Blog
Festoon Cable Joints For Flat Gantry Cranes (Multicore Power | Multipair Control)
November 20th, 2017
Heat Shrink Cable Joints
- Product Category: Cable Joints Low Voltage LV
- Cable Joint Type: Heat Shrink | Cold Shrink | Resin Cast
- Cable Voltage: Low Voltage | Medium Voltage | High Voltage | 600V 1000V (0.6/1kV)
- Cable Joint Manufacturer: SPS
- Cable Manufacturer: Conductix-Wampfler
- Cable Type: Cable Festoon Systems (Multicore & Multipair)
- Flexible Stranded Bare Copper Conductor (DIN 5787), XLPE Cable Insulation (IEC 60502-1), Bare Copper Braid Screen, PVC Outer Sheath (Black)
Festoon Cable Joints – Application Notes
♦ Cable Joint Installation Instruction
Heat shrink cable joints were supplied to replace faulted sections of the low voltage festoon cables which were cut out from the circuit using cable cutters and re-jointed to provide electricity supply to offshore cranes.
The festoon cables powering bridge brakes and pictured below suffered from severe cable sheath damage and corrosion damage due to salt-water atmospheric conditions associated with offshore environments.
The catenary cables terminated into ExD electrical enclosures and located in a hazardous area zone were jointed under special permit conditions to allow the electrical engineers to “hot-work” the installation of heat shrink type cable joints – the joints were kitted and despatched same day for air freighting offshore to a North Sea offshore oil platform.
The heat shrink tube components of the cable joint conform with flat design multi-core power and multipair control cables with copper tape screens – running through the cable trolley system the client required a high strength cable joint.
The heat shrink joints were supplied with pre-insulated crimp connectors, manufactured by Cembre, crimped in a staggered formation to limit the area displacement and overall diameter of the completed cable joint.
Cable joints with heat shrink tubes repair damaged power and control cables without need to handle hazardous classification resins or compounds
The multicore flat cable for power supply and control of overhead travelling cranes and festoons is available as fire retardant specification with reduced emission of corrosive gases and opaque fumes in event of fire (IEC 60754-1) – zero halogen cable joints are also available.
Festoon cable joints are often deployed as interim measures to enable continued power supply where specialist replacement cables are on extended delivery lead times from the manufacturer.
The festoon cables were subjected to mechanical damage while in service and required a smooth profile cable joint suitable for flat form cables and reeling trolley systems
Festoon cable joints utilise adhesive lined heat shrink protective tubings to provide a waterproof cable seal with excellent mechanical protection
The heats shrink cable joints re-instate the primary insulation and cable jacket sheath to prevent water ingress and corrosion damage to copper braid armour or screening in onshore or offshore locations
Conductix-Wampfler
Conductix-Wampfler is a world leading supplier of intelligent energy supply and data transmission cable systems for moving machinery – this includes festoon systems, conductor rails, energy guiding chains, spring cable reels, motorised cable reels, slip ring assemblies and contactless power transmission systems.
T&D also distribute Protolon Cables for medium voltage flexible trailing applications
Cable Joints
Thorne & Derrick International can specify and supply standard and bespoke LV cable joints utilising heat shrink, cold shrink or resin cast type jointing kits.
Should you have a specific application for LV, MV, HV up to 33kV cable joints please contact us. For further information:
- LV Cable Joints 600V 1000V – Cold Shrink, Heat Shrink & Resin
- MV HV Cable Joints 11kV 33kV – Cold Shrink & Heat Shrink
Lapp Cable ÖLFLEX® FD 90 CY Screened Power Cable Joints
November 20th, 2017
Heat Shrink Cable Joints
- Product Category: Cable Joints Low Voltage LV
- Cable Joint Type: Heat Shrink | Cold Shrink | Resin Cast
- Cable Voltage: Low Voltage | Medium Voltage | High Voltage | Other – 600V 1000V
- Cable Joint Manufacturer: SPS
- Cable Manufacturer: Lapp Group
- Cable Type: ÖLFLEX®
Cable Joint Application Notes – the smooth profile LV heat shrink cable joints were specified to connect and splice single core shielded 185mm CSA cables powering test cells located in a cable trench. The 500KW battery simulator unit provides 1000V and 1000A up to 500KW which can be supplied to several test cells.
