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NPG Northern Power Grid Cable Protection & Tapes & Covers (LV MV HV)

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

Northern PowerGrid Tile Tape & Stokbord Covers

Northern Powergrid, NPG, are a UK Distribution Network Operator distributing low and high voltage electricity covering North East England, –  we overview current NPG recommendations and specifications for Cable Protection Tapes & Covers using Tile Tape and Stokbord products.

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 NPG and their contractors providing competitive prices and technical support for LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment.

Trenchless Excavation

Where appropriate, trenchless excavation shall be considered as a viable option when installing underground cable. Application of this option shall always employ the cable being laid in a suitable and approved duct as shown below.

All ducting used in trenchless excavation shall be solid wall circular section duct (SDR-11) as specified in ENA-TS 12-24 – ‘Plastic Ducts for Buried Electric Cables 2008’and NPS/002/003 – ‘Technical Specification for Protective Tile, Tile Tape and Cable Ducting’ and all cables require advanced warning and this will normally be in the form of an embossed black duct compliant with ENA-TS 12-24 – ’Plastic Ducts for Buried Electric Cables 2008’.

Open Cut Trench

*Assumes twin wall ducting. All others are single smooth wall design.

All sizes for ducts installed in open trenches are nominal diameter measurement and should have tile tape or tile board installed above the cables / ducts ensuring an overlap of 50mm either side of the cable(s)/duct(s).

Cables in the range 230V to 20kV shall be laid under tile tape positioned 150mm directly above the top of the uppermost cable / duct and 33kV to 132kV shall be laid under tile boards positioned 75mm directly above the top of the uppermost cable / duct with each tile board shall be closely interlocked with adjacent covers throughout the length of the cable.

All ducting used in open trench excavation shall be used as part of cable installation works shall be as specified in NPS/002/003 – ‘Technical Specification for Protective Tile, Tile Tape and Cable Ducting’.

Cables installed for future jointing to existing cables shall be adequately overlapped to allow easier jointing.

➡ 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.

Cutting 11kV Cables Using Cembre Battery Cable Cutting Tools

by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 5 minutes

Product Category: Cable Cutting Tools

Featured Manufacturer: Cembre

Cable Cutting Tool Model: Cembre B-TC950 Cordless Hydraulic Cutting Tool

Contributed By: Watkins and Jacomb Construction Power & Consultancy

WJCPC are specialist LV HV Cable Jointing contractors with over 20 years experience in the electrical industry covering the utilities, renewable energy, rail, data centre and general industry sectors – with UKPN competency for LV HV Jointing, Confined Spaces, Substation Entry and Fault Finding.

The video below shows WJCPC cutting a section of BS6622 11kV 3 core medium voltage power cable using the battery operated Cembre B-TC950 tool prior to terminating into the MV cable box using heat shrink terminations.

The Cembre B-TC950 battery operated cable cutting tool has a capacity to cut up to 95mm outside diameter power cables including 11kV and 33kV. The Cembre tool features a dual speed cutting action – the two speed operation and automatic switching from a rapid advancing speed of the ram to a slower, more powerful speed for cutting copper and aluminium conductors.

Not suitable for cutting steel wire armour (SWA) or live/energised cables.

Cembre B-TC950 has a cutting power of 880 bar (12,700 psi).

How To Use Cembre Cutting Tools

Cutting Blade Advancement

The user or jointer should press the operating button (5) to activate the motor-pump – the ram will gradually move forward until the lower cable cutting blade (3) touches the cable conductor. To halt the advancement of the tool blade, release the button (5) and the motor will cut out. Ensure the cutting blade is exactly positioned on the desired cutting point of the cable – if not re-open the blade following instructions and reposition it.

Cable Cutting

Firmly hold the Cembre tool and operate the button (5) to gradually move the lower cutting blade (4) to cut through the conductor. When the conductor cut is clean and complete, release the button (5), otherwise the maximum pressure relief valve has activated.

Blade Retraction

By operating the pressure release button (6), the ram will retract and open the lower cutter blade of the tool.

Cembre B-TC950 Cable Cutting Tools – Distributed by T&D

Cembre B-TC950 Battery Operated Hydraulic Cable Cutting Tool

Construction & Spare Parts

Dimensions 518 x 468 x 83 (20.4 x 18.4 x 3.3).

1. Locking Lever
2. Upper Cutting Blade
3. Lower Cutting Blade
4. Tool Handle Grip
5. Operating Button
6. Pressure Release Button
7. Battery
8. Battery Capacity Indicator
9. Battery Checkbutton
10. Battery Release
11. LED Worklight
12. Ring For Shoulder Strap

T&D distribute a complete range of cable cutters including ratchet, hydraulic and battery operated for precise and clean cutting of power, control and instrumentation cables with steel wire armour or braid and lead covered sheathings – ratchet cable cutters are recommended for cropping cable conductors of LV-HV cables where working space and access is confined in high voltage cable end termination boxes.

