Blog

Marconite – Worlds Premium Electrically Conductive Aggregate Material

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

Marconite

Thorne & Derrick are a leading distributor of Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems, including Marconite, the world’s premium electrically conductive aggregate material.

Marconite compound is used as a backfill to enhance the earthing effects of copper earthing rods – Marconite enables permanent, stable and low resistance earthing solutions even in difficult ground and soil conditions.

Pictured below T&D off-loading recent Marconite delivery of over 1000no 25kg bags – T&D can provide most competitive prices and delivery schedules for Marconite in the UK.

Marconite Benefits

• Low resistivity – 0.001 ohm.m is extremely low when compared to Bentonite type earthing compounds with resistivity at 3 ohm.m
• Versatile – Marconite is suitable for most ground conditions and becomes a permanent, solid structure that is not prone to shrinking, drying out or being washed away
• Cost effective- permanent earthing solution, there is no need to remove and replace or “maintain” with additional water/salts every few years in order to achieve the desired earth values
• Chemically inert – non-corrosive to steel or copper earthing products, Marconite does not attack cement structures and has a pH within the neutral range
• High strength – Marconite can be used as part of the building structure itself and can achieve strengths higher than Grade 25 concrete

Thorne & Derrick are distributors of LV-HV Cable Installation, Cable Jointing & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, earthing, substation and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

T&D service utilities, power, construction, rail, mining, offshore, oil, gas and petrochemical industries. T&D distribute Electrical Safety Equipment protecting workers on underground cables, overhead powerlines, switchgear and substations at LV, MV and HV.

More Marconite Reading

• Marconite – Electrically Conductive Earthing Compound
• Marconite Earthing – Conductive Concrete, Mixing & Use Of Marconite
• FurseCEM Earthing Conductive Aggregate Concrete

Contact T&D for Copper Earthing Tapes – Bare Tape & Covered

SUBSTATION EARTHING & MV HV CABLE JOINTING

To complement Earthing & Lightning Protection products we stock and distribute the most extensive range of copper earthing equipment.

Earth Tapes | Earth Rods | Earth Bars | Earth Plates | Earth Mats

UKPN Cable Protection Tapes & Covers (LV MV HV)

UKPN LV MV HV 11kV 33kV | Tile Tape | Stokbord Covers

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

UKPN Tile Tape & Stokbord Covers

UK Power Networks, UKPN, are a UK Distribution Network Operator distributing low and high voltage electricity covering South East England, the East of England and London –  we overview current UKPN recommendations and specifications for Cable Protection Tapes & Covers using Tile Tape and Stokbord cable protection products.

Note these are subject to change: check with Thorne & Derrick Sales.

This should assist LV-HV Cable Jointing, Installation & Civil Engineering Contractors installing the appropriate level of LV-HV Cable Protection for underground power cables.

T&D are Approved Vendors to UKPN and their contractors providing competitive prices and technical support for LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment including low voltage electrical distribution feeder pillars manufactured by Lucy Zodion from the Fortress range.

All cables and cable ducts shall be protected by a cable protection tape or a Stokbord, the tape used depends upon the highest cable voltage to be protected:

• LV Service Cables – Tile Tape (40m x 200mm x 2.5mm) – UKPN Stores Code = 04040C
• LV Mains Cables – Tile Tape (40m x 200mm x 2.5mm) – UKPN Stores Code = 04040C
• 11kV MV Cables  – Tile Tape (40m x 200mm x 2.5mm) – UKPN Stores Code = 04040C
• 22kV MV Cables  – Tile Tape (40m x 200mm x 2.5mm) – UKPN Stores Code = 04040C
• 33kV MV Cables – Stokbord (1000mm x 244mm x 9mm) – UKPN Stores Code = 04041M
• 66kV HV Cables – Stokbord (1000mm x 244mm x 9mm) – UKPN Stores Code = 04041M
• 132kV HV Cables – Stokbord (1000mm x 244mm x 9mm) – UKPN Stores Code = 04041M

Cable protection tape or covers shall be installed so that they fully cover the width of the cable or cable duct installed below them.

• Excerpt from UKPN Engineering Construction Standard ECS 02-0019
• Installation of Underground Cables – LV to 132kV
• Document Number: ECS 02-0019
• Version: 10.0
• Date: 02/06/2015

Summary: The ECS 02-0019 Standard details the minimum requirements acceptable for the installation of new LV, 11kV, 20kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV cables plus associated pilot and telephone cables.