The cable joints were required to enable the relocation of the LV distribution unit by extending the existing low voltage cables by inline jointing.
Lapp Cable ÖLFLEX® joints are available to suit single core 10-300sqmm cable conductors.
Heat shrink cable joints are compatible with polymeric cables with XLPE or EPR insulation – specialist versions of the joint kit are available for zero halogen and fire resistant cables.
Installation
♦ Cable Joint Installation Instruction
Once the cable insulation has been removed and stripped and the conductors jointed using appropriate crimp connectors and crimping tools the inner heat shrink tube can be positioned onto the cable to be jointed overlapping equally at both sides – the joints were supplied with Cembre connectors. Earth continuity of wire braided or wire armoured cables is achieved across the cable joint using tinned copper mesh and earth braid secured using constant force roll springs.
Connectors – both crimped or mechanical shearbolt connectors are suitable for use with heat shrink cable joints. Where mechanical shearbolt connectors are used the inner heat shrink tube may need to be increased in size. Check with T&D.
Heat Shrink Cable Joint Kit Installation
Lapp Cable ÖLFLEX® FD 90 CY Screened Power Cable Specification
Highly flexible, screened single core cable with PVC insulation and PVC sheath – certified for North America.
ÖLFLEX® FD 90 CY manufactured by Lapp Group is a screened single core power cable for use in low voltage power chains with UL/CSA AWM certification – EMC compliant copper screening. Flame retardant according to IEC 60332-1-2 & CSA FT1. High oil resistance. Low adhesive surface. 4000V test voltage.
Cable Applications
- Power chains or moving machine parts
- Internal wiring of electric and electronic equipment in switch cabinets
- Power circuits of servomotors driven by frequency converters
- Test systems in the automotive industry, vehicles and stationary fuel cell systems
Lapp Group
Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, the Lapp Group is a leading supplier of integrated wire, cabling and connector products and solutions. Lapp Group manufactures and supply’s electrical and fibre optic cables, industrial plug-in and screw connectors, cabling solutions, automation technology and technical accessories. Lapp Group’s core markets are in the mechanical and plant engineering and electronics manufacturing sectors, with rapid market expansion in the renewable energy, mobility and life science industries.
Cable Joints
Thorne & Derrick International can specify and supply standard and bespoke LV cable joints utilising heat shrink, cold shrink or resin cast type jointing kits.
Should you have a specific application for LV, MV, HV up to 33kV cable joints please contact us. For further information:
Energy Skills Solutions – Training, Assessment & Consultancy Solutions
November 17th, 2017
a Guest Blog by Jonathan Andrews (Managing Director - Energy Skills Solutions)
Energy Skills Solutions is a registered training organisation based in Perth Western Australia offering training, assessment and consultancy solutions for the electrical supply and electrical industries.
Founded on the expertise and background of its Directors with a combined over 60 years’ experience in electricity supply industry operations and training, Energy Skills Solutions is committed to delivering the highest quality training, assessment and consultancy services.
Energy Skills Solutions prides itself on establishing and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with their industry clients.
We strive to be the training provider of choice for our targeted industries.
As a Registered Training Organisation, Energy Skills Solutions is obligated to deliver high quality, well managed and competitive services.
All Energy Skills Solutions operations are underpinned by its core values:
- Safety and environment
- Quality
- Professionalism
- Trust
- Responsiveness
- Flexibility
Services
Energy Skills Solutions offers a range of training, assessment and consulting services from Nationally Recognised Qualifications, Units of Competence and Accredited Courses to customised training to suit the individual client needs.
