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I’m Now A 4 Day Cable Jointer

intro by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick International 

I woke recently and toyed with the idea of career change. One Costa later I just went for it.

So I Google searched “cable jointer training“.

I booked that 4 day course, turned up, collected my certificate – I am now a Cable Jointer.

With paperwork to prove it.

Easy-peasy.

Next move, carpet bomb LinkedIn recruiters with my new CV, sit back and wait for work.

OK, this is a personal fiction but a common occurrence in the UK jobs market.

There is increasing concern in the electrical industry in general and the Cable Jointing trade specifically about a trend of “fast-track” training courses propelling underskilled manpower into a crowded labour market. Inflicting damage on day rates, earnings and livelihoods.

We’re talking day rate differences of £150 v £500/600.

This is rather bloody serious – the view from the cable trench is that the industry is lawless and time-served experienced craftsmen are the furious victims. Some are fastly loosing faith in their trade, some would say their craft, some even their art. Their pockets are hurting.

There is not a skills desert out there but there is an unwillingness, in part, to recognise the monetary value of their skill, experience and ability.

A curative response is needed to stem the tide – no end of soul-baring spleen venting social media posts will remedy this situation. We’ve lamented the demise of “The Jointer” before – we’ve kicked up stinks and many have smelt the pong if not righted the wrong.

Nevertheless, lets continue the crusade and champion the real-deal Jointer.

Because in 4 days time more cable jointers will be on the job-market for hire.

But can they wipe, glass, strip, chamfer or plumb cable?

Thorne & Derrick – Distributors Of MV HV 11kV 33kV Joints, Terminations & Connections

Two Times More Power. Jointers! Empower your CV and skill-set by grasping the 66kV Jointer Training opportunity. Jointers must currently be 33kV Competent and experienced to be ready to undertake the step-up to 66kV from 33kV.

Many cable jointers hold a diversity of accreditations from leading brands such as Nexans Euromold, Brugg, ABB, Pfisterer, Prysmian and 3M – they possess the expertise to joint across an extensive range of medium and high voltage cables (polymeric, gas and oil filled) using cold shrink, heat shrink or push-on HV cable joints, terminations and connectors.

This skill-set is developed over years and contrasts sharply with the generic jointer familiarised with the “specific joint for specific cable” approach of some training centres.

Of course, training is core to career progression without which young, skilled and gifted trainees could never develop – the industry would stagnate to eventual extinction.

Well we’ve blown the trumpet, now we need you – the industry – to rally to the call and let us know your thoughts and opinions. We will feature them on this Post.

The following TweetDeck demonstrates the skills levels and competency of an international class EHV Cable Jointer – Andrew Brezovszky is conversant with the cable jointing techniques required for medium voltage, high voltage and extra high voltage oil filled, gas filled or polymeric cables. 20 years of cable jointing experience with Competency Certificates from leading cable accessory manufacturers including Prysmian, ABB and Pfisterer.

What you might call a real-deal Jointer.

132kV Ericsson Transition Joint – 3 Core Cable Joint XLPE To Oil Filled Cable. Image: Energi Cable Services

Thorne & Derrick International

Since 1985 Thorne & Derrick based in the UK have been specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation, Arc Flash Clothing & Electrical Safety Equipment including voltage detectors, insulating gloves and life saving substation intervention kits.

T&D customers include UK and worldwide contractors, specifiers, traders and end-users involved in cable installations, sealing cable ducts, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at Low, Medium & High Voltages.

We are specialist stockists and distributors of 11kV-33kV Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Pfisterer, Prysmian and Nexans Euromold in a selection of jointing technologies including heat shrink, cold shrink and push-on.

Cable Innovation Tools & Accessories for Low & High Voltage Power Systems | HV Tools Information

Sealing Cable Ducts In Hazardous Areas According To ATEX Directive

ATEX & Sealing Cable Ducts

by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 3 minutes

 

The following short update is written to provide clarification on the requirement to seal cable ducts in hazardous area locations according to the ATEX Directive – ATEX is a EU applicable directive to protect and ensure worker and workplace safety for equipment to be installed in potentially explosive atmospheres.