11kV Cable Preparation

Training & Tools

Failure to effectively and precisely prepare MV-HV cables by the jointer is a common cause of 11kV cable failure – images 1+2 below are clear examples of jointers workmanship deficiencies on a recent project which WJCPC were contracted to correct and complete following the condemning of the 11kV cable installation by the main contractor.

The 11kV 3 core XLPE medium voltage power cables show a reckless finish to the easy peel semiconductor screen with a toxic mixture of jagged edges, scoring marks and deep ringing – this could have been caused by the jointers using fully bonded screen removal tools with incorrect depth setting rather than the correct semicon stripping tool. The use of the correct cable jointing tools for each stage of cable preparation is critical to ensure safe and reliable installation and service of MV joints and terminations.

Compare images 1+2 with the perfect uniformity of MV cable preparation in image 3 achieved by WJCPC.

Critical to the long term stability and field performance of 11kV cable terminations and joints is perfect preparation of cable – care should be taken to ensure appointed MV HV Cable Jointing contractors are suitably trained and equipped with the required jointing, cutting and crimping tooling to perform medium/high voltage cable installations.

THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Arc Flash Clothing, Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation Duct Seals & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, earthing substations, 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.

Arc Flash Calculation – Selecting Clothing & PPE To Protect Lives Against Arc Hazard

• by Chris Dodds T&D - estimated reading time 8 minutes

“30,000 Arc Flash Incidents per year”  Source: ISHN

We recently asked Hugh Hoagland (Managing Partner at ArcWear & e-Hazard.com) to recommend the 3 most effective and reliable software packages for Calculating Arc Flash Risk & Hazard in accordance with NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584.ƒ1

e-Hazard USA are the industry leader in electrical safety training based on the latest NFPA 70E Standard providing arc flash testing, electrical safety and arc flash training for companies across the globe.

Hugh recommended the following Arc Flash Hazard, Risk Assessment, Clothing & PPE software packages: SKM, Easy Power and Kinetrics – we overview them and provide further information links to all 3 including free demonstration packages.

Arc flash clothing and PPE requirements are often panic rather than planned purchases – most often contractors are over-spending on arc flash protective clothing only to arrive on site to carry out work tasks requiring manual dexterity in cumbersome arc flash suits of armour. Hampered, overheating and under pressure to work safely in high voltage substations.

Electrical engineers must wear appropriate level of arc flash protection when working on low, medium or high voltage electrical switchgear, panels and equipment.

Consequently, it is rare for a specific site risk assessment or arc flash hazard calculation to have been carried out. Contractors therefore default to a “worst case” scenario with decision making clouded by the online plethora of inconsistent product recommendations often motivated more by commercial intent rather than the provision of worker safety.

We hope this information will enable better forward planning by contractors to minimise arc flash hazards by selecting the most appropriate level of protective clothing and utilising an arc flash sofware calculator.

As leading UK distributors of arc flash clothing, we are committed to supporting the observance and implementation of electrical safety and managing arc flash risk in hazardous and high voltage working environments.

Arc Flash | Jackets | Coveralls | Trousers | Sweatshirts | Helmets | Gloves ProGARM

Arc flash can occur during live cable jointing, phasing in operations, racking in and out of switchgear, reclosing of electrical switchgear onto a fault, switchgear failure, excavating near live cables or accidental contact with live conductors during maintenance.

1. SKM Systems Analysis

Arc Flash Hazard Calculator

ArcCalc calculates the incident energy and arc flash boundary for any point in a power system be it low, medium or high voltage.

Minimum and maximum arcing short circuit currents are calculated using broad tolerances to provide conservative results with estimated system data.

ArcCalc saves time by automatically determining trip times from the protective device settings. Incident energy, arc flash boundaries and Arc Flash PPE clothing are calculated following the NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 standards. More information.

SKM Arc Flash Tutorial & Arc Flash Assessment

2. Easy Power

Arc Flash Analysis Software

Easy Power arc flash software provides the most comprehensive productivity configuration for conducting arc flash analysis and ensuring full compliance with OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements.

Whether you’re designing electrical power systems, analyzing arc flash hazards, selecting suitable arc flash clothing or implementing an electrical safety program, this is software configuration can assist. More information – Download Free Demo.

EasyPower Arc Flash Analysis Intro : Automated Power System Design and Analysis

3. Kinetrics 

ARCPRO™ Arc Hazard Assessment, Clothing & PPE Selection

ARCPRO™ has become the industry’s most widely-used application for computing arc hazards and selecting protective clothing for single arc situations, particularly for High Voltage Transmission and Distribution applications not addressed by other methods.