Services include:
Overhead Distribution Training
- Certificate III in ESI – Power Systems Distribution Overhead
- Energised power line insulator cleaning and coating
- High voltage live work glove and barrier
- High voltage live work distribution stick
Services & Metering Training
- Installation of customer services (overhead and underground)
- Installation of energy meters
- Service connection testing
Underground Cable Training
- Certificate III in ESI – Power Systems Distribution Cable Jointing
- Cable laying and pulling
- Installation of de-energised polymeric cables (high and low voltage)
- Installation of high voltage cable joints, terminations and connectors
- Energised low voltage polymeric cable jointing
- High voltage paper lead cable to polymeric cable transition jointing
- Cable fault location
- VLF cable testing
Switching Operations Training
- Overhead and underground field switching operations (high and low voltage)
- Electricity substation switching operations
- Commissioning testing (electrical equipment)
Vegetation Management
- Certificate II in ESI – Powerline Vegetation Control – Safety Observer & Vegetation Control Near Energised Low voltage
- Vegetation control near high voltage power lines
ESI Refresher and Electrical Safety Training
- UETTDREL14A Working Safely Near Power Lines (Non-electrical Workers)
- UETTDRRF01B Apply ESI Safety Rules, Codes of Practice and Procedures for Work on or Near Electrical Apparatus
- UETTDRRF02B Perform Pole Top Rescue
- UETTDRRF03B Perform EWP Rescue
- UETTDRRF04B Perform Tower Rescue
- UETTDRRF05B Perform Switchyard Structures At Heights Rescue
- UETTDRRF06B Perform Live LV Panel Rescue
- UETTDRRF07B Perform Cable Pit / Trench / Excavation Rescue
- UETTDRRF08B Perform EWP Controlled Descent Escape
- UETTDRRF09B Apply Access Procedures To Work On Or Near Electrical Network Infrastructure
- UETTDRRF10B Perform First Aid In An ESI Environment
- UETTDRRF11A Testing Of Connections To Low Voltage Electricity Networks
- HLTAID001 Provide CPR – Endorsed By St John
- HLTAID002 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support – Endorsed By St John
- HLTAID003 Provide First Aid – Endorsed By St John Assessment
Assessment services include:
- Service connection testing
- High voltage live work glove and barrier (annual)
- High voltage live work distribution stick
- High voltage live work transmission stick
- Recognition of prior learning
- Verification of competency
Consulting
Our consulting services include:
- Courseware design and development
- Procedure development and audits
- Training needs analysis and training plan development
- Systems development (training and assessment)
- Recruitment and selection support
Energy Skills Solutions delivers courses to optimise learning and make training both informative and enjoyable.
Electrical Safety
With safety seen as a reflection of an organisation’s commitment to its people, Energy Skills Solutions ensures safety is embedded into and an integral part of the services delivered.
In particular, Energy Skills Solutions uses training as an opportunity to influence and promote:
- a culture intolerant of unsafe practices and conditions
- an attitude of “there’s always time to do it safely” and
- “do it safely or not at all”
People
Along with the background and experience of its Directors, Energy Skills Solutions engages only the most skilled and knowledgeable trainers in the industry.
ESS unique arrangement means that trainers when not training can undertake field based work to maintain and build their technical skills and knowledge. Many of Energy Skills Solutions trainers operate their own electrical contracting or power line construction business.
Energy Skills Solutions trainers also hold the relevant Certificate IV training and assessment qualification.
Energy Skills Solutions – Training, Assessment & Consultancy Solutions
For further information please contact Energy Skills Solutions so they can assist you with your training requirements.
Administration: P: 0892093833 E: [email protected]
Website: https://energyskillssolutions.com.au/
Jonathan Andrews – Director- M: 0421717287
THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Seals, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in copper earthing, cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Specialists in the jointing and connection of 33kV power cables using Nexans Euromold separable connectors for terminating cables into medium/high voltage switchgear and transformers – large UK stocks of Pfisterer Plugs, Nexans Connectors and 3M Cold Shrink Joints & Terminations.
