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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

Ellis Emperor Cable Cleats | Sunrise Wind Offshore Wind Farm Case Study

Cable Cleats Offshore Windfarm

Windfarm cable cleats

Ellis Patents, a global leader in the manufacture and innovation of cable cleats, including the Emperor and Flexi Straps range are being installed in the first offshore windfarm in the USA to use a high voltage direct current system (HVDC) to deliver power onshore; the advantages of HVDC are as follows:

• the ability to interconnect networks that are asynchronous
• the ability to transmit power over long distances without technical limitations
• the ability to control power flows on the HVDC connection for all system backgrounds
• the ability to transmit power in either direction as desired by the network operator
• in certain cases the ability to improve AC system stability

The Sunrise Wind Offshore Wind Farm is a significant step towards New York’s clean energy goals. When it is completed the 800MW windfarm will power nearly 600,000 households with renewable electricity by 2025 and help New York accomplish a carbon-free energy grid by 2040.

Sunrise Wind Offshore Wind Farm

Ellis Patents Offshore Wind Project 

Experts at Ellis Patents worked closely with the UK Design Team on this. This ensured the highest safety standards and optimal cable management on the offshore platform.

Furthermore, the platform is characterised by a steel jacket substructure and a topside deck housing essential electrical equipment and is the heart of the windfarms operations.

Kelly Brown Ellis Patent’s Sales Director made a statement on this. She said: “Sunrise Wind is a major project for the advancement of the wind sector in the US and having Ellis Cable Cleats installed gives us a huge feeling of pride to be involved in something on such a global scale. This clearly demonstrates the trust in Ellis’ expertise in cable management to enhance safety and efficiency in the offshore platform”.

The Offshore Converter Station is designed to collect the 66kV alternating current (AC) power generated by the wind turbines, relies on a robust subsea export cable that spans an impressive 100 miles to connect to the onshore converter station located at Holbrook on Long Island. The onshore converter station plays a vital role in converting the power back to AC before feeding it into the distribution grid, ensuring clean energy reaches homes, industries, and other end-users across New York.

Cable Management Solution for Sunrise Offshore Windfarm

Ellis provided a cable cleat and management solution tailored to the unique performance requirements of the Sunrise Wind Project.

The Ellis Patents Cable Cleats and Flexi-Straps were installed in the first offshore wind farm. This also played a pivotal role in securing and supporting the cables in the challenging offshore environment.

Emperor Cable Cleats

Ellis Patents Flexi Straps

Emperor Cleats

Manufactured by Ellis Patents, the Emperor Cable Cleats are designed for use where the highest levels of short circuit withstand are required, Ellis’ Emperor cable cleats are available for both trefoil and single cable applications. All products in the range are manufactured in type 316L stainless steel. This helps them provide ultimate corrosion protection, even in the harshest of environments.

Key Benefits of using Cable Cleats

• Low Smoke Zero Halogen Material & Grade 316 Stainless Steel – Corrosion Resistant
• Soft LSF Cable Liner – Cable Sheath Protection
• Captive Closure Fixings – Fast Installation

Thorne & Derrick | Cable Cleats | Ellis Patents UK Distributors

Specialist Distributors of High Voltage Jointing & Electrical Safety Equipment

Further Reading

• Polymer Cable Cleats | Holding Power with Ellis Patents
• Emperor Cable Cleats | Golden Eagle Offshore Platform
• Emperor Cable Cleats | Gwynt y Mor Offshore Wind Farm

Thorne & Derrick International are Specialist Suppliers of products to provide safe and reliable LV HV Cable Termination, Jointing, Installation & Power Systems up to 66kV.

Key Product Categories: Connectors, Joints & Terminations MV HV | Cable Preparation & Jointing Tools | Duct Seals | Cable Transits | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection | Cable Pulling | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars

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.

Caution Tapes | The 3M 7900 Electronic Marking System

3M | Caution Tapes

Electronic Marking system

EMS (Electronic Marking System), manufactured by 3M Electrical, is a maintenance free product which is used for marking and locating the route of underground utilities – this includes the range of the following utilities: Wastewater 7904-XT (Green), Gas 7905-XT (Yellow), Recycled Water 7908-XT (Purple), Power 7902-XT (Red), Water 7903-XT (Blue) and Telecommunications 7901-XT (Orange).

Furthermore, the 3M EMS Tape is used to reliably overcome any associated problems and costs relating to the tracer wire and test stations.

Caution marker Tape

The 3M 7900 Marking Tape Series is available in 6 variations for any utility types which can be suitable for open trench applications, including direct buried electrical cables and utility pipework.

The 3M 7900 Caution Marker Tape works independently so if any part of the tape were to be cut or removed, the other markers consistently provide an accurate location whilst not requiring an external power source.

Electronic Caution Cable Tape | 3M

Key Benefits of 3m 7900 ems marker system

• 3M 7900 EMS does not require an external power source or connection to a transmitter
• The EMS System is easy to install and locate using the 3M Dynatel 7000 compatible locator
• Core materials inside allow for early warning for excavators digging nearby
• Work independently

Further Reading

• 3M Scotchcast™ Resins – EU Regulation 2020/1149 Amending REACH Restrictions
• 3M 92 NBA GS Scotchcast Resin Cable Joints (4GS Resin) – Unarmoured Cables
• 3M Dynatel | 1420 Marker Locators for Underground Cables & Utilities

3m scotch electrical tape

Thorne & Derrick distribute the complete range of 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes for the insulation, repair, identification, jointing and terminating of LV, MV & HV cables – specialist fire resistant tapes, arc resistant, semi-conductive and rubber splicing tapes up to 69kV enable the protection of LV-HV cables including 11kV-33kV medium voltages, against abrasion, moisture, alkalis and acids.

