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Filoform MD5 Duct Sealing System Vs DIY Expanding Foam

DIY Expanding Foam vs MD5 Duct Sealing System | Filoform

Filoform MD5 Sealing System

vs DIY Expanding Foam

Most UK utilities have banned the use of expanding foam as a measure to effectively seal cable ducts against water ingress, gas migration or fire spread. Failure to correctly and safely seal cable ducts can inflict catastrophic damage to LV MV HV Electrical Distribution Networks, Substations and Power Supply.

Thorne & Derrick International are the UK distributors for Filoform, a leading manufacturer of cable joints, duct seals and special resins for installation in the utilities, telecom, traffic, rail, fibre optic, street lighting and construction industries.

Polyurethane foam (PU) has witnessed a increase in popularity as a construction material due to its versatility. PU can be applied to walls, roofs, ceilings, floors providing insulation and structural support. Technological advancements have overcome engineering challenges, allowing for low-density foam products that are easy to install on-site.

Duct Seals – Sealing Cable Ducts

uSING Filoform MD5 Duct Sealing VS DIY expanding foAM

Whilst expanding foam serves well for sealing small gaps, filling voids, cracks and insulating it falls short beyond these applications. Often comprised of subpar polyurethane, many expanding foams lack the necessary properties for effective sealing or adhesion.

The use of expanding foam in construction and maintenance projects across various industries have grown over time; however it faces major problems when applied wrong, or designed into a project where the foam specifications doesn’t match the requirements of the projects.

Comparing MD5 Duct Sealing Resin to Generic expanding foam

Assessing the particular duct seal scenario and determining the project’s goals are important when selecting an efficient seal. Taking into account elements such as :

• Cable Presence 
• Water blocking specifications
• Fire Stop standards
• Building entrance points 
• Gas and chemical problems

During the design phase choosing a sealing system that fits the needs of the entire project should be made easier by taking the circumstances into consideration.

Sealing Ducts require precision, a professional would strongly advise against using DIY expanding foam for this purpose due to potential complications. For guidance in your inquiries please contact us today! 

MD5 Sealing System vs DIY Expanding Foam | FILOFORM

hOW TO SELECT A DUCT SEAL SOLUTION

It is important to evaluate specific duct sealing situation and identify the objectives of the seal. For example:

• Is there cables in the duct and how many?
• Does water need to be blocked? How much water?
• Is a firestop needed?
• Does the conduit enter the building?
• Are gases or chemicals a concern?

This process should take place during the design phase aligning the seal requirements with the overall product specifications. Generally, a design specification will encompass gas, water and fire resistance along with specified chemical resistance. However any reputable seal manufacturer should be able to furnish evidence regarding the expected lifespan.

Key to an effective seal

• Training and preparation – read and follow manufacturers instructions. This requires knowledge and skill.
• Sealing system selection – most underground duct sealing systems will need to block water and gases and tolerate hydrocarbons. If the duct enters the building, a fire stop may be required so you need to select a sealing system that addresses the risk present.
• Cable separation – this is a area where most duct seals will fail ; either the product doesn’t support cable separation, or the installer has been unable to separate the cable sufficiently. Without separation, water and gases will simply wick through areas without the sealant.
• Conduit sealing – our range of conduit sealing systems have been designed to provide a simple and effective solution for watertight and gas sealing of pipes and cables in conduits, boreholes and ducts. Conduit sealing systems can be installed horizontally and vertically; they are very flexible.
  

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Key Benefits of using an effective Duct seal

• Allows for low density foam to use
• Used in many places .
• Made of good quality polyurethane foam material

Duct sealing and sealing products manufactured by Filoform are installed to provide gas tight and watertight sealing for cable duct entries – protecting underground cables and substation ducting infrastructure against flood and migration of flammable and toxic gas hazards. Fire resistant version also available – suitable for sealing LV-HV power, telecoms and fibre optic cables.

Filoform manufacture and supply quality products and solutions to connect, seal and protect low, medium and high voltage underground cable networks.

Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery from stock for the complete range of Filoform duct seals and cable joints.

View the complete range of Filoform products.

FiloSeal+HD Duct Sealing System

EV Insulated Matting | Enhancing Safety in the Workplace | LV MV HV

Mitigating Risks | High Voltage Systems | CATU

EV Insulated Mats

Protecting against accidents in LV MV HV Systems

CATU’s electrical insulating matting provide electrical safety protection for individual and collective protection for workers involved on LV MV HV installations for voltages of 3.3kV, 6.6kV, 11kV, 15kV, 20kV and 33kV – generally used in conjunction with additional PPE such as insulating gloves for worker safety.

Insulated Mats, manufactured by CATU Electrical Safety and distributed by Thorne & Derrick, made from elastomer are used to cover ground for electrical protection of operators during work or interventions on electrical installations.

By incorporating insulated matting into safety protocols, the EV sector can enhance workplace safety, comply with industry standards and mitigating any risks associated with high voltage systems in electrical vehicles.

The mats are tested to IEC61111 and certification is provided upon request.