MV HV Cables 11kV 33kV – Joints, Terminations & Connections
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.
Invitation
Thorne & Derrick invite you to join LinkedIn’s largest LV-HV Electrical Discussion Group : Low & High Voltage Power, Cabling, Jointing & Electricals.
Discussion subjects include cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV. Network, engage and promote your profile, company or products with over 10,000 influencers.
Pragmatic Consulting – Bespoke & Technical Training Courses
November 17th, 2017
a Guest Blog by Jo Niblett (Managing Director - Pragmatic Consulting)
Pragmatic Consulting are a leading engineering consultancy business with a training and assessment centre working within the utilities industry approved to deliver BESC AME assessments along with other training courses such as manual handling, first aid and other related qualifications.
BESC AME assessment courses are for anyone who carries out work either directly or indirectly in the power utility industry – including cable jointers and wiremen working on low, medium or high voltage cables, overhead lines, substations or switchgear.
Pragmatic Consulting offer a range of courses that meets the needs of the electrical and power industry and are prepared to travel and provide training events across the UK so that you are able to have training when it suits you.
Pragmatic Consulting approach each course in an individual manner to ensure that the candidates who pass through the door are trained to the highest standard whilst ensuring that they receive whatever support they require to help them progress and achieve.
Cable Jointers
Compliance vs Competence
A common debate I have, Compliance vs Competence, what is the difference?
Is simply being compliant enough?
Does a ticket equal competence?
And how is competence measured?
Compliance is ‘acting in accordance with health & safety rules and legislation’.
Compliance is a minimum requirement, while competence goes above and beyond that.
The definition of competence from the HSE website: “To be competent an organisation or individual must have sufficient knowledge of the tasks to be undertaken and the risks involved. They must have the experience and ability to carry out their duties in relation to the project, to recognise their limitations and take appropriate action to prevent harm to those carrying out construction work, or those affected by the work.”
Competence develops over time.
It is a mix of initial and on-job training, instruction, assessment and formal qualifications.
The difference between compliance and competence can be thought of as: Passing and getting your driving license you are compliant; you know how to drive and all the rules and road theory. But are you a competent driver? You are now on your own and putting the knowledge you have learned into practice. But without experience you are only compliant.
For further information on the courses that Pragmatic Consulting offer please visit https://www.pragmatic-consulting.co.uk/ or contact Jo Niblett (Managing Director).
Tel: 01926 674340
Mob: 07747 740311
Email: [email protected]
THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
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.
Invitation
Thorne & Derrick invite you to join LinkedIn’s largest LV-HV Electrical Discussion Group : Low & High Voltage Power, Cabling, Jointing & Electricals.
Discussion subjects include cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV. Network, engage and promote your profile, company or products with over 10,000 influencers.
Can Arc Flash Clothing Save Utility Workers Lives?
November 17th, 2017
Arc Flash Clothing – For Jointers Working On Low & High Voltage Power Cable Systems
Yes. Here is the evidence.
by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 5 minutes
Utility Workers & The Risk Of Arc Flash
Utility workers stand in the frontline of electrocution and arc flash risk – facing daily hazard whether in the cable trench, joint bay, substation or working in front of switchboard panels.
Jointers, Linesmen, SAP’s and Civil Engineers should all be protected against the working dangers of arc flash – according to the UK Health & Safety Executive workers engaged in the location, identification and excavation of of buried services should be ensure adequate protective clothing is used when working around underground cables:
HSG47 Excerpt
Injuries to workers are typically caused by the explosive effects of arcing current, also known as arc flash, and by the associated fire or flames that can result when a live cable is penetrated by digging tools (typically “shovels and spades”) – the risk is elevated where medium/high voltage cables are trenched and backfilled but not protected using 11kV/33kV cable covers.