➡ View our complete range of LV-HV Cable Protection.

Cable Pulling & Laying Equipment LV HV

T&D supply Utilities & Approved Contractors with cable pulling products including cable rollers, cable socks and drum lifting jacks to enable the installation of low voltage and high voltage cables intro trench or duct: this includes single core, 3 core and Triplex 11kV/33kV power cables and LV waveform, mains and service cables.

Conduit & Duct Rods | Cable Lubricants | Cable Swivel Links | Cable Duct Bellmouths | Cable Cleaning & Cleaners | Jointers Tents | Cable Blowers

Using “Heat Shrink Wraparounds” To Repair High Voltage Transmission Cables In Underground Cable Vault

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
  

  Heat Shrink Wraparounds

During an annual inspection of the High Voltage Cable (Transmission & Distribution) Network at a power grid located in Thailand the following cable damage was witnessed to the high voltage underground cable sheath, note the “cracking” effect to the jacket.

Installed in 1996 and originally manufactured by Phelps Dodge the 66kV/115kV high voltage distribution cable was of single core construction with XLPE insulation, lead sheath (Alloy E) and compact copper conductor with 800sqmm cross section area  – the cable specification and project record book noted a nominal overall diameter of the complete cables at 113mm.

The client was concerned about the potential threat of water ingress seeping into the inner cable construction and causing electrical fault breakdown overtime.

Heat Shrink Wraparounds

Under consideration to reinstate the cable sheath damage was a wraparound heat shrink cable repair system – the cable repair sleeve consists of a raised rail profile with interlocking stainless steel channel and thick wall adhesive lined heat shrink tube to wraparound the section of damaged cable to reinstate the electrical insulation to the CABLE sheath/jacket. The “wraparound solution” could be used if the underlying layers of the cable construction had not been damaged. The “wraparound” would be provide excellent moisture sealing and defence against water contamination into the high voltage cable.

Proposed Solution: Heat Shrink Wraparound Cable Repair System

Cable Type: 115kV HXLP-LS 800sqmm (Spec IEC 840)

Cable Sheath Damage

The cable oversheath manufactured from polyethylene material with a nominal thickness of 4.75mm and minimum thickness of 3.73mm incurred jacket damage in service and required repair to prevent potential outage to the high voltage power cable system.

The following Comments from the cable manufacturer were noted with respect to the site condition of the cable and the proposed repair using “heat shrink wraparounds”:

1. From your pictures, it is difficult to express the root cause of the oversheath crack. It may cause from many factors such as hitting by external force, long time immerse in oil or chemical water, age of cable, etc.
2. From the cable construction, the cable has lead alloy sheath which is the perfect barrier for water, oil and chemical. Therefore, the water cannot ingress into the XLPE insulation unless the lead alloy sheath is damaged. The cable is still safe for operation.
3. One concern is the copper wire screen and copper contact tape under the oversheath. Since the oversheath is cracked, the water can come in under the oversheath and cause the corrosion to the copper wire screen. The function of this copper wire screen is to carry the single line to ground fault current in case of fault occur. If the copper wire screen is completely corroded, only the lead sheath is used for carrying the single line to ground fault current. From my rough calculation, the lead sheath alone can carry the earth fault around 23kA for 1 second. You can check the corrosion of the copper wire screen by measuring its resistance and comparing its value with their previous measurement.
4. Since the oversheath is already cracked and water already come in, you may consider in the worst case that the copper wire screen is completely corroded and consider if the earth fault current carrying capacity of lead sheath of 23kA for 1 second is enough for your system or not. If it is okay, you still can use this cable.
5. Please also check with the cable splice supplier if the water leak under the oversheath can cause any harm to the cable splice or not.
6. Periodic maintenance and test to see the trend is recommended such as insulation resistance test of XLPE insulation, on-line or off-line partial discharge test, resistance of copper wire screen and lead sheath test, etc.

Phelps Dodge

HV Cables

Phelps Dodge International (Thailand) Limited (PDITL) was established in 1968 as a joint-venture between an existing Thai firm and Phelps Dodge Corporation – PDITL are pioneers in the local industry and were the first company to introduce the majority of new processes, products and technology related to wire and cable manufacturing. PDITL is the only supplier in Thailand with complete in-house facilities for testing power cable up to 400kV.

