Blog
MONO Nexans Terminations for 11kV Connection of Switchgear in DNV-GL Classification
March 2nd, 2023MONO Nexans Terminations
Pictured | This afternoon, we are airfreight shipping 72-off Nexans MONO 11kV Terminations direct to Lisnave, a ship repair yard located in Setubal (Portugal) that is equipped with 6 drydocks, 9 repair berths and occupies an area of 1 500 000 m².
Key to securing the business for Thorne & Derrick, the Main UK Stockist for the Nexans Power Cable Accessory range was acceptance of our technical submission by client, ready stock availability and Marine Classification Approval type DNV-GL.
Refreshingly, price was never a decision driver.
See more here | DNV GL Approved Cable Accessories, Joints, Terminations & Connectors

Cable Terminations Marine Approved DNV GL
Thorne & Derrick | LV HV Cable Jointing & Electrical Equipment distribute DNV GL Approved Cable Accessories manufactured by Nexans Power Accessories including elbow connectors and cable terminations for the reliable distribution of medium and high voltage power in the marine and offshore sectors up to 33kV.

Distributors for 3M Electrical & ColdShrink | Nexans Euromold | Pfisterer CONNEX | Joints, Terminations & Connectors Ex Stock up to 66kV

MV Cable Terminations
Nexans | Medium Voltage Product Training for Main UK Stockists
March 2nd, 2023
Distributor | Stockist | Supplier | Nexans
Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-132kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at MV HV.
Thorne & Derrick hold large stocks of 11kV 33kV 66kV Joints & Terminations suitable for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables, in both heat shrink and Cold Shrink technologies, to service the medium/high voltage power cable accessory and connection requirements of UK and international customers.
Nexans
Yesterday, Jon Rhodes took centre-stage online as we held our inaugural “Q&A Roundtable” with Nexans Power Accessories. Jon expertly fielded and answered technical questions for 90 mins posed by the Thorne & Derrick Sales Team.
Jon simplified the complex and covered topics as diverse as AIS-GIS operational differences and impact on MV Connection selection, VD point purpose, ATEX Explosive Atmospheres, Piggybacking (PB V P2), TX Applications, Compact C v Symmetrical C Separable Connectors and the granular breakdown of the Euromold part code structuring.
We all learnt so much and are so thankful to Jon.
Following 5 consecutive years of astonishing business growth with Nexans we are committed to supporting and increasing their Brand, Product and Market share.
We have now calendared monthly online Events with Jon to focus on further building our knowledge, expertise and confidence to most effectively support the Nexans brand of MV Cable Accessories in the UK.
Pictured : Jon focussing here on the features of MONO – MONO is the Nexans brand of medium voltage terminations featuring integrated stress control for reduced shrinking and reduced error scope by the jointer – the cable terminations provide stable performance under severe environmental conditions with exceptional tracking and erosion resistance, mechanical strength, weatherability and dielectric properties.
In attendance and in awe from Thorne & Derrick were the following staff : Jeff Jhanke | David Tinning | Carl Cox | Jonathan Hewitt | Sarah Henderson | Gary Amos | Charlie Andreoletti | Laurence Taylor | Chris Dodds

Nexans Medium Voltage Product Training for Main UK Stockists
NEXANS | EUROMOLD CONNECTORS | JTS JOINTS | MONO TERMINATIONS | EX STOCK – contact us with your Enquiry.

Nexans Power Cable Accessories Medium Voltage
BAND-IT Cable Clamping Products – Training Day at Thorne & Derrick
March 2nd, 2023Band-It Products
Steve Franklin (Business Development Manager – Cable Management from BAND-IT) has supported and managed the Thorne & Derrick | LV HV Cable Jointing & Electrical Equipment Account for 25+ years. Today, Steve called into refresh and re-focus our Sales Team on the new business opportunities that the market-leading BAND-IT IDEX electrical range of Cable Support & Management Systems provide to both traditional (Oil & Gas), transitional (Renewable Energy) and emerging (Fuel Cell) markets.
Thanks for the project support, the cable tie and banding product demo’s and the frankly unrivalled service record you have provided to our business in our supply-chain history.
We’ve gained some wrinkles, lost some hair but together we have always kept faith and I am pleased we remain a key account to BAND-IT, as BAND-IT does to Thorne & Derrick.