Kinectrics ARCPRO™ calculates the thermal parameters of electrical arcs and is designed to provide users with data regarding heat exposure, total heat flux and heat energy on a surface at various distances from an electric arc.

The software is used to predict the potential arc hazard in a particular work environment and provide basis for specifying the appropriate level of PPE and clothing to protect against arc flash hazards. More information.

Arc Flash Incident (Property of CATU Electrical)

ƒ1 IEEE Std 1584-2002 (Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations) is a standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers that provides a method of calculating the incident energy of arc flash event – purchase copy of IEEE 1584.

Arc Flash PPE – The Last Line Of Defence

“PPE is the last item on the list when putting in place arc incident control measures. Your arc flash risk assessment should measure the severity of the hazard (incident energy levels) and then look how that incident energy can be minimised. You should then consider what activities you carry out that could expose you to any residual arc flash risk that may be controlled with PPE”, Paul Hopton (Principal Electrical Consultant at Electrical Safety UK Limited).

◊ Can Arc Flash Clothing Save Cable Jointers Lives?

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.

ProGARM 4690 Coverall	ProGARM 4616 Trouser	ProGARM 5816 Trouser	ProGARM 7638 Trouser	ProGARM 6458 Coverall
ProGARM 7418 Trouser	ProGARM 7480 Coverall	ProGARM 5290 Polo Shirt	ProGARM 6444 Coverall	ProGARM 5286 Polo Shirt

Download Your Guide To Arc Flash Here

Electrical Safety UK

ESUK is a specialist company concerned with the safe management of risk associated with all LV & HV electrical work activities. Having pioneered the European approach to Arc Flash Hazard assessment and management, ESUK have a proven track record in ensuring that clients comply with their local law in the most cost effective way.

THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Duct Sealing, Jointing & Substation Electrical Safety 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.

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, earthing and lightning protection, 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.

Northern Powergrid NPG – LV Cable Joints & Terminations

Northern Powergrid – Cable Joints Cable Terminations LV Low Voltage

• UK DNO: Northern Powergrid NPG
• Product Category:  LV Cable Joints and Cable Terminations
• Document Type: NPS/002/014
• Document Date: March 2015

Joints & Terminations LV

• Mains & Service Straight Joints
• Mains & Service Branch Joints
• Mains & Service Stop End joints
• Pole Top Mounted & LV Board Cable Terminations
• Note: Documents are prone to change – always check with T&D to ensure current and correct Joints & Terminations are selected.

➡ View our Northern Powergrid (NPG) complete product range for LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Termination, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment.

Northern Powergrid NPG Cable Joints

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.

See our online UK DNO Register of Approved Joints, Terminations & Electrical Equipment

How To Abandon Cables Using 3M Cold Shrink Cable Abandonment Kits CSCAK

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

How To Abandon Cables

Low Voltage Polymeric Cables up to 3.3kV

This video by 3M Electrical shows how to abandon cables safely using 3M CSCAK Cable Abandonment Kits.

3M CSCAK cold shrink cable abandonment kits are used to temporarily or permanently seal power, control and instrumentation cables – especially the abandonment of redundant or decommissioned low voltage offshore, marine and shipwiring power, control and instrumentation cables.

3M CSCAK kits are complete with all components to provide temporary or permanent abandonment of cables – this ensures cables are safe even if re-energised using cold shrink end caps and pre-stretched tubes.

The 3M Electrical video explains how cables are effectively short circuited using 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes and earthing products, including Scotch 24 and constant force springs.

The 3M Electrical video also shows the “live memory” action of Cold Shrink providing reliable and durable cable end seals without need for “hot working” permits in potentially explosive atmospheres or hazardous area zones located onshore and offshore.

Cold Shrink – invented by 3M over 40 years ago and now the preferred technology for heat-free jointing, terminating, sealing and abandonment of LV HV cables

Watch Video  ➡ 

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

Cable Abandonment Kit Selection Table

Should you require support about selecting the correct cable abandonment kit from the 3M Cold Shrink product range for use with low, medium or high voltage cables please contact us – a complete range of Cold Shrink cable joints and terminations is available for MV-HV cables, including 11kV/33kV.

Where additional mechanical protection for connecting underground power cables in cable trench is required we can recommend Scotchcast cable joints with resin encapsulation to resist impact damage during backfill or future excavation and digging works.

For jointing cables in hazardous area locations go to our Blog about ATEX cable joints utilising advanced specification Scotchcast resins to provide a hydro carbon resistant joint or repair to damaged or extended cable circuits.

➡ Cable Abandonment For HV Cables Including 11kV 33kV High Voltages

Cable Abandonment Using Cold Shrink

➡ Visit 3M Electrical for further information about 3M cable 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