PDITL has got its certification type test from International Independent Laboratories such as KEMA, Cable Technology Lab, etc. for LSHF cable, Fire resistant cable, Medium voltage, High voltage and Extra high voltage XLPE cables up to 245kV cables.

PDITL manufactures world-class quality wire and cable, not only for the local market but also for international markets, complying with strict international standards. It is proud of its customer services and long term relationships. PDITL has a team of over 700 employees, which are most important assets.

• Bare Copper Conductors
• Low Voltage Power Cables (XLPE, PVC, PE, EPR Insulation)
• Control Cable & Instrumentation Cables
• Lead Sheathed Cables
• Fire Resistant & LSHF Cables
• Flame Retardant & LSHF Cables
• Medium Voltage Power Cables
• High Voltage Power Cables (69kV | 115kV XLPE Cable)
• Extra High Voltage Power Cables (230kV XLPE Cable)
• Aluminium Conductor (AAC)
• Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR)
• Aluminium Alloy Conductor (AAAC)
• Weather Proof Cables (WPC)
• Service Entrance Cables (SEC)
• Service Drop Cables (SDC)
• Spaced Aerial Cables (SAC)

High Voltage Cable Manufacturer – PDIT

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 Eqpt – this includes 11kV/33kV/66kV joints, terminations and connectors for both DNO and private network applications.

Cable Jointing & Pulling Equipment

Cable Blowers | Cable Lubricant | Duct Rods | Cable Socks | Cable Jacks | Cable Rollers | Cable Protection Covers MV HV | Cable Joints MV HV | Duct Sealing

Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.

PFISTERER CONNEX Size 4 | HV High Voltage Cable Jointer Training

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales Marketing Manager

Call T&D to discuss your requirements for PFISTERER CONNEX Size 4 Training – the Jointer Training Courses can be booked with Thorne & Derrick by calling 0191 4104292 (contact Martin Wigham) – successful attendees will become qualified up to 72.5kV for the installation of PFISTERER CONNEX Size 4 cable terminations.

Trainees will learn how to terminate cables and install Size 4 CONNEX inner cone cable terminations using modern high voltage cable preparation tools and utilising Alroc tools.

• Course Duration: 1.5 Days
• Course Location: Sheffield UK
• Course Booking & Costs: Call 0191 4104292

➡ 33kV Training: PFISTERER Courses – Jointer Training For MV CONNEX Connectors

Thorne & Derrick Working With PFISTERER

Read our Blog  ➡ PFISTERER CONNEX Training & Visit For Thorne & Derrick

Thorne & Derrick Stock & Supply PFISTERER CONNEX Connectors – call us for a quotation.

What Is CONNEX?

The Plug-in Connection System for Power Transformers and Gas-Insulated Switchgear

CONNEX is a high voltage pluggable cable termination system for all voltage levels up to 550kV – the Size 4 CONNEX Training Courses provide Competency to the Jointer to carry out the installation of PFISTERER CONNEX connectors up to 72.5kV (typically power and cable networks operating at 66kV).

Image Credit: Lee Roberts RLA Solutions Ltd.

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 Eqpt – this includes 11kV/33kV/66kV joints, terminations and connectors for both DNO and private network applications.

Pictured opposite: Recently the Thorne & Derrick team benefited from watching and learning from Jon Reed ((PFISTERER Cable Accessories Trainer) – with an amazing skill-set, Jon demonstrated mastery of “the semicon-screen cut“, the cable chamfer and overall cable preparation perfection when installing CONNEX connectors.

Contact us at Thorne & Derrick for all your HV Jointing Materials & Jointer Training Services required. 

Cable Jointing & Pulling Equipment

Cable Blowers | Cable Lubricant | Duct Rods | Cable Socks | Cable Jacks | Cable Rollers | Cable Protection Covers MV HV | Cable Joints MV HV | Duct Sealing

Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.

How To Repair A Damaged Cable Jacket With 3M Mining Cable Splice Kits 3100 Series

A series of How-To videos for repairing, jointing and terminating cables using 3M Cold Shrink & Scotchcast products.

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager
  
  

Repairing Mining Cables

This video by 3M Electrical shows how to apply 3M Mining Cable Splice Kits when repairing a damaged cable jacket or sheath.

