core ranges of Cable Jointing, Pulling Equipment & Preparation Tooling and we look forward to further supporting efficient, easier and more reliable power cable installations.

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX & SEANEX. Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-132kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at medium/high voltages.

T&D hold large stocks of 11kV 33kV 66kV Joints & Terminations suitable for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables, in both heat shrink and Cold Shrink technologies, to service the medium/high voltage power cable accessory requirements of UK and international customers.

Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mat: Enhancing Safety on Elevated Gratings

Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mat: Enhancing Safety on Elevated Gratings

Dropped Object Prevention Work Mat Enhancing Safety on Elevated Gratings

The CableSafe® Dropped Object Prevention Work Mat serves as a reliable resource for protecting tools and equipment from falling through the grating and is designed for use in wet and slippery conditions. It is also designed to protect your flooring or walkways from damage – matting is used for dropped object prevention across all industries and workplace applications.

One area where safety is important is when working at a height, especially on elevated gratings, catwalks, and platforms. The risk of dropped tools or equipment poses a significant hazard, potentially damaging equipment or causing fatalities.

Safety at work is of utmost importance when working on elevated platforms, especially if there are personnel or contractors working underneath. Dropped objects are still, unfortunately, a common contributor to severe accidents in industrial facilities across different sectors globally.

Thorne & Derrick supply the complete range of Safety Tools & Equipment to enable safe working in sectors such as the construction, renewables, data centres, rail, manufacturing and oil, gas, petrochemical industries.

dROPPED oBJECTS PREVENTION MATS

wHAT ARE THEY?

The CableSafe Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mats are designed to allow personnel to work confidently on grating surfaces, as they serve as a dual purpose for the following:

• Protection : This mat prevents tools and equipment from falling through grate openings and holes
• Safety: Personnel can easily work efficiently without worrying about dropped objects, especially during maintenance, turnarounds, inspections, and daily operations

Flame RetardAnt / Fire retardant

CableSafe Dropped Object Prevention Work Mats are available with flame retardant and fire resistant coated polyester fabric. This fabric is crafted with coated polyester mesh fabric, and it has a tear strength of 330N (DIN 53363). This range of flame retardant mats is available with spanners and is available with a flame-resistant material that is made of fibreglass double coated polyurethane and can withstand temperatures of up to 550°C.

The CableSafe Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mat is available with a flame-resistant material that is made of fibreglass double coated polyurethane. It can withstand temperatures of up to 550 °C.

The fire resistant mats are available with spanners or with magnets.

Work mAts

hOW TO CONNECT THEM:

• Prevention Work Mats can be secured with 14 strong magnets, which attach to the grating. The magnets in the hem are rated at 84N each, making them one of the strongest in the market to ensure that the mats are secured properly.

The CableSafe Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mat is a high-quality, reusable, and cost-effective safety tool that significantly reduces the risk of dropped objects and is fast and easy to install.

Applications

• Marine & shipbuilding / Shipyards
• Metal gratings
• Elevated work platforms
• Walkways & catwalks
• Maintenance projects & industrial turnaround
• Oil and gas, refineries and power plants
• Offshore platforms, terminals and rigs
• Manufacturing facilities

Objects known to frequently cause accidents are hand tools or equipment left behind after a task, as well as equipment mounted in an elevated location that has the potential to fall due to movement or environmental conditions.

Benefits of the Prevention Work Mats

• Risk Reduction: Minimises the risk of dropped objects, protecting personnel and equipment
• Reusable: This range of high-quality mats can be used repeatedly to protect people in the workplace
• Fast Installation: No complicated setup– simply lay it down and secure it which helps reduce downtime and risk of workplace injuries and easy to deploy, fold and reuse
• Used as temporary Work Mat for dropped objects prevention
• Prevents small tools, fasteners & foreign objects falling from elevated work platforms creating a safer work environment
• Fire Resistant / Flame Retardant fabric available for heat sensitive areas

CABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

CableSafe® Safety solutions are critical cable essentials and are well proven construction safety products. The CableSafe® range of cable hooks can be used during maintenance, turnaround, outages, shutdowns, construction work to suspend cables and hoses and other work gear and equipment from the working space.