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Cable Hangers | Bespoke Cable Supports for Rail Tunnel Application

Cable Cleats & Hangers

Thorne & Derrick | Distributors for Ellis Patents | Cleats | Supports | Hooks | Hangers

Cable Support Requirement

Ellis were approached by a customer to supply cable hangers and bespoke cable supports for a rail project. Cable hangers are standard products for Ellis Patents and we carry a wide range in stock. We can also offer bespoke solutions which are designed and fabricated entirely in the UK. On this occasion the requirement was a little different, the cable hangers were required to be affixed to a tunnel lining in a rail tunnel using a non-standard mounting. Usually, the team at Ellis would travel to site to size up the fitment details and ensure that they had fully understood the requirement, this would include hanger loadings, location, installation considerations etc. Due to restrictions in place because of Covid, this was not possible. The customer took photographs and provided measurements. Ellis then developed a bespoke cable supports product around this specification with consideration taken into account for the “unknown unknowns” to ensure a perfect fit on site and a product that was fit for purpose. FEA was used to check the strength of the hangers prior to production drawings being released.

Bespoke Cable Supports

Ellis Patents Solution

Ellis used their 3D CAD design capability to create a design. The strength of the product was then checked with FEA and hand calculations. Once this was complete manufacturing drawings were released to the production team at Ellis who then used their plasma cutter to create prototypes on a very short timescale. These were tested at Ellis on site test facility to validate the strength and the prototypes were supplied to the customer for a trial fitment. This went well and Ellis proceeded to manufacture the full quantity of hangers.

Hanger being load tested in Ellis test facility

FEA (Finite Element Analysis) of design with loads applied

3D CAD software used to design hanger and create virtual installation location

Completed hanger assembly complete with mounting fixings

Thorne & Derrick | Cable Cleats | Ellis Patents UK Distributors

Specialist Distributors of High Voltage Jointing & Electrical Safety Equipment

Thorne & Derrick International are Specialist Suppliers of products to provide safe and reliable LV HV Cable Termination, Jointing, Installation & Power Systems up to 66kV.

Key Product Categories: Connectors, Joints & Terminations MV HV | Cable Preparation & Jointing Tools | Duct Seals | Cable Transits | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection | Cable Pulling | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX & SEANEX.

BER Consultancy Services Ltd

MV Jointers

BER Consultancy Services Ltd are a leading provider of Electrical Cable Jointing, Repair & Substation Maintenance Services to the UK utility industry – the Scotland based contractors provides DNO Authorised teams of Jointers, including SPEN for the competent installation of Approved Equipment & MV Cable Accessories up to 33kV including 3M ColdShrink, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer CONNEX and Tyco Electronics (TE Energy).

The following photographs, republished with the kind permission of Darren Ross (Director | BERC Ltd), demonstrate the workmanship ability and skill-set of their labour force.

To discuss your requirements or to learn more about the provision of LV-HV Cable Installation, Civil Engineering & Groundworks Services from BERC Ltd you can contact Darren on 07501025337.

The Jointers used Alroc PG pliers to remove the outer sheath from the medium voltage power cables – a specialist cable jointing tool manufactured by Boddingtons was used to remove the semicon prior to the connection and termination of the 33kV cables (630sqmm) into Siemens switchgear using Pfisterer CONNEX type separable connectors and Sicame terminations onto the outdoor substation busbars. Finally, a circuit of medium voltage 33kV cables (240sqmm) were terminated onto the busbars and connected using MV CONNEX Connectors onto the Auxiliary Transformer and the Neutral Earthing Resistor (NERs) manufactured by Cressall Resistors.

MV Cable Jointers with SPEN Authorisation up to 33kV

SPEN have 30,000 substations (1 for every 100 customers), 40,000km overhead lines and 65,000km underground cables – operating in 3 of the UK’s largest cities (Liverpool, Glasgow & Edinburgh) accounting for 1.6m (43%) of their customers, delivering LV-HV power to significant rural areas (North Wales, Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway).

Jointers blog

Subscribe now to our POWER NEWSLETTER– a monthly email circulation packed with news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars, career opportunities and white papers.