ATEX Directive relates to equipment which is used in hazardous areas i.e. locations with concentrations of flammable gases and vapours creating a potentially explosive atmosphere.

Specifically ATEX relates to equipment with moving parts posing a potential source of ignition (such as fuel dispensing equipment, gears, motors, pumps, mining equipment, lighting, alarms, plugs, switches, sensors etc).

The comments and conclusions below apply to sealing all types of electrical cables both onshore and offshore  – including control, instrumentation and power supplying low, medium and high voltage electricity, typically entering substations at 11kV-33kV.

Hazardous Areas

Equipment is only considered to be within the scope of the ATEX Directive if it is intended (either in whole or in part) to be used in a potentially explosive atmosphere. If a product containing an intended potentially explosive atmosphere, for example a vessel, itself contains equipment as defined in the Directive, then the latter equipment is in effect in a
potentially explosive atmosphere, albeit one which is contained by the vessel, and is therefore subject to the ATEX Directive.

Potential sources of ignition: electric sparks, arcs and flashes, electrostatic discharges, waves, ionising radiation, hot surfaces, flames and hot gases, mechanically generated sparks, chemical flame initiation and compression.

If equipment containing a potentially explosive atmosphere can, due to its construction, operation etc. create a potentially explosive atmosphere itself, which wholly or partially surrounds it, then such equipment is in effect in a potentially explosive atmosphere, and is therefore subject to the Directive.

A third scenario is that there may not only be a surrounding potentially explosive atmosphere but also a process that requires such a mixture to enter and/or be released from the product. The interface between the equipment and the process input/ output will also require consideration. This may, in some cases, lead to equipment having more than one Category, one (or more) for the external atmosphere and another for the process atmosphere.

According to the ATEX Directive download below Section 2 and 3.7 covers the type of equipment that the hazardous area certification covers – the document does not reference products excluded from the Directive.

Conclusion

Duct sealing systems are not covered or categorised according to ATEX – they are effectively “non-sparking” and when installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions do not pose a potential explosion risk. In this instance, a “Statement of Exclusion” applies to cable sealing with respect to the ATEX Directive.

Duct seals are available to prevent water ingress and gas migration into electrical substations, infrastructure and buildings – fire resistant cable seals are available for fire-rated applications. Sealing solutions are available to suit all duct diameters and cable voltages in single, multiple or trefoil cable arrangement.

This information has been provided by SIRA, the leading hazardous area certification body.

Filoform  – Water, Gas & Fire Protection Of Cable Ducts In Industrial & Hazardous Areas

Should you require any advice or specification support to enable to selection of cable duct seals for safe, industrial or hazardous area locations, call us | LV MV HV | 11kV 33kV 132kV

Thorne & Derrick International

Since 1985 Thorne & Derrick based in the UK have been specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation, Arc Flash Clothing & Electrical Safety Equipment – customers include UK and worldwide contractors, specifiers, traders and end-users involved in cable installations, sealing cable ducts, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at Low, Medium & High Voltages.

We are specialist stockists and distributors of 11kV-33kV Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Pfisterer, Prysmian and Nexans Euromold in a selection of jointing technologies including heat shrink, cold shrink and push-on.

➡ Further Reading

ATEX Cable Glands – Glanding Cables In Zone 1 & Zone 2 Hazardous Areas

ATEX Cable Joints – Jointing Cables In Zone 1 & Zone 2 Hazarodus Areas

MV HV | Medium & High Voltage Power Products, Cables & Electrical Equipment

Festoon Cable Joints For Flat Gantry Cranes (Multicore Power | Multipair Control)

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 

11kV 33kV Joints Terminations Connectors – Nexans | Prysmian | Pfisterer

Lapp Cable ÖLFLEX® FD 90 CY Screened Power Cable Joints

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:

• LV Cable Joints – Cold Shrink, Heat Shrink & Resin
• MV HV Cable Joints – Cold Shrink & Heat Shrink 

11kV 33kV Joints Terminations Connectors – Nexans | Prysmian | Pfisterer

Energy Skills Solutions – Training, Assessment & Consultancy Solutions

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.