Insulating Matting | Thorne & Derrick hold the largest stocks in the UK of all types and Class of electrical matting for LV MV HV substations and switchgear applications to protect workers from protect people from hazardous electric shocks.

Purposes of using EV Insulated Matting

EV insulated matting is commonly used for a variety of reasons:

• Electrical Safety – Electric Vehicles (EV) operate with high voltage systems, preventing a risk of electrical shock during maintenance or repair.
• Preventing Grounding
• Compliance with Safety Standards
• Workplace Safety Practices
• Protecting against accidents

Meeting these specific standards is essential for creating a safe working environment and ensuring the well-being of technicians.

EV Insulated Mats | Compliance with IEC Standards

IEC61111 Standards

Insulated Mats, manufactured by CATU Electrical Safety and distributed by Thorne & Derrick from elastomer is used to cover ground for electrical protection of operators during work or interventions on electrical installations. By incorporating insulated matting into safety protocols, the EV sector can enhance workplace safety, comply with industry standards and mitigating any risks associated with high voltage systems in electrical vehicles.

The withstand test of insulating matting for electrical insulation is applied to each manufacturing batch of switchboard matting to ensure it does not have an electrical breakdown if exposed to high voltages – the working and withstand voltages must not be confused.

The proof test of insulating matting are dielectrical resistance tests provided by the mat manufacturer on the total running metre of the product and are used to safeguard a standard conformity of resistance throughout the entire section, roll or surface area of the electrical mat – the proof test must be applied to the insulating mats for a set time at a specified voltage level.

The information table below highlights and explains the IEC standard classification according to the maximum working voltages for rubber insulating matting.

High Voltage Electrical Safety

Further Reading

• Electrical Safety – Arc Flash Accidents & Electrocution In LV-HV Installations
  
• Arc Flash Calculation – Selecting Clothing & PPE To Protect Lives Against Arc Hazard
• IEC 61482-2:2018 – Get Up To Speed With The New Arc Flash Standard
• Arc Flash PPE | 7 Top Considerations
• Arc Flash The Basics

Insulating Matting | Voltage Detectors | Substation Kits | Phase Comparators

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 MV 

Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute a complete range of IEC61111 insulating matting for electrical safety, protection and working on low, medium and high voltage substations and switchgear up to 33kV – the IEC61111 standard provides a selection category for Low Voltage (1000V) to High Voltage (36kV).

Medium Voltage Jointing & Termination Programme | 3M Cold Shrink

Medium Voltage Jointing

During our monthly Distributor Review Meeting this morning with Kate Palmer-Randle we discussed further developing the Qualified Electrical Construction Contractor Accreditation (QECC) from 3M Electrical in the UK.

The Qualified Electrical Construction Contractor Programme (QECC) has been set up as a partnership designed to provide valuable benefits to appointed 3M Electrical Contractor Partners.

As part of the QECC programme, contractors receive in-depth 3M product and technology training, including theoretical training on 11kV, 22kV, 33kV, 52kV & 66kV Cable Accessories, including Joints & Terminations.

Once Certified the QECC contractor can apply for a 3M 20-year MV Product Warranty) on completed projects which can be passed on to their client to offer them peace of mind on their investments and evidence Competency.

To date four companies have been geographically appointed, with a select number of new members set to qualify over the coming months.

Choosing a 3M QECC certificated company allows you to have peace of mind that the contractors you’re working with are trained to the highest level and backed by an extended 3M 20-year product warranty.

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.

Thorne & Derrick 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.

Marechal – The Decontactor

Thorne & Derrick UK | Main Stockist & Preferred Distributor 

• uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick International

Improve Electrical Safety & Power Reliability

Inertia and a resistance to change prevents progress even where the allure or reason for the initial attraction has long since past.

Working with Marechal, a world-leading manufacturer of industrial plug-socket assemblies, Thorne & Derrick can provide increased safety and improved reliability compared to the traditional “hard-wiring” approach to low voltage power distribution using their innovative Decontactor technology.

The decontactor

DECONTACTOR = PLUG + SOCKET + integral switch disconnector

Marechal Decontactors can be disconnected under full electrical load for planned maintenance or rapid change out of equipment during plant shutdowns and turnarounds.

• Load Break Release Button & Safety Shutter

Marechal plugs feature a safety button placed on the upper section of the safety socket enabling the user with a single press of the button to disconnect the equipment up to 250A – no specialist skills or training is required to install the plugs.

Marechal plug-socket assemblies can be removed in complete safety – the power outlet installation is safe and does not represent an electrical hazard guaranteeing operating speed and time savings during installation operations or machine shutdown.

As an additional feature a safety shutter protects the user according to IP4X/IPXXD – the live contacts are inaccessible behind the closed shutter.

Electrical power can be controlled and distributed up to 1100V, 660Amps using the Marechal P66 high voltage connector for industrial applications.