BAND-IT Cable Ties, Band & Buckle Clamping Systems – Stainless Steel
66kV Jointing Tools | Alroc CAMF Tools Now in Stock
March 2nd, 202366kV Jointing Tools
WE LISTENED, SO INTO STOCK….. SHAVE, REMOVE, CHAMFER, & GROOVE
Thorne & Derrick have introduced the Alroc CAMF tools into stock to support customers in the UK & European offshore wind project marketplace. CAMFs are designed purposely for use with 66kV+ XLPE insulated IAC & power cables to provide balanced, consistent and precise cable preparation. CAMFs shave bonded semicon and remove insulation up to 90mm diameter without wobble, struggle or risk to HV cable integrity.
Manufactured by ALROC | NOW Stocked in UK by Thorne & Derrick | LV HV Cable Jointing & Electrical Equipment.
View the complete range of Cable Jointing Tools available from Thorne & Derrick International for stripping and preparing low, medium and high voltage power cables including 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV-400kV polymeric cables with XLPE or EPR insulation and bonded/peelable semi-conductive cable screens.

Suits MV HV EHV Cables 40-90mm Diameter | Stocked & Supplied by Thorne & Derrick

Thorne & Derrick | Distributed from Stock | Approved Supplier | UK & Export Sales
HV Cable Tools | Preparation & Termination & Testing & Jointing
Cable Lugs | How To Correctly Crimp & Connect Aluminium & Copper Conductors
March 1st, 2023
Cable Lugs
How To Correctly Combine Aluminium & Copper Cable Lugs
Are you installing, maintaining and connecting Aluminium power cables?
Here’s a useful article by Klauke to explain why you should use bi-metal cable lugs when transitioning to copper bus-bars or jointing Copper to Aluminium cables.
Thorne & Derrick can make recommendations to overcome the potential problems encountered when cable jointing aluminium to copper cables and provide guidance on best practice to avoid potential corrosion problems within resin cable joints up to 3.3kV/33kV.
Combining aluminium and copper can be problematic.
High-quality Al/Cu compression cable lugs are perfect for coupling and connecting aluminium conductors with copper elements. A compound in the aluminium connecting material improves the contact properties. Aluminium-copper connectors are necessary for the skilled connection of aluminium and copper conductors.
We want to focus on the not-so-simple task of connecting aluminium and copper.
As previously mentioned, aluminium is used quite often, but not always on its own. As copper has been the material of choice for decades, and continues to be used, there are problems in safely connecting both materials. In practice, electrical engineers are faced with this challenge more and more often.
Connecting aluminium and copper is required more often than you might think.
For example, it is necessary if an aluminium ring conductor is located in an industrial area, but the adjacent plants are supplied via copper conductors. Even in transformer stations, aluminium conductors need to be connected to copper bars.
Electrical engineers are confronted with the problem that aluminium and copper are not easily connected. For a durable and secure connection, special Al/Cu cable lugs and connectors should be used.
Aluminium/copper: a special Cable connection
Aluminium has proven itself to be corrosion-resistant in practical situations.
However, aluminium is generally an extremely reactive material that oxidises quickly. The durability of the material is down to a resistant oxide layer that is formed on its surface when atmospheric oxygen is applied – a process also known as self passivation.
If an electrically conductive liquid, such as condensation, comes into contact with an aluminium and copper connection, this results in an electrochemical reaction and the subsequent formation of contact elements.
The difference in potential by means of the electrochemical series plays a key role in this process. The contact element is formed by the copper electrode (anode), the electrolyte (water) and the aluminium electrode (cathode).
The voltage generated as a result is shorted by the contact between copper and aluminium. The aluminium is deposited and/or corroded in line with the current flow that is generated.
This process is visible as a vibrant oxidation mark and is applied to even the very smallest copper particles on the aluminium – with this being a permanent reaction as the copper does not therefore corrode. If there is an electrical connection, the consequence is an increase in the contact resistance, which can result in a temperature rise and, in the worst case scenario, a fire.

