Surge Counters are used to monitor the health of Surge Arresters and protect against potentially damaging events which could lead to deterioration and ultimate overload. It is important to also schedule regular checks of surge arresters including visual inspection and diagnostics to detect and prevent a costly medium voltage power outage.
Well-designed and tested, ABB surge arresters are maintenance-free and can reasonably be expected to have a long service life. However, the condition of these surge arresters should also be monitored to ensure the most ultimate protection against a costly unplanned power outage. This can be achieved using the ABB EXCOUNT range of surge counters and monitors.
Surge Counters
Surge registration
The primary reason for the use of surge counters on modern gapless ZnO arresters is to check if a particular transmission line or phase suffers from an exceptionally high number of overvoltages leading to arrester operation — lightning faults on a line, for example. If this is the case, whilst it validates the need for the arresters, use of some preventative counter measures may be warranted to limit the number of surges. A sudden increase in the counting rate may also indicate an internal arrester fault, in which case the arrester should be investigated further.
However, simple surge counters tell only part of the story, as they only register the number of surges according to their operating characteristic. The user therefore has no way of telling the magnitude of the surge and if it was significant, nor when it occurred and if it was coincident with a system event.
Leakage current measurement
Surge counters can be complimented with the substation facility to measure leakage currents (total and/ or resistive), with the intention of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of the arrester and its state of fitness for continued service. However it is important to understand the validity of the information provided.
At continuous operating voltage (Uc), a metaloxide varistor acts as a capacitor, leading to a predominantly capacitive component of current and a significantly smaller resistive part. For a complete surge arrester, the capacitive current is further dependent on stray capacitances, pollution currents on the insulator surface, number of varistor columns in parallel and the actual operating voltage. Meanwhile the small resistive component of the leakage current is temperature and voltage dependant.
Since the capacitive component of the current dominates so greatly, the total leakage current measured on a basic mA-meter will be very sensitive to the installation; making interpretation of the readings difficult. Furthermore, the capacitive current does not change significantly due to deterioration of the voltage-current characteristic of the surge arrester. Consequently, measurement of capacitive current cannot reliably indicate the condition of metal-oxide arresters. Nevertheless, increasing values may be of some use in indicating that cleaning of the insulators is necessary.
Instead, it is generally recognized (IEC 60099-5) that the only reliable indicator for the condition of a gapless arrester that can be assessed during normal service is to measure the resistive component of the leakage current (or estimate it from the 3rd harmonic).
The obtained value may then be compared with the maximum allowable resistive current as given by the manufacturer under prevailing service conditions i.e. temperature and applied voltage.
If a metal-oxide varistor ages or is damaged by impulses etc, the arrester resistive leakage current, and hence power losses, increase permanently. This may result in an increase in temperature, which in turn, increases the leakage current and so on until a so-called thermal runway occurs. Early detection of a possible harmful increase may prevent a failure and subsequent unplanned shutdown. Hence, to provide true diagnostics, a good monitor must be able to detect the arrester leakage current and isolate and measure the resistive component flowing internally.
EXCOUNT Surge Counters | ABB
Diagnostic plan
A surge arrester does not contain any moving parts or items that can break.
Consequently there is nothing to maintain, adjust, correct or repair, which is why there is normally no need to perform any form of periodical checking or monitoring. In general, a correctly chosen and installed arrester is maintenance free during its entire lifetime. A correctly chosen arrester in this context means that its electrical and mechanical characteristics are matched to actual service conditions.
Nonetheless, since external factors can place stresses on the arrester, potentially leading to its deterioration and ultimate overload, it may be prudent to draw up a schedule for regular checks. Such consideration is all the more important if an unplanned outage is unacceptable for reasons of system stability or economics. The older the arrester, the more regular these checks may need to be, since the statistical risk for overload increases with age.
As a guide, the following strategy is proposed to be made at regular intervals as required and determined by site availability and importance:
Visual inspection and possible cleaning
Diagnostics in advance of the designated lighting season and thereafter following periods with bad weather conditions.
Diagnostics after special fault conditions causing flashover in the network or TOV’s of high amplitude and/ or long duration.