Anatomy Of The Decontactor  

The Marechal decontactor is a plug and socket with an integral load-break switch – this unique design offers various benefits :

• contact quality
• safe disconnection
• automatically watertight
• cost reduction due to dual-voltage
• robust and reliable

Marechal | The Decontactor

Make The Switch!

Out With The Old, In With The New. Contact T&D to arrange a UK site demonstration or survey of your power distribution requirement. No obligation. No cost.

Whatever The Weather, Wherever The Zone

We think we can meet any Power Distribution challenge.

Automatic IP66/IP67 dust and liquid tightness – check.

Hazardous area Zone 1 and Zone 2 – yes, compliant with ATEX and IECEx.

Signal and control options – yes, up to 37 contacts.

High current capability – got it covered, connect up to 250amps. Single pole options up to 700amps. 

Handle heat – we can cope, withstand 400°C.

Ex Decontactors | Plugs and socket-outlets with integrated switch, designed and certified for hazardous areas (ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive) – this includes Zones 1 & 2 (Flammable Gas) and Zones 21 & 22 (Combustible Dust) potentially explosive atmospheres.

Datacentre | BESS | Windfarm | Construction | Solar | Process Industries

Avoiding Hand & Finger Injuries in the Wind Energy Industry

Manual Handling

& Hand Safety Improvements

Protecting Workers by Reducing Pinch & Crush Injury 

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

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Suppliers to the UK and international Renewable Energy Industry of products and equipment to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable Termination, Jointing, Tooling & Installation of Power Systems up to 66kV.

This article covers the introduction of a Hand Safety Measure to reduce risk and improve safety for workers in the offshore wind industry involved in both construction, operations and maintenance (O&M).

Thorne & Derrick working closely alongside a multinational power company leading the energy transition from fossil-based to renewable generation of electric power have introduced a significant improvement to industry Health & Safety.

The adoption of the innovative ShoveIt product from Hand Safety Tools will reduce hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects in offshore wind turbine nacelles. This could include manual handling activities, such as moving suspended heavy items including tooling, equipment, kit personnel bags to the work area.

Thorne & Derrick, a leading Distributor of Personal Protection & Site Safety Products, were invited to propose product recommendations to ensure a “hands-free” working procedure for turbine technicians and workers guiding suspended or hoisted loads into and out of nacelle loading hatches.

A Risk Assessment identified potential hand injury hazards relating to Pinch-Points when manoeuvring, grabbing, guiding and positioning suspended loads – the mitigation measure required adequate working length (up to 1.75m), lightweight for ease of use and allowance for a tool lanyard attachment.

Following risk review, Thorne & Derrick submitted the ShoveIt product for field trail and evaluation over a 2 week rotation period to gather collective performance feedback from the clients team – the 72” Length Rubber Insert Shove-It Hand Safety Tool was concluded to be optimal for the safe movement of the loads.

During the product trial the No Touch Hands Free safety tool was field tested during all weather conditions to ensure its suitability, particularly in high wind and low temperature periods (affecting grip ability) when conditions for manoeuvring loads into and out of the hatch can be most difficult and dangerous.

This Hand Safety Tool is made from non-conductive materials and features a rubber insert that provides a secure grip on the load without damaging it – the lightweight design makes it easy to handle, even in windy conditions. The tool lanyard attachment allows the operator to secure the tool to their wrist or harness, reducing the risk of dropping the tool and causing an accident.

The ShoveIt tool was found to be very effective in guiding loads in and out of the Nacelle loading hatch and the client was delighted with the results – ShoveIt has now been introduced by the H&S Team into their working Method Statement to reduce hand and finger injuries to the turbine and deck crew working across Irish & North Sea assets.

The ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool pictured in field use within a wind turbine tower to safely guide hoisted loads into and out of the nacelle loading hatch avoiding manual dragging and associated injury.

The load movement, handling and transfer of items from the Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) to an asset via a crane mounted on the TP external platform can involve risk and exposure to potential hand injury accidents and incidents during the physical handling of loads.

ShoveIt | The No Touch Hands Free Safety Tool

The ShoveIt No Touch Push / Pull Pole Hand Safety Tool helps avoid hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects across all industries. Users maintain proper ergonomic body positioning for safe handling out of the line of fire – this enables users to guide loads, move and position objects, as well as grab slings and taglines without physically placing hands on the item.

Stocked by Thorne & Derrick | Specialist Distributors of Industrial Safety Products, Tools, Equipment & PPE

Push Pull Tool Design

SHOVEIT Head Design

• Lightweight yet extremely durable head
• Versatile V-shape and opposing grab hooks allow workers to safely push and pull a multitude of objects
• Three insert options for various applications:
  • Nitrile rubber insert for grip
  • UHMW-PE plastic insert for glide
  • Aluminium insert for high heat

SHOVEIT Shaft Material

• Lightweight and durable plastic coated FRP material
• Hi-Viz safety orange tools
• Textured shaft for slip-resistant handling

Hand Guard With Tethering, Point D-Handle, Rubber End Grip

Further Reading

• Thorne & Derrick Appointed UK Distributor for the Hand Safety Tool Company

MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales