Blog

Emtelle Fibrecast Microcable | Redefining Connectivity, Revolutionising Networks

October 31st, 2023

Emtelle | Fibrecast Microcables

Fibrecast Microcables

Fibre Unit (FU) with fibres set in an encapsulating layer providing excellent dimensional and thermal stability. An outer thermoplastic layer provides a high level of protection and excellent installation properties.

The FU is manufactured by Emtelle as a fibre element for installation into FibreFlow products. The fibres are dry, not coated with gel, thus permitting fast and contamination –free connections.

Fibrefast Microcable | Emtelle

Microcabling

An outer layer provides a high level of protection and excellent installation properties. The Microcable is designed for installation into FibreFlowTM duct products.

Emtelle’s microcable contains ‘low water peak’ single mode fibres meeting the ITU-T (International Telecommunications Union) recommendation G.657A2, G.657.A1 fibre is also available.

Outcome of using Microcables

FibreFastTM boasts an impressive 8% improvement in friction coefficient over our FibreFlow microcable. Rigorously tested on Emtelle’s test track, the innovative FibreFastTM results in superior blowing performance. With over 25 years of experience in manufacturing fibre cable solutions.

FibreFastTM microcable now features improved tensile performance making this product ideal for our pre-terminated blowable fibre cable solutions.

Fibrefast Microcable | FTTx | Emtelle

Fibrecast Microcable

Emtelle have developed the FibreFast microcable to improve the overall installation experience by reducing installation time (Ultra Low Friction Sheath) and equipment specification (lower installation pressure required) depending on the infrastructure quality.

FibreFast microcable now features improved tensile performance making this product ideal for our pre-terminated blowable fibre cable solutions and this is distributed by Thorne and Derrick.

The microcable is well suited to the FTTx market, where it excels as a blowable terminated solution. It has applications in 5G/FTTA (antenna)/IoT, distributions network infrastructure and FTTH (home) as a blowable customer connection cable.

Deployed in 2.1mm – 5.0mm internal diameter microduct infrastructure.

Also it has these key features:

Perfect blowable customer connection cable when paired with Emtelle QWK connect
Small is size meaning even better storage
Assembles the LCv ferrule in under 30secs – Intuitive build compared to others on the market

Key Benefits from Alroc

Superior blowing performance at low blowing pressure
Improved durability – strong and lightweight cable.
Tested in accordance with IEC 60794-5-20

Further Reading

Power Systems Earthing | An Introduction to Substation and Electrical Equipment Protection

October 31st, 2023

Power Systems Earthing | Electrode System

Power Earthing Systems

An earth electrode system, professionally designed by competent engineers, is essential to ensure the safety of personnel and protection of equipment from dangerous voltages in and around medium and high voltage (MV & HV) substations.

Earth Electrode Systems are a critical part of any electrical system and they are often seen as inert which may sometimes be dismissed as cost-saving or forgotten about until a later stage of the project – should these systems fail due to incompetent design or the use of cheap substandard components, the resulting events may be catastrophic or even lethal.

For instance this will carried out by competent and highly experienced electrical engineers and technicians. A.N Wallis are able to offer earth electrode system designs and associated testing services using the most up to date Earthing & Lightning Protection Equipment and design software CDEGS.

CDEGS (Copper Earth Electrode Design) is now recognised as the industry standard earthing design analysis software in the UK and in many other parts of the world.

Power Earthing System products, manufactured by A.N Wallis and distributed by Thorne and Derrick from high conductivity copper to BS EN 13601 is installed to protect buildings, overhead lines and medium/high voltage substations (MV-HV) against potentially catastrophic damage that can be caused by a lightning strike resulting in short circuiting.

Power Earthing System | A.N Wallis

CDEGS

CDEGS (Current Distribution, Electromagnetic Fields, Grounding and Soil Structure Analysis) is a grounding (earthing) and electromagnetic analysis software package. It is dedicated to accurately analyse problems involving grounding, electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic interference including AC/DC .

This software allows to stress test designs and systems to evaluate performance under given conditions making the electrode systems safe.

using Substation Electrode Systems

A.N Wallis offer high specification test equipment to carry out soil resistivity testing. This helps it gain data from tried and tested methods. It is then analysed using CDEGS software to then produce a representative electrical equivalent soil resistivity model which can be used in the earthing design process.

As a result if this were to fail due to a incompetent design they would be running multiple tests to keep the workplace safe.

The Importance of Earth Bars For Power Earthing Systems

Substation earthing bars (LV HV) are used to marshall earth connections, connect copper earth rods or earth cable conductors using crimp lugs for terminations in substations, cable pits, feeder pillars and switchgear.

Earthing bars can be tinned and bases power coated to improve corrosion resistance. Bars are pre-drilled with cable connection holes with optional threads for installation ease. Manufactured from highest conductivity and quality copper to British Standards.

Full range of standard, single and twin link types for LV, MV & HV switchroom/substations. Customised to suit the earthing requirements of your project on short lead times.

Electrode Systems

To outline, the three main areas to analyse with any Earth Electrode system are:

– Touch, Step and Rise of Earth Potentials (RoEP). (These are also known as Earth Potential Rise (EPR or Ground Potential Rise (GPR).

Thorne & Derrick working with A.N Wallis will liaise with the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) or Electricity Supply Company on your behalf to gain all the required ‘Point of Connection’ data for your new electrical connection. Using the Soil Resistivity data, A.N Wallis produce a conceptual earth electrode system layout based on the existing plant layout drawings and analyse the associated voltage contours using either the MALT or MALZ module of the CDEGS software. Graphical plots are produced using the CDEGS software that visually identifies any ‘hot’ spots around the site that may need further design time.

MALT (CDEGS) assumes that the entire earth mat is at the same voltage, which is very dangerous to consider, particularly on more significant sites with low soil resistivity.

MALZ (CDEGS) does allow for voltage drops along conductors but does not account for inductive or capacitive effects between conductors.

These Touch, Step and Rise of Earth Potential levels are assessed, and only when they are within safe limits will A.N Wallis pass this design for construction.

Further calculations will be carried out to determine whether the site may influence other electrical installations under fault conditions and from that we can determine the site ITU (International Telecommunications Union) classification as either HOT or COLD.

Only once we have confidence that the design parameters are met, a full ‘for construction’ style drawing will be produced.

Key Benefits of Power Earthing Systems

Provides safety for LV MV HV electrical sites
Provides protection against dangerous voltage in and around substations
Helps identify and document loss in Power Earthing Systems

Further Reading

Earth Rods Tapes Bars Mats Plates

Earth Rods | Earth Tapes | Copper Earth Plates | Copper Earth Mats

THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Earthing & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, substation, overhead line and the installation of medium/high voltage cable joints and terminations at LV, 11kV, 33kV and HV.

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

Utility Troughs | Anderton Concrete Cable Troughs

October 30th, 2023

Anderton | Utility Cable Troughs

Concrete Utility Cable Troughs

Anderton’s range of straight, tee, cornered and angled cable trough allow you to easily adapt to the environment you are working in. Whether that is requiring the ability to change direction or take off to another part of the construction site.

Anderton’s optimised Utility Troughs and Lids deliver outstanding protection for your large power and communications services. Not only that, but they are also manufactured here in the UK.

Utility Cable Troughs | Anderton

Utility Troughs and Lids

Anderton’s precast reinforced concrete Utility Troughs and Lids are used for a variety of purposes, from housing and protecting power and communications cables through to pipes carrying gas, water and chemicals. They safeguard against malicious or accidental damage and are easily accessible for maintenance and repair work. They can deliver up to 60% less embodied carbon than traditional concrete mixes.

cABLE tROUGHS

Anderton concrete cable troughs provide long term cable protection and easy access for cable repair, jointing and cable additions or diversions.

Cable troughing is an affordable sustainable solution to rail, highways and power industries for the protection and troughing of power, fibre optic, signal and rail cables including low and high voltages.

Concrete cable troughs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes ensuring cable protection solutions are possible for all routes of LV, MV & HV cables – rail cable trough provides trackside protection of power and S&T (Signal & Telecoms).

They are available for Pedestrian (LD) Occasional (LD) and Highways (HD) .

This is specified for cable containment in power, industrial, highways and nuclear projects.

Key Benefits of Concrete Cable Troughs

Provides 60% less embodied carbon compared to traditional concrete mixes
Safeguarding against accidental damage
Easy to install
Easy manual handling
Anti-slip surface

Further Reading

Cable Sealing & Protection Case Studies

NOF Offshore Wind Industry

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

CSD Penetration Systems | Facility Fireproofing Case Study

October 26th, 2023

CSD | Penetration Sealing Systems | NOFIRNO

HR Fireproofing Sealing

CSD were contracted to supply and install the HR Conduit Sleeves and NOFIRNO firestopping system at the site. The project had a requirement to maintain a 60-minute fire integrity requirement for all cable and pipe entry penetrations passing through Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels used within the wall construction.

The selected solution for the CLT wall type was a HR-frame sealed with NOFIRNO firestopping systems.

NOFIRNO | HR Frame | Penetration Systems

Facility Fireproofing

There were various challenges when it came to designing and installing a solution suitable for sealing the pipe and cable penetrations through the CLT wall panels. The solution had to ensure that the 60-minute fire rating was maintained when the panels were penetrated by any service passing into each unit. During CSD’s installation onsite, we worked alongside the M&E contractors to ensure that completion of each unit could be signed off on time.

Outcome of using Penetration systems

The penetration seal design with HR-frames and with NOFIRNO penetration seal system achieved fire resistance of more than 60 minutes. All openings were successfully sealed by CSD’S installation team and the project handed over on target.

Nofirno Penetration System

The NOFIRNO cable and pipe penetration system comprises of only a few components.

A correctly fitting NOFIRNO cable sleeve is placed around each cable, any free space around any services is packed using NOFIRNO multi sleeves before completing the seal with a 20mm layer of NOFIRNO sealant at each end of the penetration.

To ensure the NOFIRNO Sealant adheres correctly, the areas where the sealant is to be applied should be clean and dry before application. Furthermore for example any pipes or cables, and any frames or the building structure.

The system will provide a fire rated, water and gastight seal and has been shown to provide protection for a period of at least 50 years.

HR Penetration fRAMES

CSD’s HR penetration frames are designed for use in composite or sandwich panels. They allow cable or pipes to penetrate the panel. CSD’s NOFIRNO Penetration Sealing System will ensure the fire integrity of the panel is maintained.

The HR frames are available in a range of circular and rectangular sizes. It can be easily adjusted to suit the thickness of the panel.

key Benefits of Penetration Systems

• Assured to prove no deterioration in performance for more than 50 years
• Provides flood protection and prevents water and gas ingress. The pressure rated up to 2.5 from the front and back of the seal
• Quick and easy to install
• Easy re-entry for adding, removing or replacing cables

Further Reading

More Cable Sealing Case Studies

NOF Offshore Wind Industry

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

Stockists & Suppliers | UK & International Projects

Sealing Cables | Decarbonisation & Storage Depot Case Study

October 26th, 2023

. CSD RISE Duct Seals - Sealing Cable Ducts (Water Tight & Gas Tight)

Substation Cable Sealing

Thorne & Derrick are Approved Distributors for CSD Sealing Systems – we have specified and distributed their products across numerous onshore and offshore substation projects.

CSD Technical Services were recently contracted to carry out water and gastight sealing of cable entry points.

This was on a DNO substation at a council maintenance and storage depot. This was also a part of an action plan to reduce carbon emissions across the site.

Using CSD’S NOFIRNO Duct Seal System distributed by Thorne and Derrick, it has successfully sealed all entry points, helping to prevent any water or gas ingress in the building.

Completing the seal with a 20mm layer of NOFIRNO sealant will provide a technically advanced and high performance duct seal. View the complete range of CSD Sealing Systems to protect against damage caused by water ingress, gas spread or fire/flame to cables and ducts.

NOFIRNO | Substation Sealing | CSD The NOFIRNO Duct Seal is designed to provide simple and effective long term building entry sealing protection. The system can be used in new build projects or in retrofit applications to replace existing failing seals. It can be installed directly into concrete openings, plastic ducting or into any existing transit frames.

Substation Duct Sealing

The site remained operational throughout the installation, with CSD working alongside and in partnership with other contractors and existing site workers. The NOFIRNO Duct Seal System was the selected solution for sealing the entry points.

Outcome of using the NOFIRNO Seal System

All entry points into the substations were successfully sealed using CSD’s NOFIRNO Duct Seal System to prevent any water or gas ingress within the building.

This was to ensure the site remained operational. The openings within the control room which consisted of 37 x 160mm cable ducts and a 1 x 690mm x 900mm cable entry, was sealed along with a 1 x 230mm x 430mm cable entry in the DNO building.

A second visit to site was made to remove 1 x 150mm installed seal following the installation of an additional cable. This seal was then resealed using the NOFIRNO Duct Seal System. The client feedback was very positive, and they will be looking to use CSD for future projects.

NOFIRNO Duct Seal System

The NOFIRNO Seal System comprises of two components; 60mm rubber NOFIRNO multi-sleeves which providing the cables with support, ensuring separation.

It helps provide a backing for the second component which is a 20mm layer of NOFIRNO Sealant. To ensure the NOFIRNO Sealant adheres correctly, the areas where the sealant is to be applied should be clean and dry before application.

For example the cables and any frames and structures. The NOFIRNO multi-sleeves are then installed providing cable separation and a firm backing for the NOFIRNO Sealant layer.

NOFIRNO duct seals consist of rubber multi sleeves which are in bonded strips of 10 sleeves and a high quality silicone based sealant which are quicker and easier to install than the CSD standard RISE duct seals.

The bonded sleeves can be easily torn off for filling smaller gaps and using cutting tool sleeves can be quickly slit to allow fitting around cables ensuring cable separation – NOFIRNO duct seals are also used to pack the free space, providing a backing for the application of the cable sealant.

Key Benefits of Duct Seal Systems

• Tested to prove no deterioration in performance
• Provides flood protection and prevents water and gas ingress. The pressure is rated up to 2.5 bar from the front and back of the seal.
• Quick and easy to install
• Easy re-entry for adding, removing or replacing cables

Further Reading

More Cable Sealing Case Studies

NOF Offshore Wind Industry

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

Stockists & Suppliers | UK & International Projects

Blog

Emtelle Fibrecast Microcable | Redefining Connectivity, Revolutionising Networks

Fibrecast Microcables

Microcabling

Outcome of using Microcables

Fibrecast Microcable

Power Systems Earthing | An Introduction to Substation and Electrical Equipment Protection

Power Earthing Systems

CDEGS

using Substation Electrode Systems

Electrode Systems

Key Benefits of Power Earthing Systems

Utility Troughs | Anderton Concrete Cable Troughs

Concrete Utility Cable Troughs

Utility Troughs and Lids

cABLE tROUGHS

Key Benefits of Concrete Cable Troughs

CSD Penetration Systems | Facility Fireproofing Case Study

HR Fireproofing Sealing

Facility Fireproofing

Outcome of using Penetration systems

Nofirno Penetration System

HR Penetration fRAMES

key Benefits of Penetration Systems

Sealing Cables | Decarbonisation & Storage Depot Case Study

Substation Cable Sealing

Substation Duct Sealing

Outcome of using the NOFIRNO Seal System

NOFIRNO Duct Seal System

Key Benefits of Duct Seal Systems

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