3M Scotch Tapes include vinyl electrical insulation, high temperature glass cloth, sealing mastics, rubber self-amalgamating and high voltage tapes to provide track resistance, semi-conductive and sheath repairs to LV, MV & HV cables.

Additionally, 3M Scotch tapes are suitable for end sealing high voltage cables and are highly conformable for irregularly shaped objects. Scotch tapes are stable and durable for years of maintenance-free service.

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 by 3M using Cold Shrink for 11kV, 33kV and 66kV cables.

Specialist Distributors to the UK and international industries to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service. Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.

Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.

Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.

Stockists & Suppliers | UK & International Projects

Cable Cleats | Importance of Short Circuit Testing by Ellis Patents

Cable Cleats | Importance of Short Circuit Testing

Ellis Patents Short Circuit Testing

Short-Circuit Testing is critical to the performance, reliability and safety of cable cleats and management systems- Ellis Patents, a global leader in the manufacture and innovation of cable cleats ensure that all their cable support products are tested to the latest version of the IEC 61914 International Standard.

Conducting a short-circuit test is a reliable solution to prove that a cable cleat can be capable of withstanding a specific set of fault conditions.

During a Short Circuit Test specifiers, consultants and engineers should also request, as standard, a complete Test Report. The Short Circuit test Report should include before and after photographs, and a table of results demonstrating the Short Circuit Test conclusions.

Live Cables and Health & Safety Improvements

The initial problem encountered by Network Rail was that live cables were having to be removed from cable cleats, work carried on around them, and then somehow placed back between tightly spaced upright studs at regular intervals along an entire cable run. Ellis Patents addressed the issue by designing a brand new cable cleat that could be stacked and fixed with nothing more complicated than a quarter turn fixing lock.

This means additional cable runs can be added quickly and easily, without any need to tamper with existing cable installations. The rapid-fit nature of the Ellis No Bolts cleat is further enhanced by the replacement of fixing nuts with a push-fit locking mechanism that securely fastens the lower and top section of the clamp together. In addition to its PADS approval, the Ellis No Bolts cleat also meets the London Underground 1-085 approved material standard, and conforms with international cable cleat standard IEC 61914.

Cable Cleats & Short Circuit Testing

pURPOSE OF sHORT ciRCUIT tESTING

Ellis Patents conducts Short Circuit Testing as a reliable way of proving that their cable cleats are capable of withstanding any specific set of fault conditions.

Conducting a Short-Circuit Test is the industry trusted procedure to demonstrate a cable cleat is capable of withstanding a specific set of electrical fault conditions.

Ellis Patents insist that any claims of cable cleat strength and performance should be supported by a short-circuit test carried out in an independent and accredited laboratory and appropriately certified.

This methodology is becoming commonplace, but prior to the publication of the international standard IEC 61914 many cable cleats were not tested, and those that were had no standardised testing method by which to gauge success or failure. As a result, test results were open to a wide range of differing interpretations.

IEC 61914 has provided a standardised method for conducting a short-circuit test and a definition of the criteria for a pass. It does though allow for a significant degree of latitude and so caution must be employed when interpreting results. Note should also be taken of the full report as opposed to just its headline page.

In the below video the team from Ellis Patents are showing witnessing testing of their cable cleat products at a independent laboratory in the Netherlands- this ensures the safety and reliability of LV MV & HV power systems.

Cable Cleats

Fix, Clamp & Support Cables

Cable cleats are used to provide effective short circuit protection, support and retention to LV, MV and HV power cable systems. When installed at intervals to circuits cable cleats and hangers are used to secure and retain power cables from 600V to 132kV.

Cable cleats or cable clamps manufactured from nylon, aluminium or stainless steel are installed to retain cables in the event of a short circuit – custom designed and engineered single and trefoil cable cleats are available.

These specific correct cable cleats will withstand forces corresponding to the values of the peak prospective short circuit current.

Specialist application cable cleats are available from stock for high performance cable applications including fire resistant, low smoke zero halogen/LSF, flame retardant and with specific end-user UK DNO utility approvals for medium/high voltage power cable cleating applications such as Triplex cables.

Key Benefits of Short Circuit Testing

• Provides short circuit protection up to 235kA
• Custom designed trefoil cable cleats to retain cables in event of a short circuit.
• Identifies capability of withstanding a specific set of fault conditions.

Further Reading

• Polymer Cable Cleats | Holding Power with Ellis Patents
• Cable Cleats | Importance, How To Specify & International Standards
• Important Factors You Need To Consider When Working With Cable Cleats

More Case Studies

• Ellis Emperor Cable Cleats | Sunrise Wind Offshore Wind Farm Case Study
• Phoenix Cable Cleats | Canary Wharf Tower
• Emperor Cable Cleats | Gwynt y Mor Offshore Wind Farm

Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service. Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.

Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.

Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.

Stockists & Suppliers | UK & International Projects