Includes access to our popular JOINTERS BLOG with contributions from utility professionals, linesmen and cable jointers working on MV HV EHV cables and overhead lines typically at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and up to 132kV.

25,000+ Subscribers. ➡

66kV 72.5kV | Power Cables Accessories for Offshore Windfarms

Power Cable Accessories

Nexans Power Accessories is the leading European innovator and manufacturer of Low, Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories as well as connection technology for energy transmission and distribution networks, including both onshore and offshore renewable projects. The Nexans range of Medium Voltage Power Cable Accessories ranged is stocked and supplied in the UK by Thorne & Derrick, contact us for commercial quotations, specification support, product training or to discuss your requirements.

The standard product range of GPH® compression or mechanical connectors and cable lugs is developed and produced as well as customised solutions.

Nexans also manufactures ready-to-install pre-assembled cable lengths and factory tested cable bridges for industrial applications.

Power Cable Accessories for High Voltage Power & IAC Cables 66kV 72.5kV

Catalogue Contents |  ↓ Catalogue Download ↓

Nexans

With the brand name EUROMOLD® Nexans Power Accessories is a European market leader for medium voltage cable accessories. T&D offer the entire portfolio of separable connectors for Interfaces A to F in proven EPDM technology with at least 3mm conductive jacket. In this scope, longtime know-how and technological advance was successfully transferred into high voltage applications.

Nexans provide a complete range of cold-shrinkable and slip-on accessories, e.g. pre-moulded terminations and joints for cables and epoxy bushings for transformers and switchgears, up to 170kV.

An extensive range of additional equipment and a variety of dedicated installation training and jointer tooling make Nexans a strong partner in the transmission and distribution of energy.

	R909TB/G – EUROMOLD® Tee connector Interface F up to 72.5kV, 1250A U (Um) 60-69 (72.5) kV Separable tee shape connector designed to connect designed to connect polymeric insulated cable to equipment (transformers, switchgears, ……). Also connects cable to cable when using the appropriate mating parts. -Thick conductive EPDM jacket – Each separable connector is tested for AC withstand and partial discharge prior to leaving the factory The R909TB/G separable tee connector is type tested acc. to IEC 60840
AFN72 – EUROMOLD® Slip-on Termination For indoor and outdoor use up to 72.5kV U (Um) 60-69 (72.5) kVDry type, non size sensitive terminations for use indoors, outdoors and exposed to prolonged sunshine and other weather conditions.To connect polymeric insulated cable to equipment and for the outdoor terminating onto overhead lines or bus bars-Its compact and modular design supports the suitability for different pollution levels-All termination housings are tested for AC withstand and partial discharge prior to leaving the factory The AFN72 slip-on termination is type tested acc. to IEC 60840, and meets the requirements of IEC/TS 60815-3; SPS class d and e. According to IEC 60112: CTI>600
	72MSJ Single Core Straight Joint Slip-on technology up to 72.5kV U (Um) 60-69 (72.5) kV Non size sensitive slip-on single core straight joint made of silicone, optimised for mechanical connectors. For jointing coper wire screened polymeric cable to be laid in air or directly buried. The product is fully screened and fully submersible. -All joint bodies are tested for AC withstand and partial discharge prior to leaving the factory – Protective outer cover made of heat-shrinkable tubes The slip-on single core straight joint 72MSJ is type tested acc. to IEC 60840.

Euromold

R909TB/G – EUROMOLD® Tee connector, Interface F
R909PB/G – EUROMOLD® Coupling connector
900SA-CD – EUROMOLD® Surge arrester, Interface F
R900BE/G – EUROMOLD® Bushing extender, Interface F
R900DR-B/G – EUROMOLD® Dead-end receptacle, Interface F
900GP-SBT – EUROMOLD® Grounding plug, Interface F
Possible arrangements Interface F
R900AR-8 / R900AR-12 – EUROMOLD® Equipment bushing, Interface F
Fixings for equipment bushings

AFN72 – EUROMOLD® Slip-on termination for indoor and outdoor use
AFNS72 – EUROMOLD® Slip-on termination with support
FEV72.5 – Outdoor termination with composite insulator
ESC – EUROMOLD® Premoulded EPDM stress cone

Ready to install, pre-assembled cables
72MSJ – Slip-on single core straight joint
72MSJ-x-SB – Sectionalizing slip-on single core straight joint for cross-bonding application
LHV1 – Multitool for cable preparation and installation

➡ See Also | Heat Shrink MONO Terminations MV HV | Heat Shrink JTS Joints MV HV

DOWNLOAD | Distributed in the UK by Thorne & Derrick International

Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.

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

See how T&D support, supply and service the Renewable Energy industry.

Stockists & Suppliers | UK & International Projects

Next Generation Data Centres Need Medium Voltage UPSs & Fuel Cells

Data Centres

Medium Voltage UPSs & Fuel Cells

Original Article By Danel Turk, ABB Global Data Centre Segment Leader

As data centres grow larger, a move from LV to MV is a natural step. Medium voltage (MV) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and fuel cell technologies have the potential to protect the availability of and provide power to the grid, while saving energy and carbon emissions.

Why are data centre operators embracing green trends?

Increased environmental legislation, coupled with record-high energy prices, puts European operators under pressure. With energy experiencing a supply crisis at a time of high demand, energy-intensive businesses like data centres are eager to take more control over their energy usage. This will help them meet new legislation, maintain power continuity, and earn income from energy markets.

New UPS and fuel cell technologies can provide both power continuity and power to the grid. The technologies also allow the data centre to integrate renewable energy and even generate income by participating in demand and frequency response schemes. Using low-carbon technologies also help to build your reputation as a sustainable business.

Why is the medium-voltage level beneficial for a UPS system?

Data centre UPS systems traditionally operate alongside servers and HVAC equipment at the low-voltage level. However, data centre facilities are becoming larger and demanding more power to gain economies of scale. As power requirements increase, moving to medium voltage is a natural step for UPS systems.

Aside from offering the two primary benefits of increased reliability and reduced costs, medium-voltage systems provide other benefits too.

Operating at 24kV, medium-voltage equipment is significantly more robust than comparable low-voltage systems. A data centre would also require fewer units to meet its power needs. As individual modules, these units are easier to install, operate, and maintain than multiple low-voltage systems spread around the facility. This reduces downtime because more equipment automatically means more risks.

Since the MV UPS operates at a medium-voltage level at the grid connection point, it’s flexible enough to support any data centre loads.

Medium Voltage MV Data Centres

Thorne & Derrick Stockists for Medium Voltage Cable Accessories | Joints | Terminations | Connectors | Tools

MV Approach

The medium-voltage approach also has energy efficiency advantages as it runs lower currents, reducing electrical losses. The latest systems boast efficiency of up to 98 percent because of power conversion equipment that supports power quality continuously without requiring batteries. Evaluated against a rotary UPS, the higher medium voltage efficiency can save up to 4.2 GWh. This saving equates to 1,245 tonnes of CO2 emissions over a 15-year life for a large site.

Added benefits are achievable by using a scalable and modular MV UPS.

For instance, operators can deploy up to ten ABB HiPerGuard units of 2,250 kVA in parallel to handle 22.5 MVA power. In an N+1 configuration, it’s possible to take one system offline while leaving the others in service for ease of maintenance.

Since the MV UPS operates at a medium-voltage level at the grid connection point, it’s flexible enough to support any data centre loads. This flexibility ensures power continuity for servers to remain stable throughout the center by overcoming short outages and power quality concerns.

In contrast, low-voltage UPS capacity can potentially become stranded when power can’t be reassigned elsewhere. This may require additional capital outlay to ensure full coverage of backup power.

Furthermore, operating at the MV level saves on additional capex, as the UPS units can be installed in an electrical room or substation rather than occupying high-value server room space. Such a location makes it ideal for feeding power back into the grid if necessary.

How can fuel cells play a role?

Many of the largest data centre providers actively pursue strategies to reduce or eliminate reliance on diesel generators. For example, Microsoft has committed to ending diesel use by the end of 2030 and is already trialling fuel cells as an alternative.