When combining copper and aluminium, it is therefore essential than you aim to prevent moisture from getting into the junction between both materials under any circumstances. In spaces where condensation builds up, you will therefore need to protect the contact point between copper and aluminium by way of special processing methods.
Use of aluminium/copper cable lugs and connectors is the most important step here. These items do not have any so-called creepage distances in which conductive liquid that is ultimately responsible for kicking off the oxidation process can accumulate.
As a result, aluminium/copper compression cable lugs and connectors are also particularly suitable for use in offshore wind turbines. There is also the option to use tin plated aluminium cable lugs. This solution should only be used in spaces that are kept constantly dry, as even small amounts of damage to the tin layer are enough to start the contact corrosion process.
Al/Cu compression cable lugs
Compression cable lugs which are developed for the special connection of aluminium conductors and copper bars are made of electrolytic aluminium (E-Al). They feature an attached copper mounting bracket according to EN 13600.
Aluminium conductors at a glance
Pursuant to DIN 60228, four different types of aluminium conductors are available – some of which require special processing methods. The following conductor types are available:
- single-stranded round conductors, class 1 (re)
- single-stranded sector shaped conductors, class 1 (se)
- multi-stranded round shaped conductors, class 2 (rm)
- multi-stranded sector shaped conductors, class 2 (sm)
The abbreviations and other information can be found among the markings on the Al/Cu compression cable lugs. This will help you to determine which cable lug is best for which aluminium connector.
The markings »8 KL16 50 rm 70 se« mean
- 8:Â Metric bolt dimensions of the connecting bolt bore (in this case M8 bolt)
- KL:Â Manufacturer code (Klauke in this particular instance)
- 16:Â Tool code
- 50 rm/sm: Nominal cross-section of the conductor in mm², when using a round or sector shaped multi-stranded conductor
- 70 re/se: Nominal cross-section of the conductor in mm², when using a round or sector shaped single-stranded conductor
For crimping Al/Cu compression cable lugs, we recommend using a hexagonal crimping die, according to DIN 48083 Part 4, or EKM60ID. Incidentally, Klauke aluminium inserts are silver, whereas copper inserts are gold/yellow. It is therefore very easy to tell them apart.
Al/Cu connectors: securely jointed Cables
Klauke offers reduction connectors to ensure that aluminium and copper are securely joined. Reduction connectors are often used in network repairs – more specifically in the production of non-tension connections for aluminium conductors in accordance with DIN EN 60228, and copper conductors in accordance with DIN EN 60228.
The connectors are made of two components: aluminium parts (E-Al) and copper parts (pursuant to EN 13600). The aluminium side generally has a larger diameter, because the lower conductivity is compensated by a correspondingly higher nominal cross-section.
As with compression cable lugs, the aluminium side of the connector also contains a compound, which is prevented from running out and drying out by a protective cap.
To ensure safe results when processing the Al/Cu compression joints, follow the relevant copper and aluminium processing specifications.
When using compression connectors underground, make sure that the joints are protected from moisture. It is best if you use a cast resin joint. The joint permanently protects the connections from moisture, dust and the penetration of foreign bodies.
Lastly, an important note on aluminium and copper cable lugs and compression joints. Do not expose these products to bending stress, otherwise there is a risk of breakage at the contact point between the two materials. Use in the overhead line sector is therefore not possible.


Crimping Cables, Lugs & Tools
Thorne & Derrick distribute Cable Lugs & Cable Connectors to terminate, splice and joint LV MV HV cables – this includes copper, aluminium and bi-metallic connectors and a range of crimping tools for specific use on all Low, Medium & High Voltage cable types.
Further Reading
- Solving 33kV Solar Cable Operational Issues Relating to Water Immersion
- Jointing, Grounding & Terminating DC Solar Cables
- Earthing Armoured Cables To Safely Protect LV AC Cables In The Solar Industry

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to Solar EPC’s & High Voltage Jointing Contractors working on the design, construction and maintenance of UK, European and international projects supplying an extensive range of LV HV Solar Cables, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
We stock LV HV Solar Cables, Accessories & Electrical Equipment to enable the construction, maintenance and operation of utility-scale PV installations – our products connect 600V/1500V solar cables into combiner boxes, inverters, transformers and energise switchgear up to 33kV/132kV for high voltage grid connections.
Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.

View our Solar Capability LV HV