Blog
Arc Flash | Risk Reduction by Using Arc Flash Gloves
October 22nd, 2019
TraffiGlove – Arc Flash Gloves Specialists
The following article has been produced by TraffiGlove – Arc Flash Gloves Specialists. Special thanks for the permission to re-publish your article.
UNDERSTANDING ARC FLASH
The most common cause of all electrical injuries is arc flash – an incident which can change an employee’s life in the blink of an eye.
An arc flash is an electrical current that jumps from the intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another. When an arc fault occurs, it causes the release of massive amounts of energy into the air, resulting in explosions which can reach up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit in an instant.
Such high temperatures can also vaporise metals, such as copper, which sustains the arc and amplifies its power.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?
Arc flashes only last for several milliseconds, but this is more than enough time for the superheated air and vapourised solids to cause significant injury to nearby workers. The intense light from an arc flash can also cause damage to the retina.
Not only this, but arc flashes are accompanied by a pressure wave and sound blast loud enough to damage hearing or even brain function. This so-called ‘arc blast’ also sends any loose debris, tools or equipment flying out from the fault at supersonic speeds causing further injuries.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?
An arc flash is a potentially fatal incident for any personnel in the vicinity.
Workers can suffer:
- First, second and/or third-degree burns, not only on the front but also the back
- Internal damage to vital organs from high amounts of voltage travelling through the body
- Blunt force trauma from the blast
- Shrapnel damage to the skin
- Damage to their sight
- Health effects from breathing toxic fumes
- Hearing loss
The consequences of arc flash incidents are often life-changing for the individuals involved, with treatment for burns, in particular, involving years of skin grafts and surgery.
REDUCING THE RISKS WITH ARC FLASH GLOVES
When an arc flash occurs, hands are usually the first body part to catch fire due to their close proximity to the fault. As such, workers should not wear gloves which may easily burn, ignite or do not provide any protection from heat.
Rubber insulating gloves have long since been the norm for tasks that carry an arc flash risk.
However, rubber gloves can be incredibly bulky and limit dexterity, making them difficult to work in. Due to this, many non-rubber, lightweight arc flash gloves are now entering the market.
Such gloves are made from material which is innately flame-resistant (leather, aramid, coated nylon, and glass) or treated.
These types of arc flash gloves are far more comfortable than their rubber counterparts and often provide more protection. These seamless knit solutions can also increase the level of cut protection of the EN 388 standard. However, you should always discuss your requirements with a safety specialist to ensure you wear the correct safety glove for the job.
TraffiGlove September best seller
September’s best-seller was announced as TraffiGlove’s TG5140. The glove is a close-fitting and flexible Cut C glove with a high tech MicroDex Nitrile Foam coating that provides excellent grip in wet, dry and oily conditions. The durability and glove life is also excellent.
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of Arc Flash protective clothing, garments and accessories – should you require advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
Further Reading
Electrical Safety – Arc Flash Accidents & Electrocution In LV-HV InstallationsÂ
Arc Flash Calculation – Selecting Clothing & PPE To Protect Lives Against Arc Hazard
Arc Flash Clothing | Polo Shirts | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Sweatshirts | Helmets
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 MVÂ
Arc Flash Learning & Resources
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash coveralls and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
Voltage Testers | What Are Your Options for Verifying Absence of Voltage?
October 22nd, 2019
Voltage Testers: An Article by Panduit
What are your options for VERIFYING Absence of Voltage?
Safety is everything.
Workers MUST comply with safety regulations that require a voltage verification test when servicing electrical equipment
But how can you be safe and be sure the circuit is de-energized?
What if the only method is complex and exposes you to the very danger you’re trying to avoid?
Find out how a team of engineers with fresh thinking and years in the lab resulted in an entirely new product – the absence of voltage testers (AVTs) – and positive proof the power is off.
Voltage Testers – Your Options
- Portable Test Instruments – Portable voltage testers are usually a hand-held device used to detect the presence and absence of voltage. They require a manual and time-consuming process, increasing the risk of human error. They are susceptible to user misinterpretation and process failures, which may expose workers to electrical hazards.
- Voltage Indicators – These are typically installed devices. When functioning properly, voltage indicators warn of the presence of voltage but do not guarantee its absence. When your voltage indicator is not illuminated, the system is de-energized. However, how can we be sure? There could be something wrong with the installation. There’s no way to know for sure that your equipment is de-energized with just a voltage indicator.