Arc flash can also occur when a cable is crushed severely enough to cause internal contact between the cable conductors, or metallic cable sheathing and one or more conductors.
Injuries are severe – potentially fatal – burns to the hands, face and body: electric shock is possible but less likely.
Incidents can also arise from cables, connections and cable terminations which have been damaged but left unreported and unrepaired, or which have deteriorated with age.
Avoiding Danger From Underground Services UK HSE HSG47 – download full copy.
Here utility workers are shown live-line working from an aerial lift on overhead conductors from the bucket truck.
Insulating Matting | Voltage Detectors | Insulating Gloves | Insulating Sticks | Phase Comparators | Portable Earthing | Substation Safety Kits MV HV
Arc Flash – The Evidence
Pictured below are ProGARM arc flash polo shirts post-arc blast impact.
Clearly the garment has quelled the arc flash due to the inherent flame retardancy of the clothing fabric. The cause of the arc flash was triggered by an LV jointer using a Jack Hammer in the vicinity of an underground low voltage cable.
The strike to the 3 phase 120sqmm CNE utility cable caused an arc flash which if not protected against using appropriately rated clothing would have inflicted serious skin injury and burns to the cable jointers chest and arms.
Typical risks include: fuse replacement and maintenance on feeder pillars and link boxes, live cable jointing, underground cable excavation and switching operations in substations at low, medium and high voltages.
As well as correctly specified levels of arc flash clothing protection utility workers should ensure appropriate levels of protection against electrical shock hazard by wearing suitable insulating gloves, arc flash gloves and insulating boots according to the voltage and risk.
Cable Strikes & Arc Flash Risk
Failure to implement and follow the HSG47 Guidelines can cause fatal injury to workers striking buried electricity cables operating at LV MV HV – workers have been electrocuted and engulfed in flames coming into accidental contact with 11,000 volt (11kV) underground cable where sites have not been scanned for live buried cables by cable avoidance tools.
Cable strike incidents can be avoided when work is properly planned and supervised in accordance with HSG47.
Image: Lee Richard – LR Power Services
The photographs are compelling evidence of the electrical safety requirement to protect cable jointers whether working on LV, MV or HV power 
cables, overhead lines or substations.
The investment in clothing is an investment in worker protection and ultimately life.
Naturally, all ProGARM arc flash clothing is vigorously tested in the laboratory and to witness real life evidence of the protection provided underlines the need to take arc flash seriously.
Mark Lant, an Arc Flash Technical Expert at ProGARM comments: “Obviously, we’d prefer it if Arc Flash incidents never occurred. However, the fact is they do, and we’re pleased to see our arc flash polo shirt performing as effectively in the field as it did in the lab. We wish the cable jointer a speedy recovery from his other injuries.”
Arc Flash Clothing & Electrical Safety Tests
Arc flash clothing and garments are tested to European norms and standards:
- EN ISO 11612: 2008 (A1 B1, C1) – ISO 11612:2008 Protective Clothing – Clothing to protect against heat and flame
- EN1149-5: 2008 Pt 5: 2008, Pt 3: 2004 (Charge Decay) – Protective Clothing – Electrostatic Properties
- EN ISO 20471: 2013 Classs 3 – High Visibility Clothing – Test Methods & Requirements
- IEC 61482-2: 2009 Class 1 – Clothing Protection For Thermal Hazards Of An Electric Arc
Electric arc flash occurs during fault conditions when a current flows through an air gap between conductors – this inflicts catastrophic devastation upon switchgear MV HV
High Voltage Substations – pictured the catastrophic effects on 11kV switchgear and cables of an arc flash incident
Can An Arc Flash Occur While Ground Digging?
1. On average 8-10 cable strikes are reported in the UK every day
2. Over 90% of LV-HV underground cables in the UK are unmarked
3. Over 1,000 electrical incidents reported to the HSE in the UK every year
4. 25 of these are fatalities (HSE)
5. Fines can be an excess of £2 million
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.