3M Mining Cable Splice Kits 3100 Series may be used for flexible conduit and cable jacket repairs, as well as for cable splicing and jointing three conductor mine and portable cables, type 3M SHD-GC, MPF GC, and MPF.

The 3M video shows how to repair the damaged cable jacket by using 3M Mining Cable Splice Kits type 3100, 3103 and 3104.

3M Cable Splice Kit 3100

2-Conductor Flat W-Type Cable

1. Remove the damaged cable jacket and taper the jacket approximately one inch
2. Scuff and clean three inches of the cable jacket beyond the split end
3. Bind cable assembly with 3M Temflex Vinyl Electrical Tape 1700P staring one inch above the split or top of the taper
4. Apply half lap layers of Scotch Brand Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape 130C to one inch past the end of the opposite split or top of the taper
5. Apply half lap layers filling all voids until the area is returned to greater than or equal to the original cable profile
6. Start two inches from the 3M Scotch 130C splicing tape and apply one and a half layers of 3M Scotchcast Heavy Duty Mining 31 tape continuing two inches past the end of the 130C tape
7. Always wrap the Scotch 31 tape towards the machine end of the cable
8. Start one inch past the 3M 31 Mining Tape and apply three and half lap layers of 3M 1700P to each end to temporary secure the ends of the 31 tape jacket until the jacket reaches full bond

3M Cable Splice Kit 3103

15kV Type SHD-GC Cable

1. Remove the damaged cable jacket and taper the jacket approximately two inches
2. Scuff and clean four inches of the cable jacket beyond each split end bundle of the  cable assembly and bind with 3M Temflex Vinyl Electrical Tape 1700P tape
3. Cover the 3M 1700P tape with one half lap layer of Scotch Brand Rubber Mastic Tape 2228
4. Wrap half lap layers of Scotch Brand Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape 3M 130C building up and across the splice until it is equal to or greater than the original jacket thickness
5. Extend one inch past the top of the jacket tapers
6. Start two inches beyond the 130C tape and wrap one half lap layer of 3M Scotchcast Heavy Duty Mining Tape 31 two inches beyond the 130C tape on the opposite end
7. Always wrap the 3M Scotch 31 tape towards the machine end of the cable. Please Note: for purposes of this video only the MSHA number is not printed on the mining tape Scotch 31
8. Start one inch past the 31 tape and apply three and half lap layers of 3M 1700P tape to each end to temporarily secure the ends of the Scotch 31 tape jacket until the jacket reaches full bond

3M Cable Splice Kit 3104

2kV Type SHD-GC Cable

1. Remove the damaged cable jacket and taper the jacket approximately two inches
2. Scuff and clean four inches of the cable jacket beyond each split end
3. Bundle the cable assembly and bind with 3M Temflex Vinyl Electrical Tape 1700P
4. Starting half way up the tapers wrap half lap layers of 3M Scotch Brand 130C Tape building up and across the splice until the taper is equal or greater than the original jacket thickness
5. Extend pas the top of the jacket tapers
6. Start two inches beyond the 3M 130C tape and wrap one half lap layers of mining tape Scotch 31 extending two inches beyond the 130C tape on the opposite end
7. Always wrap the 3M Scotch 31 tape towards the machine end of the cable
8. Start one inch past the 3M Scotch 31 tape and apply three half lap layers of 3M Scotch 1700P tape to each end to temporarily secure the ends of the Scotch 31 tape jacket until the jacket reaches full bond.

3M Mining Cable Splice Kits 3100 Series

We hope you find this video informative and educational, contact T&D for technical support, quotations and stock availability for 3M Mining Cable Splice Kits .

3M Scotch Tapes

Further details on the complete range of 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes can be found here:

• 3M Scotch Insulation Tapes
• 3M Scotch Self Amalgamating Tapes
• 3M Scotch Mastic Tapes
• 3M Scotch Corrosion & Fire Protection Tapes
• 3M Scotch Glass Cloth Tapes 
• 3M Scotch 24 Tape – Electrical Shielding Earthing Tape
• 3M Scotch 25 Tape – Electrical Shielding Earthing Tape

➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about joints, terminations, tapes and insulation to seal, repair, splice and connect LV MV HV cables.

Cold Shrink | Joint | Terminate | Seal | Repair | Splice | LV MV HV Cables | 3M

• 3M Electrical Products Stocked By Thorne & Derrick International