- VeriSafe AVT – Verisafe AVT uses active indications to tell you when your equipment is de-energized, so you know that the absence of voltage has been verified. The push of a button activates VeriSafe AVT’s automatic absence of voltage test. Here’s what the colour indicators mean when using the VeriSafe Absence of Voltage Tester…
- Red – There is a voltage present in your equipment
- Yellow – The absence of voltage could not be confirmed, be careful
- Green – Absence of voltage has been verified
For the task of verifying the absence of voltage, VeriSafe AVT is both a voltage tester + voltage indicator. Be sure the light is green with VeriSafe AVT.
Panduit VeriSafe – Absence of Voltage Tester
Verisafe is UNIQUE and safety is Important.
Panduit’s fully automated, permanently mounted and first-of-its-kind industry compliant tool, VeriSafe AVT – both indicates the presence and absence of voltage.
The VeriSafe absence of voltage tester minimizes risk by verifying the absence of voltage before equipment is accessed. VeriSafe’s automated process and single-step activation are standardized to avoid missteps in execution and sequence. It is further constructed to resist factors that could affect its accuracy and functionality – such as mechanical or electrical failures from wear, mechanical shock and environmental extremes.
Through years of development and collaboration with industry groups, the team was able to reach proof of concept and eventually create an absence of voltage tester that performed exactly as they hoped. All that was left was for the new AVT (absence of voltage tester) product category to be defined in an industry-standard and for the safety requirements to be published.
In 2016, UL published the first-ever AVT safety and listing requirements in UL 1436.
In 2017, the VeriSafe AVT was released and now offers workers an easy, safer way to get positive proof the system is de-energized before accessing or working on electrical equipment.
Now, all it takes is a press of the test button, and a moment to wait for the green light. And, as everybody knows, green means go.
With over 60 years of infrastructure experience, our team recognized the need for a safer – and easier – way to verify a circuit is de-energized. The change our engineers had in mind was to eliminate exposure to live circuits – either by accident or during an absence of voltage test. That would mean no more hand-held meters, and no need to interact with known-live circuits as part of the test.
Thorne & Derrick International, Specialist Distributors of Electrical Safety Equipment, are Panduit Partners.
Request your VeriSafe demo from Thorne & Derrick today.
Thorne & Derrick
T&D are Specialist Distributors to UK Distribution Network Operators (DNO’s), NERS Registered Service Providers, ICP’s and HV Jointing Contractors of an extensive range of LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – this includes 11kV/33kV/66kV joints, terminations and connectors for both DNO and private network applications.
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 HVÂ
 ➡ More: VIDEO How To Verify Total Absence of Voltage By The Push Of a Button
Sudkabel 132kV GIS Cable Terminations (Plug In Connectors)
October 15th, 2019
Thone & Derrick | Sudkabel Approved Distributor | Joints, Terminations & Connectors | Specification & Supply
- Application: Terminating 132kV Cables Into GIS Gas Insulated Switchgear
- Cable Type: 132kV Cable XLPE Insulated Polymeric High Voltage Cables
- Cable Jointer: Dave Boyd (EHV Cable Jointer. Director of HV Cablepower Pty Ltd)
- Featured Manufacturer: Sudkabel
About Dave Boyd
Dave has worked as a Cable Jointer for over 20 years starting his career with YEB (Yorkshire Electricity Board) in Huddersfield, England – this included developing a skill-set and competency to work and joint on numerous cables ranging from paper lead street lighting cables to 33kV oil filled medium voltage power cables.
With this background and experience Dave emigrated to Perth, Western Australia where he commenced employment with Western Power – Dave subsequently managed the transmission underground system having gained 132kV manufacturer certifications and accreditations with ABB and LG.
Dave left Western Power and established a new company, Complete Cable Jointing Australia (CCJA), of which he was a co-owner. After five 
successful years CCJA voluntarily disbanded and ceased trading.
Today, Dave is Managing Director of HV Cablepower Pty Ltd.
Their team of HV EHV Jointers are factory trained with ABB (up to 420kV), LG, Tyco, Pfisterer, Prysmian, Sudkabel (up to 245kV) and Brugg Cables (up to 500kV).
Sudkabel 132kV
JOINTERS BLOG
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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.