In 2020, Google announced a commitment to use large batteries instead of diesel gensets at a new site in Belgium. The appeal of fuel cells lies in their potential to provide local backup power and even inject power into the grid during peak demand periods. Fuel cell technology combines materials and chemical science with automation, and protection and control systems, therefore its application requires specialist knowledge from each field.

Importance of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells can be integrated into power systems, for instance deploying 200kW installations to power electric vehicle charging stations where grid power is unavailable. Furthermore, fuel cells provide emergency backup in microgrids and power for telecoms sites at other remote locations.

As a component of microgrids, fuel cells can be combined with other technologies to meet any off-grid or prosumer need

However, for data centres, further investigation needs to take place at the multi-megawatt level. This requires sophisticated development and testing of the interfaces between fuel cells, energy storage systems, electrical switchgear, and control infrastructure. We need an integrated approach to data centre requirements.

As a component of microgrids, fuel cells can be combined with other technologies to meet any off-grid or prosumer need. The latest offerings are available as modular 1 and 3 MW solutions, which are fast to deliver and deploy.

Fuel Cell Station

How can operators use backup capacity to generate income?

Operators with robust infrastructure can earn additional income and offset their costs by selling their excess power back to the grid during peak demand. This can take place through demand response schemes or using a battery energy storage system to support the integration of renewables like wind and solar.

At the end of the day, the data centres own power needs must remain the top priority. Therefore, operators can use MV UPS systems and fuel cells to support their own servers and HVAC systems in the first instance. Only when these needs have been met can spare capacity be used for grid support.

Sealing & Protection of Cables | HVAC Systems, Power & Communications Equipment

THORNE & DERRICK

SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR

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, substation battery rooms 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.

• Key Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Copper Earth Tapes, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.

• Distributors for: 3M Cold Shrink, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Furse, Lucy Zodion, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec.

Introducing the new HoldIt Hand Safety Tool for Push-Pull Working

Hand Finger Injury Prevention

Thorne & Derrick | UK Partners & Stockists for the Push-Pull Tool range manufactured by Hand Safety Tool Company 

Hand & Finger Injury Prevention

HoldIt Tools

The Hand Safety Tool Company have made significant design changes to the original HoldIt Tool based upon feedback from the field and end-users – the key difference is that the new version utilizes a cam buckle trigger to tighten the loop around an object, versus twisting the end handle.

NEW Innovation | HOLDIT Tool by Hand Safety Tool Co | Distributed by Thorne & Derrick

Introducing the new HoldIt Hand Safety Tool

Push Pull Tools

The range of Push Pull Tools manufactured by the Hand Safety Tool Company and distributed by Thorne & Derrick provide significant Health & Safety Improvements around site where “pushing and pulling” operations such as handling deliveries or loading/unloading in yards is commonplace. This download produced by the UK HSE enables the Risk Assessment according to Load Weight, Operation Frequency, Push/Pull Distances and other impacting factors – the range of tools to keep hands off loads, enable “hands-free” lifting, mitigate risk of load handing and prevent hand or finger injury are available in the UK from Thorne & Derrick.

ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool | Prevention of Pinch-Point Injury

The ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool is manufactured by Hand Safety Tools and stocked and distributed by Thorne & Derrick.

ShoveIt tools are designed to help users avoid hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects. The tool ensures correct ergonomic body positioning for safe handling out of the line of fire, while enabling users to guide loads, move and position objects, as well as grab slings and taglines without physically placing hands on the item.

Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of Safety Tools from Hand Safety Tool Company designed to minimise hand injuries by keeping hands out of the line of fire.

Over a quarter of a million people suffer serious hand injuries each year. The Hand Safety Tool Company works hard to help to reverse that trend by creating No Touch Hand Safety Tools that keep hands off and away from potential injury areas. The range of Safety Products are the result of numerous conversations and in-field encounters over the last decade with key Health & Safety Officers and “boots-on-the-ground personnel” to ensure each tool produced does the most important job of all – helps every user to keep their hands.