Because of their nature, old-style gapped arresters should be removed as soon as possible as part of a scheduled replacement program. Their age and inherent design does not warrant detailed evaluation. Early models of gapless arresters may require additional visual checks to look for signs of mechanical or physical deterioration as well as monitoring of the internals. Newly purchased arresters can also benefit from diagnostic monitoring right from first installation since this permits easy trend analysis to detect potential deterioration later on in its service life.
EXCOUNT draws upon over 80 years of experience by ABB in the development of arresters and associated accessories. Safety, functionality and longevity are key elements which are given priority in selection and design of components. The EXCOUNT range has not neglected short-circuit safety which lies inherent in the design concept.
Minimized risk for injury in case of accidental contact during surges
Maintenance Free
Sealed components
Requires no external power supply (except for EXCOUNT-III)
Long Life
Moulded components, non-sensitive to humidity or temperature variations
Universal Application
All makes and types of gapless surge arresters.
All weather and temperature conditions.
Design
The use of an impulse current transformer with a single-turn primary ensures that the voltage drop across the counter is negligible, even at the highest impulse currents encountered in service. This leads to added personnel safety and no increase in the protection level of the arrester. Since no gaps or series impedance are used, there is no risk of internal arcing and consequent explosive failure in the event of a short-circuit following an arrester failure.
One further common feature with the entire EXCOUNT family is that all internal components are fully encapsulated in polymer. This provides sealing to IP67, which ensures no harmful ingress of dust or moisture as well as providing personal safety through complete protection against contact with the internals.
EXCOUNT is available in different variants, depending on the user’s needs: simple, basic or extensive. Contact Thorne & Derrick for more information.
T&D are Specialist Distributors ofLV 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.
Protection of MV HV Medium High Voltage Cables & Power Systems
ABB introduces the next generation of monitoring equipment for surge arresters: EXCOUNT-III, utilising unique features previously unseen on the market.
Interest for online surge arrester monitoring is growing, and so the EXCOUNT-III Surge Counters have been designed to fulfil this need by providing the user with remote real-time monitoring of arresters as well as useful input to the insulation co-ordination of the station as a whole.
What are Surge Counters?
Surge Counters are used to monitor the health of Surge Arresters and protect against potentially damaging events which could lead to deterioration and ultimate overload. It is important to also schedule regular checks of surge arresters including visual inspection and diagnostics to detect and prevent a costly power outage.
The EXCOUNT surge counter range draws upon over 70 years of experience by ABB in the development of arresters and associated accessories. Safety, functionality and longevity are key elements which are given priority in selection and design of components. In stark contrast to many other competing products, the EXCOUNT surge counters has not neglected short-circuit safety which lies inherent in the design concept.
ABB Excount-III
With market pressure on utilities to obtain near 100% power availability, taking all actions to avoid even a rare unplanned outage is vital. As users push their systems harder accordingly, it can be expected to see stresses from system events leading to the arresters also being called upon to act more often than they perhaps did in the past. Monitoring how they handle those stresses – as well as what the consequences of those events are on the system itself – may be included as part of the user’s strategy for improving the overall availability. EXCOUNT-IIIhas been developed with this strategy in mind.
EXCOUNT-III is a complete remote real-time surge arrester monitoring, diagnostics and analysis system. It permits the registration of the total number of discharges, the surge amplitude and wave-steepness, the date and time of occurrence, the total leakage current as well as the resistive leakage current through the surge arrester. In addition, the equipment can be used to define the residual voltage across the arrester for the actual surge, which in turn can be used to better estimate overvoltages in the station for a more detailed insulation co-ordination evaluation.
Not only does the EXCOUNT monitor the arrester itself, it can also give an estimate of overvoltage occurring at nearby apparatus within the arrester’s protection zone – providing valuable information about whether the protection against potentially damaging surges is sufficient or not. In this way, EXCOUNT-III provides the user with remote real-time monitoring of arresters as well as useful input to the insulation co-ordination of the station as a whole.
ABB EXCOUNT-III surge counter supports the protocol IEC 61850, Ed. 2, and communicates remotely via the fibre optic cable to permit the user to add signals into an existing data collection system (SCADA). Enabling remote retrieval of data, EXCOUNT-III eliminates the need for substation visits solely to monitor surge arrester condition, while also enabling the highest possible personnel safety standard by not having to approach an energized arrester to perform online diagnostic measurements.
Excount-III Applications & Performance Data
The EXCOUNT-III system consists of individual sensors that are connected by an optical fibre connection. Each sensor can be interrogated individually and be integrated to existing SCADA system. For use with all makes and types of gapless arresters.
No voltage added to the residual voltage of the arrester
Complete monitoring of the health of the substation and the surge arresters
Remote real-time monitoring – minimizes substation visits and enables the highest possible personnel safety standard
Supports IEC 61850, Ed. 2, for integration to existing SCADA system
Enables analysis of surge current impulses
Estimation of overvoltages in the station allows for a more detailed insulation co-ordination evaluation
For each surge arrester it is fitted on, the advanced version (EXCOUNT-IIIA) registers the total number of discharges, the surge amplitude and wave-steepness, the date and time of occurrence, the total leakage current as well as the resistive leakage current through the arrester by thirdharmonic analysis (method B2 according to IEC 60099-5). Using high speed sampling and sweep time, complete surge current impulses at the arrester’s connection point are recorded and available for analysis.
The standard version (EXCOUNT-IIIM) is available for users who do not desire to analyse the overvoltages in detail. With this, discharges are only categorized by their amplitude along with a date and time stamp of occurrence. Other generic features are the same between the versions.
A web browser interface via an optical fibre connection permits online interrogation and data analysis from each unit individually and is also used for configuration setup. The introduction of smart grid and the communication protocol IEC 61850 has made users more focused on integration with existing SCADA systems. EXCOUNT-III supports this protocol and communicates remotely via the fibre optic cable to permit the user to add signals into an existing data collection system.
Excount-III ABB Surge Counters
Surge registration
In addition to surge counting, a special feature of the advanced version is the registration of the surge amplitude and wave-steepness. This can be used to define the residual voltage across the arrester for the actual surge, which in turn can be used to better estimate overvoltages in the station for a more detailed evaluation of insulation coordination than has been possible in the past.
This added-value feature will help users to verify if they have adequate protection or if they need to reconsider their choice of arrester or even increase the number of arresters in the station. Furthermore, there is particular interest to correlate front time and overvoltage levels with pre-existing transformer monitoring equipment as a means to support total system condition monitoring diagnostics.
Leakage current measurement and condition
monitoring
EXCOUNT-III gives the user the possibility to measure both the total leakage current as well as the resistive component of the current through the arrester. The measurement of the resistive current especially gives a good indication of the arrester’s condition and fitness for continued service. With the aid of the SCADA system, these measurements can readily be used to co-ordinate maintenance work and possible replacement in order to assist with minimizing unnecessary and costly unplanned outages.
Safe and secure
EXCOUNT-III remote retrieval of data via the optical fibre cable eliminates the need for substation visits solely to monitor arrester condition, while also enabling the highest possible personnel safety standard by not having to approach an energized arrester to perform online diagnostic measurements. All components are housed in a sealed, weather-proof case, suitable for outdoor use. The base unit is mounted on the support structure and interconnected similar to a traditional counter, while the separate field probe is fixed at the bottom of the arrester. An external power connection from the station auxiliary supply (100 – 250 V, AC or DC) as well as a fibre optic cable connection are additionally to be provided by the user.
T&D are Specialist Distributors ofLV 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.
Thorne & Derrick are Approved Distributors for Roxtec, the leading manufacturer of sealing solutions for cables and pipes, to protect electricity Transmission & Distribution assets including windfarm substations against water ingress, gas migration and fire hazards.
Below Roxtec have compiled the top 5 most common issues we all struggle with on offshore substations.
1. Specifications & Certificates
We all want to ensure safety and operational reliability, and use high quality products to deliver the best result we can. Therefore, we often meet specifications and requirements demanding a multitude of certificates. However, it is not guaranteed that all types of cable sealing methods are approved.
The best thing would be to find a sealing solution that has passed all tests and certifications.
2. Uncertain Estimates
It can be difficult to know how many cables or pipes, or what size power and instrumentation cables, we need to route. We can never be sure about making the right openings, or about how to seal all those penetrations. Even the best of estimates cannot predict all late design changes.
What we need is a sealing system that is as adaptable as possible to the number and size of cables, pipes or openings. It should be so flexible that we would be able to have spare capacity.
3. Hard Cables To Handle
It is difficult, or almost impossible, to move and bend a large high-voltage or medium-voltage power cable into the desired position for routing through a deck or bulkhead. It takes a lot of time to reorganize the routing path in order to gain a couple of millimeters of bending radius.
What you need is a solution where you can position and apply a seal to fit around the cables, even if they are in an off-center position.
4. Tricky Design Work
Given the issues mentioned above, the work of design engineers often becomes a nightmare. We need to plan, calculate and design in cable and pipe penetrations at an early stage considering both rollout and maintenance. Sometimes, it means recalculating each opening.
Imagine a web-based design tool that we can use to design and redesign transits in no time.
5. Time-Consuming Installation
We know renewables can save the climate, and we know speed is crucial and time is money. Therefore, it is so frustrating to struggle with sealing solutions that are neither flexible nor easy to install. We cannot accept that project plans fail due to complicated installation work tasks. We should only engage suppliers of user-friendly products who will also train the installation team.
Roxtec provides offshore wind farms with an “all in one” solution for cable entry sealing, cable management and vibration damping. Standardise with Roxtec seals for efficient offshore windfarm cable protection design, quick roll-out and certified protection – cables are securely fixed, sealed and cable lifetime is extended.
Thorne & Derrick are 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 Teamfor competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.
ENERGYx2022 North | Chester Racecourse | 21st September 2022 | Book Now
ENERGYX2022 north
What: ENERGYx2022 North | Electrical Industry Event Where: Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY When: Wednesday 21st September 2022 09:00 – 16:00 Exhibition Space Bookings:BOOK NOW Free Delegate Attendance: BOOK NOW
ENERGYx2022 North is an Exhibition and Conference for anyone working within the Electricity Industry (distribution network operators, private network operators, energy transmission, renewable energy, telecommunications, and rail companies). This Net Zero event combines Overhead Lines, Plant and Cables as well as featuring the Health & Safety aspects.
Thorne & Derrick are delighted to announce that we are exhibiting at ENERGYx2022 North taking place this September at Chester Racecourse. Earlier in the year we were Exhibition Sponsors for ENERGYx2022 South in Chester. We would like to take this opportunity to invite our supply chain to attend this prestigious event.
There is much to see and do at ENERGYx2022 North, be that hear from leading industry figures, meet the best of the supplier base, take part in practical health and safety demonstrations, and sample the food drink and entertainment available at the Networking event the evening prior.
This event will be attended and supported by a wide mix of people working in Electrical Utilities, Network Operators, DNOs, Railway Companies, Transport Specialists, Renewable Companies, Civil Works, Health & Safety, Telecom, data centres and Industrial Manufacturers with private networks.
Following on from ENERGYx2020/21, COP26 and the UK government’s drive for us all to reduce the use of fossil fuels ENERGYx2022 will be a great place to benchmark our progress. The challenges reaching Net Zero creates for transmitting and distributing electricity whilst maintaining safe and reliable networks, though not insurmountable requires a lot of joined up and collaborative thinking.
With the proliferation of working from home it has become more difficult to meet and network with potential customers and suppliers and therefore events such as ENERGYx and The Electrical Engineers Circle have grown in importance.
Contact Louise Purcell Events Director at Energy Network Events Limited to discuss further:
Tel: +44 (0)121 736 0411
Mobile: +44(0)7581 779661
Email: [email protected]
Energyx2022 North Confirmed Speakers
Liam O’Sullivan – Licence Director, SP Manweb, SP Energy Networks
Liam O’Sullivan is the Licence Director for the SP Manweb area for SP Energy Networks. He started his professional career in ScottishPower in 2000 and has gained a wealth of experience in several senior roles, in both the Retail and Networks businesses, including Customer Collections, E-Commerce, Network Operations, Customer Connections and Large Capital Investment Projects.
In his current role, he is responsible for the electricity distribution network in North West England, North and Mid Wales. As a result of the decarbonisation of transport and heat networks, demand and reliance on our electricity network infrastructure is expected to increase significantly. Liam is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to low carbon technologies for all industrial, commercial and domestic customers in Merseyside, Cheshire, North Shropshire and North Wales.
Cara Blockley – Head of DSO Strategy, Electricity North West
Cara has been with Electricity North West for 14 years working in network innovation and transition to distribution system operations for the last 8 of those. Cara has responsibility for the teams who are charged with leading the North West to Net Zero.
This means ensuring we understand what the needs of our customers will be in relation to network capacity requirements, seeking innovative, flexible solutions to those requirements through running tenders for flexibility and supporting the adoption of low carbon technologies.
Geoff Murphy – Head of Delivery for Low Carbon Technology and Low Voltage Cables, SP ENERGY Networks
Geoff is currently the Head of Delivery for Low Carbon Technology and Low Voltage Cables in the SP Manweb Licence Area. He is a Chartered Engineer that has worked for SP Energy Networks for 18 years.
During this time, he has held several varied positions within the organisation, with a strong focus on developing, trialling an implementing innovation strategies and solutions.
Kailash Singh – Lead Engineer – Future System Strategy, SP Energy Networks
Kailash Singh is a Lead Engineer within Future System Strategy team at SP Energy Networks. With over 15 years of industry experience, Kailash is specialised in power system planning, design, and network innovation.
At SP Energy Networks Kailash is involved in development of the state-of the art Engineering Net Zero (ENZ) Model which underpins Load Related Expenditure (LRE) within SPEN’s RIIO-ED2 Business Plans. Kailash has been instrumental in development of SPEN’s flexible network planning process and have been involved in assessment of over 1.5GW of flexibility capacity across both distribution license areas of SPEN.
Professor John Barrett OBE
John is a Professor in Energy and Climate Policy at the Sustainable Research Institute, University of Leeds with over 20 years of experience in energy and climate policy. John’s research interests include energy demand, resource productivity, energy and economy modelling, carbon accounting and exploring low carbon transitions.
John has been the Director of a number of large research centres that has employed a range of modelling approaches to understand how changes in production and consumption can contribute to a low carbon future. John was the Director of the Centre for Industrial Energy, Materials and Products (CIE-MAP – www.ciemap.ac.uk), a £4 million initiative funded by the UK Research Council. The centre explored how using material and products differently could contribute to the UK carbon targets. John is now a Co-Director for the Centre for Research in Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS – www.creds.ac.uk). This £19 million initiative is a new research centre established in 2018 with a vision to make the UK a leader in understanding the changes in energy demand needed for the transition to a secure an affordable, low carbon energy system.
John’s research is applied in various arena having been an advisor to a number of UK Government departments, Government Select Committees and agencies such as the Committee on Climate Change. John’s research team are responsible for providing annual headline Government indicators, including an indicator on “Consumption-based GHG emissions” and “Resource Productivity”. His research findings have provided evidence and influenced many Government publications related to energy demand projections, climate policy and resources and waste strategies. John was also a lead author for the International Panel on Climate Change, Working Group III.
Helen Gaier-Laidlaw – Licence Programmes Manager, SP Energy Networks
Helen is responsible for the development and delivery of investment programmes for SP Energy Networks including Overhead lines, vegetation management, telecoms, civils, Low Carbon Technology connections and investments including EVs and heat pumps.
Management of budgets, asset and business performance as well as preparing for the next Price Control contract from Ofgem and enabling SP Energy Networks transition to Net Zero.
Tom Walsh – District General Manager – Scottish Power
Tom leads a multidiscipline team to build, operate and maintain the EHV, HV & LV electricity distribution network in Merseyside and delivering a world class customer experience.
Tom is an experienced GM with a demonstrated history of working in the construction and utilities industries.
Guy Shapland – Lead Commercial and Policy Analyst, SP Energy Networks
Guy started his career in Manweb in 1993 as an apprentice jointer and has worked in many areas throughout his time. More recently Guy has been taking a lead role in developing the processes and systems to manage the procurement and operation of flexibility services.
Jason Hicks – Offshore Network Strategy Manager, National Grid ESO
Jason started his career at National Grid in 2011. During this time, Jason has been responsible for producing the Network Options Assessment (NOA) signalling the future transmission network requirements needed to deliver the renewable energy revolution.
With 10 years’ experience in onshore network planning Jason recently pivoted into the offshore network planning space. Since then, Jason has developed the Holistic Network Design, a first-of-a-kind plan to coordinate the connection of 23GW of offshore wind and recommend the key onshore and offshore infrastructure requirements necessary to facilitate the Government’s ambition of connecting 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.
In his current role, Jason is continuing to develop the strategy that delivers a future offshore transmission network, unlocking access to large volumes of renewable generation and paving the way to Net Zero.
Simon Sutton
Simon has over 25 years’ experience in the electricity transmission and distribution industry predominantly in the cables sector. He has worked in the cable materials supply industry, as the cables policy manager for a transmission utility and in the research sector. His interests also include condition monitoring, diagnostic testing, forensics and asset management.
Simon now works as Director of Professional Services for Altanova and is based in the UK. His responsibilities include business strategy, external relationships, and the coordination of technical activities around the world.
Simon holds a degree and PhD in Physics both from the University of Reading. He is active in International professional bodies and recently became chairman of CIGRE Study Committee D1, Materials and Emerging Test Techniques. He is also a member of the editorial board of the IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton.
Sebastian Ebert – M Sc of Engineering / Diplom-Ingenieur Elektrotechnik (FH)
Sebastian graduated from the University of applied sciences Zittau, Görlitz (Germany) as a Electrical Engineer and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years in Germany and across the world. He has been with Suedkabel since 2019 and as a keen environmentalist he and his team want to play their part in helping with the drive to Net Zero.
Based on what we learnt at previous ENERGYx events we thought it fitting to have a speaker from a world class manufacturer, Suedkabel, who have been producing high quality cables and accessories for more than 120 years.
Sebastian will speak about the importance of maximizing the use of European power cable system manufacturing with technological leadership and sustainable advantage as contribution to meet the climate targets to drive the energy transition in the UK and in Europe.
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.
VOLTS is our first monthly round-up of industry news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars and career opportunities from Thorne & Derrick. Take a moment to Follow Us on LinkedIn to receive future VOLTS.
In The News
Mining Company Fined £3.6 million
after electricians sustain burns in the UK
A mining company has been fined after two electricians suffered severe burns in separate incidents. The owners of Boulby Mine in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland were fined £3.6 million and ordered to pay costs of £185,000 after an investigation by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Cleveland Potash Ltd, which runs the mine at Boulby near Loftus, admitted two health and safety breaches following arc flashes in 2016 and 2019.
A company spokesman said the firm “deeply regretted” the injuries and “important lessons” had been learned.
Teesside Crown Court heard that on the 3 August 2016 a contract electrician received serious burns from an 11,000-volt electrical system. The mine, which is owned by Cleveland Potash Limited (CPL), extracts organic fertiliser known as Polyhalite. The electrician unknowingly had placed a vacuum cleaner nozzle into a live electrical chamber. He had to be air lifted to Newcastle hospital specialist burns unit, where he was placed in an induced coma for 10 days.
On the 12 February 2019, another electrical contractor made contact with a live conductor on a 415-volt electrical system during electrical testing works and received serious burns. He was hospitalised for six days.
The HSE found deficiencies from the owner of the mine in risk assessment, planning of works, and shortfalls in providing warnings about which parts of the electrical systems the two electricians were working on remained live.
HSE inspectors said that the incidents were ‘easily preventable’ and that there were ‘significant failings’.
The first man suffered “very severe burns” to 20% of his body focused on his head, face, arms and hands and his “ongoing disfigurement, pain and disability is likely to be permanent”. The second man has “fortunately” made a full recovery after suffering burns to 8% of his body, the judge said.
Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage. Read The Blog |Why Is Electrical Safety Important?
LET’S CELEBRATE!
August marks the Anniversary of our very own Managing Director, Richard Derrick, who has now been with the company for 30 years! Congratulations Richard, here’s to another 30!
New In sTock
NEW TO STOCK. Thorne & Derrick have introduced PADS Approved type 3S Connex Connectors from Pfisterer into stock, for the termination of high voltage power cables up to 52kV into gas insulated switchgear.
CONNEX Size 3S MV connectors manufactured by Pfisterer are specified to terminate MV HV cables with specific conductor size range (120-630sqmm) and primary insulation diameter ranges.