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11kV Triplex Cables | Underground Trench Installation
October 15th, 2019- Application: 11kV Cable Installation | Underground Cable Trench | Triplex 11kV
- Cable Type: DNO Approved WPD Specification 11kV
- Cable Jointer: Dean Page (Managing Director at DP Cable Jointing Ltd)
About Dean Page
Dean Page is a LV 11kV and 33kV Jointer – with extensive knowledge and work experience on all aspects of LV-HV cables such as XLPE-SWA, PILC, Consac and Triplex. Daily work tasks include LV connections and service work, installation of 11kV substations and associated LV mains infrastructure. Dean is Certificated for the installation of Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold type inner and outer cone separable connectors for terminating 33kV cables into gas insulated switchgear.
Cable protection covers, tapetiles and underground warning tapes are installed over LV, MV and HV power cables in trench and ducted cable installations with high visibility colour providing a visual warning of danger when excavating cables. 11kV and 33kV cable protection tapes (Tapetile and Stokbord covers) are manufactured from heavy duty plastic for reliable protection.
T&D distribute the most extensive range of LV, MV & HV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Installation & Cable Pulling Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
- Key Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Sealing Cable Ducts, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.
- Distributors for: 3M, 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)
Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment
More…
T&D’s Power Blog covers: LV MV HV & EHV Transmission & Distribution, Substations, Switchgear, Cable Jointing & Termination, Cable Fault & Repair, Underground Cables.
arrow: Visit Power Blog
Safe & Secure Locking Systems For Explosive Atmospheres In The Rail & Utility Industries
October 11th, 2019
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uploaded by Chris Dodds | Thorne & Derrick Sales Marketing Manager
Battery Rooms
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, recently signed a Sole UK Distributor Agreement with regional exclusivity to the North East of England for the SecurEx range of ATEX & IECEx Certified access control and security products – these high security locking systems are specified to provide asset security against vandalism, theft and damage in hot-spot crime areas and workplace locations with potentially explosive atmospheres.
High Security, High Risk
Door Locking & Security Systems
Due to a recent spike in criminal activity on the UK rail industry there has been an urgent requirement to improve security and protection to critical sections of railway stations and infrastructure – this includes main battery rooms categorised as CNI sites.
The site is both a Critical National Infrastructure security risk with a potential explosive atmosphere risk due to the dangers of venting battery gas presenting flammable risks.
According to the ATEX Directive this location is categorised as a Zone 1 hazardous area location due to the incidence and duration of a flammable gas atmosphere likely to occur occasionally in normal operation. This could occur in the battery room because of repair, maintenance operations, or leakage as well as deliberate criminal intent.
61,000 crimes were reported on the UK Rail Network in 20187-2018 – 9% of criminal damage was attributed to Malicious Mischief, f1.
Obviously, this is a high security area requiring high security hazardous area doors and locking systems.
To combat crime and ensure site safety a Sx Ex Abryll in a SATE handle escape with LPCB Level 4 configuration was supplied – the lock was fitted to an Abloy High Security Steel door.
This lock is the only high security lock with ATEX & IECEx certification.
Product Information âž¡ High Security Locks for Zone 1 ATEX Battery Rooms
SX EX ABRYLL High Security Lock: Single Point Locking System can be configured with a multitude of functions including Panic and Emergency Escape, Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Deadlocking. Certified for Ex Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 hazardous areas.
Glossary
CNI: Critical National Infrastructure – national Infrastructure are those facilities, systems, sites, information, people, networks and processes, necessary for a country to function and upon which daily life depends. In the UK, there are 13 national infrastructure sectors including Transport.
ATEX: ATmosph̬res EXplosives Рthe ATEX directive consists of two EU directives describing what equipment and work space is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere.
LPCB: Loss Prevention Certification Board – the leading international Certification Body in the fields of security and fire protection.
f1 Source Williams Rail Review – the Williams Rail Review was established in September 2018 to look at the structure of the whole rail industry and the way passenger rail services are delivered. The review will make recommendations for reform that prioritise passengers’ and taxpayers’ interests.
Further Reading
Credit: Williams Report
Rail Cable Accessories, Electrification & Installation Equipment
Thorne & Derrick stock an extensive range of 400V-33kV Rail Cable Accessories & Power Distribution Sytems including feeder pillars to contractors undertaking Low Voltage Power Distribution, HV Electrification & Substations, DC Traction & Networks, OLE and Track Feeder Cable Renewals – complete range of Network Rail PADS approved track terminations, cable joints, cable repair and connection products up to 25kV, including 3M Cold Shrink, Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold products.
Full range of Cable Pulling Equipment & Products to ensure safe and efficient of rail cables in to cable ducts and containment infrastructure including cable troughs.
Thorne & Derrick are Approved Vendors to Network Rail and TfL.
