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Slingco’s Catchblock Gets Network Rail And National Highways Approval

Thorne & Derrick, distributors of a range of Cable Pulling & Laying equipment, are pleased to announce that Slingco’s innovative Catchblock has received formal approval from Network Rail and National Highways (formerly Highways England).

In addition, National Grid has now endorsed the use of the Slingco Catchblock system.

Catchblock

OHL catenary roller system

Catchblock from Slingco is a system for replacing and recovering overhead conductor cable and makes some pretty big claims, including reducing disruption, risks of accidents and costs during replacement of conductor cable.

Nick Dykins, Managing Director, reported: “Our single system has been fully and permanently approved by Network Rail and National Highways.”

“In addition, Network Rail has approved temporary certification for our Catchblock twin system for 12 months. For our utilities contractors this means the seamless replacement of cable with minimal disruption to infrastructure.”

Catchblock is now supplied in two versions – UK and export to meet growing national and international demand for this product.

Catchblock from Slingco is approved by Network Rail and National Highways for OHL Conductor replacement.

Lightweight, robust and easy to deploy, CatchBlock helps to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

REDUCED DISRUPTION
CatchBlock is an innovative OHL catenary roller system. Designed to deploy a twin-rope system, it allows the recovery and redeployment of broken conductors without the need to take possession of road/rail or client/third party property or infrastructure.

REDUCED ACCIDENT RISK
CatchBlock significantly reduces the need for erection and dismantling of scaffolding – cutting down the risk of accidents and harm to site workers.

REDUCED STRINGING COSTS
The reduced need for scaffolding, ease of deployment, and the ability to recover and redeploy, results in a faster, more efficient operation. With fewer hours of effort and less equipment required, Catch Block can deliver substantially reduced costs.

TRUSTED INNOVATION, OUTSTANDING SUPPORT, BESPOKE SOFTWARE
In addition to our complete engineering support service, we offer bespoke software for the CatchBlock system to replace spreadsheet calculations. Intuitive and easy to use, this software needs only limited training to enable site staff to complete regulatory checks. The CatchBlock system has been rigorously trialled and tested.

At no point has there been the need to take out possession orders for property or infrastructure, even with a failed conductor.

CatchBlock has received formal approval from Network Rail and National Highways

CABLE SOCKS & PULLING PRODUCTS LV MV HV

Complete range of LV, MV and HV cable pulling products for installation and enabling cable jointing in trench or ducts including LV, 11kV/33kV medium voltage (MV), 66kV/132kV high voltage (HV) and EHV transmission and distribution cables up to 400kV.

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors.

We service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

Cembre | New Generation “Bilinear” Cordless Crimping Tools Available From Thorne & Derrick

Cembre “Bilinear” Cordless Battery Crimping Tools

CEMBRE Bilinear Cordless Crimping Tools

ND Series, Battery Crimping Tools 18.0V – 2.0 Ah

Cembre have launched a new generation of hand-held cordless battery crimping tools, characterised by a “Bilinear” mechanical design. Operator comfort and convenience are key factors in producing repeatedly consistent high integrity crimped joints.

Thorne & Derrick supply the Cembre ‘ND Series’ of bilinear tools. They have their mechanical centre of gravity nearest to the operator’s wrist to optimise the overall ergonomics of the tool and provide a wider support for the hand.

Thus the innovative misalignment between the pump drive mechanism and the hydraulic system both reduce the torque generated on the operator’s wrist and best distribute the stresses acting on the hand.

➡ Cembre offer a complete range of battery operated cable crimping tools for use with crimps, connectors and lugs up to 400sqmm including medium/high voltage cables at 11kV/33kV.

“Bilinear” Cordless Crimping Tools Features

Smart Release System

“Smart Release Technology” is a new development by Cembre whereby an intelligent oil pressure release system stops the motor at the end of the crimping cycle.  Automatic retraction of the ram only occurs when the operator releases the start button, this allows visual verification of the jaws to ensure that they have fully met prior to releasing.

Similar tools with ‘standard’ automatic return do not permit this visual verification that full compression has taken place before releasing pressure.

Electronic Pressure Sensor (EPS)

The Electronic Pressure Sensor (EPS) guarantees the precision of the crimping operation, checking the actual value of pressure and informing the operator about possible errors.

Smart Tool Technology

Data recording and intelligent control allow complete verification of operational parameters. SMARTOOL technology enables the user to to store data from up to 200,000 cycles on the integrated memory card for transfer to a computer via a USB cable.

New two-speed hydraulic system

On the new generation of tools, a dual speed hydraulic system has been implemented with the double concentric pumping system and interlocked spring, the original patented solution by Cembre.

Faster compression and greater crimping force result from the new two-speed hydraulic system: a high approach speed which automatically switches to a low crimping speed, ensuring optimal use of the available energy.

New Multifunction OLED Display With Touch Button

Equipped with Li-Ion 18 V-2Ah rechargeable high capacity batteries. Fitted with a maximum pressure sensor for enhanced precision and repeatability of the maximum pressure cycle, and a pressure relief valve providing additional safety for the operator.  Weight and balance have been reconfigured to yield improvements in handling and convenience.

The more rigid structure of the bi-component plastic body provides greater mechanical protection while its  rubber inserts boost operator safety and comfort.  Quieter operation, illumination of the working area via LED lights and a minimum of vibration enhance the tool’s practicality.

“Bilinear” Cordless Crimping Tools

Operating Features of the Tools

• Bilinear mechanical design
• Smart Release system to automatically retract the ram at the end of the crimping cycle
• OLED multifunctional display with touch button
• Electronic Pressure Sensor (EPS)
• SMARTOOL technology for viewing and downloading operational data
• 180° rotating head
• Start button protected against accidental operation
• Manual pressure release button
• Illumination of working area via 4 x LED lights
• Bi-component plastic body
• Ergonomic design for operator comfort
• Li-Ion 18.0 V-2Ah rechargeable high capacity battery
• Battery connection system with release button

18V Handheld Cordless Hydraulic Tool With Bilinear Structure I Cembre B-FL750ND

LV Lugs & Connectors – complete range of copper crimp connectors suitable for use with joints and terminations for low voltage cables | Cable Lugs | Cable Splice Connectors | Aluminium Lugs | Aluminium Splices | Bi-Metallic Cable Lugs

Thorne & Derrick

Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV | Cold Shrink

Are All Types Of Cable Terminations The Same?

Cable Terminations

3M Cold Shrink

Guest Article by 3M Electrical

From lost time to repairs, cable failure can result in costly power outages. Often, these failures are the result of electrical stress.

Improper cable termination stress control can result in premature electrical aging and can lead to failures. It can also present risk to the overall safety and reliability of a utility distribution system, windfarm, or heavy industrial facility.

The question is are all cold shrink terminations equal? Not necessarily. Test results indicate this is not the case, taking stress control into consideration. Learn more about Geometric and High-K stress relief, the differences between them, and how test results show better performance with 3M’s method of using High-K stress relief.

Managing electrical stress comes down to design.

I’ve noticed when meeting with customers that there is a consensus that all types of cable terminations are equal. That’s simply not the case. Just because cable termination accessories may look similar, it doesn’t mean they perform the same.

To help dispel this myth, we ran our own study comparing our own 3M™ Cold Shrink Termination technology, which leverages capacitive stress control versus geometric stress cones. Here’s what we found.

Capacitive stress control vs. geometric stress cone: what’s the difference?

A test was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment to determine which method is most effective at controlling electrical stress. As part of our study, we looked at the performance difference between two common types of cable terminations:

1. Geometric Stress Cone: This is an electrical stress control method aimed at reducing stress at the shield discontinuity. It works by extending the shield and gradually increasing the thickness of insulation under it.2. Capacitive Stress Control: This is a high dielectric constant (Hi-K) stress control method that controls the stress at the end of the insulation shield. It lowers the electrical stress at the point of shield discontinuity by diverting the electrical stress along the cable insulation interface.

The comparison: 3M™ Cold Shrink Products that use Hi-K capacitive stress control versus competitive cold shrink products that use geometric stress control.

For the interfaces’ stress control method, we chose our own 3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Termination. It’s designed to spread the electrical stress lines, which helps to reduce the surface stress, resulting in improved termination performance and overall cable life expectancy.*

After putting both methods through several tests in the 3M lab, the results yielded three key benefits.

Performance Testing of Cable Terminations

Product	Stress Control Technology	Partial Discharge	1 Minute AC Withstand	15 Minute DC Withstand	BIL (10+/- Surges)	HOT BIL (10+/- Surges)	Partial Discharge	5 Hour AC Withstand	5 Minute AC Withstand	BIL (10+/- Surges)	Partial Discharge
Competitive Sample 2, 3, 4	Geometric	X	X	Cannot Test further. Samples failed.
Competitive Sample 5	Geometric	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	X	Cannot Test further. Sample failed.
Competitive Sample 6	Geometric	X	✓	✓	✓	✓	X	X	Cannot Test further. Sample failed.
(4 Samples)	Hi-K	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Performance results

capacitive stress control vs. geometric stress cone study.

Our test results showed that the design behind cable termination accessories can have an impact on electrical stress management and can help prevent premature electrical aging, failures, and power outages.

There are three crucial benefits of choosing 3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Termination:

1. Reliability: The Hi-K stress control helps to prevent leakage and electrical discharge for higher cable reliability.*
2. Uniformity: The design allows for a uniform distribution of the electric field, helping lower surface stress and improve track resistance (i.e. friction).*
3. Safety: 3M™ Cold Shrink QT-III Termination is easy to install and requires no additional jointing tools, it helps improve overall safety by helping lower the risk of cable preparation mistakes associated with longer insulation interfaces.*

Overall, test results showed that 3M™ Cold Shrink Termination technology has a excellent behaviour compared to the competitive stress cone technology.*

Further Reading

• Cable Terminations | Cold Shrink Terminations MV HV Cables
• 3M Cold Shrink Terminations Connecting Nexans 12kV (MV) Cable Onto Busbar
• 66kV Terminations | NEW Stock Introduction for 3M Cold Shrink Cable Terminations
• 3M Terminations | Surface Tracking on Medium Voltage Cable Terminations by 3M

Thorne & Derrick

T&D are Specialist Distributors to UK Distribution Network Operators (DNO’s), NERS Registered Service Providers, ICP’s and HV Jointing Contractors of an extensive range of LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – this includes 11kV/33kV/66kV joints, terminations and connectors for both DNO and private network applications.

Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.

Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV 

Pfisterer SICON CopperTop | Aluminium To Copper Conductor

SICON CopperTop by Pfisterer

332 907 082

Secure Conductor Material Transition From Aluminium To Copper

PFISTERER Sicon offer a range of mechanical shearbolt cable connectors with stepless shear-off bolts providing the right connector for any termination application for medium voltage power cables up to 66/72kV.

For years now, bolted clamps, connectors and cable lugs have been gaining ground as bolted connectors offer technical and practical advantages that conventional cable crimping and compression technology such as copper tube lugs cannot match.

With the Sicon CopperTop range of electrical connectors PFISTERER connects both the well-known SICON technology and the material transition from aluminium to copper in one cable lug. At the same time the copper/aluminium material transition is shifted to an area that easily can be covered with a heat shrink tube and can be secured against environmental impacts.

This allows for example a safe and corrosion resistant connection to copper bus bars, especially in outdoor use. Additionally, the SICON CopperTop 332 907 082 is an alternative for connections in elbow connectors from aluminium cable to copper connection elements.

SICON technology

Like all other SICON connectors the CopperTop can be used independently of the conductor material and type*. The special aluminium alloy allows a safe and corrosion resistant connection of both aluminium and copper material with perfect electrical characteristics.

Thanks to the patented SICON step-less shear off bolts, optimal contact force is always achieved and avoids mounting failures.

 SICON CopperTop Benefits

• Al/Cu transition in the cable lug
• Safe and reliable connection of copper connection elements, especially in outdoor use
• Proven SICON technology
• Material transition easy shrinkable
• Reliable connection for all conductors
• Optimal contact force for all conductors
• No damage to individual strands
• Installation with standard tools

THORNE & DERRICK

Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute PFISTERER CONNEX Connectors for medium / high voltage cable connection and termination to electrical systems up to 33kV – we provide competitive prices for PFISTERER CONNEX connectors used to terminate and connect polymeric insulated MV-HV cables into gas insulated switchgear and electrical equipment from extensive UK stocks.

Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage cable systems:

• Slip-on Cable Terminations
• Cold-shrink Cable Terminations
• Heat-shrink Cable Terminations
• Cable Joints – Heat & Cold-shrink
• Separable Connectors (Euromold)
• Surge Arresters & Switchgear/Transformer Bushings

Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV 

Bolt Cutter for Container Seals Using Battery Powered Cutting Tools

Bolt Cutting Tools

The Klauke bolt cutter for container seals redefines the cutting standard with an ergonomic, high security solution. Klauke understands that as the logistics industry changes,
so do your needs. Therefore, a battery powered bolt cutter has been designed for easy operation and smoother working.

Battery operated cable crimping tools are made from the highest quality materials, rust proof and surface finished with a reputation for providing a long service live, consistently delivering safe electrical cable crimping connections for low and high voltage applications.

High Security Bolt Cutter for Container Seals & Locks

Today’s shipping industry requires the use of disposable soft-steel locks and bolt seals. Traditional methods of cutting and removing these locks poses safety risks and challenges, for example, manual tools:

• Can weigh 6 Kg.
• Can require 30 Kg of muscular force
• Increase operator exertion and require longer recovery time
• Require repetitive cutting and can cause muscle fatigue resulting in costly muscular strains, tears, injuries and surgery
• Can require strenuous back, pectoral, and shoulder muscle exertion to remove bolt seals

82% Injury Risk Reduction

With Klauke’s Battery powered cutting Tools

When using Klauke’s battery tool to cut/remove high-security locks when compared to a manual bolt cutter. *Job Assessment performed with The Humantech System®

Klauke Bolt Cutters Features

Hardened Blades – Allows for increased bolt cutting longevity

350° Rotating Head – Designed to cut bolts at any angle

Double-Click Safety Feature – Helps prevent unintentionally starting a bolt cut

3 Year Warranty – Refer to Klauke’s warranty policy for full details

LED Light – Illuminates work area for high visibility

Designed to Cut Bolts – Soft-steel locks and bolt seals up to 10mm diameter

Easy Operation – 6 ton cutting force eliminates the risk of injury from manual high-force exertion

Lightweight – 2.7kg tool design 50% lighter than traditional bolt cutters

Ergonomics – Well balanced in-line tool design improves operator posture when cutting, reducing risk of injury

Makita® Battery Platform – 18V Li-ion battery provides more cuts per charge, and charges in less than 45 minutes

T&D are Specialist Distributors of LV MV HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we supply companies in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors with products to enable the energisation, operation and maintenance of underground cables and overhead lines.

Products | Surge Counters | Sealing Cable Ducts | Cleats, Clamps & Hangers | LV MV HV Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Clothing & PPE | Jointing, Termination & Stripping Tools | Cable Pulling & Laying | Feeder Pillars | Cold Shrink | Heat Shrink | Joints Terminations Connectors MV HV