Pfisterer size 3S inner cone plug separable connectors are suitable for terminating and connecting high voltage single core cables (XLPE EPR) with copper wire screens up to 52kV – CONNEX plugs suitable for indoor and outdoor cable terminations with or without voltage taps are supplied in sets of three phases.
Typically used to connect and terminate unarmoured single core XLPE or EPR insulated power cables with Cu copper wire screen and fully bonded semicon screen, the Pfisterer CONNEX Size 3S MV Connector can be supplied as variants and customised to suit – including integrated fibre optic (FO) cable.
pROJECTS & NEWS
hIGH vOLTAGE rAIL cABLE cONNECTIONS
This month we shipped out our largest rail project to date for Nexans Power Accessories type M784TB Interface E Connectors – 120 sets ready to wrap and load. Thank you to Joe Roberts and the UK Team for the great technical, commercial and manufacturing support.
We’ve called, we’ve pitched and we’ve met record numbers of new prospective customers this year and that hard-working team effort continues. We’re calling now and everyday, so thanks for picking-up and listening. Additionally, thank you for providing us the opportunity to be of service. Above all thanks for your business.
Joints | Terminations | Connectors up to 66kV from UK Stocks at Thorne & Derrick
Going Global
Congratulations to Jason Leatherland for his promotion this month to International Sales Manager with AN Wallis & Co Ltd, a world-market leader in the manufacture of Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems.Jason has been transformational in supporting and developing both AN Wallis’s and Thorne & Derrick’s UK market position in the power utility and substation industry – this has been achieved through the provision of comprehensive earthing system designs, site based training and the delivery of earthing products manufactured from copper from extensive stocks on short-lead times.
Thorne & Derrick wish Jason every success on his new position and our Exports Department look forward to continued working on international projects requiring Earthing, Lightning Protection and Surge Protection Equipment.
AN Wallis & Co Ltd established in 1946 is a world-leading manufacturer of Earthing, Lightning Protection, Exothermic Welding and Surge Protection products.
LV Connections from Pfisterer
The CONNEX brand from PFISTERER is renowned for the design and development of Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories (33kV-500kV) for the connection and jointing of cables onto gas insulated switchgear networks. Did you know, PFISTERER also supply via their Approved Distributors including Thorne & Derrick, an extensive range of Connection Products for Low Voltage Power Networks?
For further information, pricing or samples please contact us.
CONNEX | The Universal Connection System for Cables, Transformers & GIS
Insulation Piercing Connectors
Insulation piercing connectors connect and make electrical contact with conductor ends, whatever the conductor cross-section, type and insulation. Because they pierce the insulation during installation, preparatory work on the conductor, such as stripping or brushing the contact area, is eliminated when live working.
The 2DIREKT clamp is connected directly to the distribution transformer screwing onto the transformer bushing and secured via a clamping groove and clamping screw. This reduces the amount of installation work and the risk of connection errors. No cable lugs have to pressed on, and no wire-end ferrules have to be fitted. There are fewer points of contact and transition resistance is minimised.
The ISICOMPACT establishes all contacts for a 4-conductor cable branch using a single screw connection – when the screw connection is tightened, contact is established by piercing the insulation on the main line and branch lines.
Once the required clamping force has been achieved, the screw shears off and thereby ensures successful installation. By providing protection against contact and thus against electrical hazards, the ISICOMPACT is designed for live line work on low voltage electricity networks.
Download the 3M Electrical brochure to learn about the advantages of Cold Shrink technology for LV & HV cable repair, jointing, termination and installation. For over 60 years, the global electrical industry have trusted 3M Electrical for innovative and reliable solutions that enhance the safety and productivity of power cable systems from 600V to 66kV. This includes high performance Scotch electrical tapes, Scotchcast cable joints and the innovative range of Cold Shrink products
3M Electrical| Did you know Thorne & Derrick stock the most extensive range of Scotchcast, Cold Shrink & Scotch Tapes product lines in the UK?
OFFSHORE NETWORKING & THE RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
Thorne & Derrick have joined NOF, a business networking organisation committed to achieving valuable connections between companies in the global energy sector. With an office in North-East England, recognised as a key strategic location to service the offshore renewables energy market in the UK, Thorne & Derrick are currently supplying many international projects from the North Sea to the Nordics, to the USA to China.
Working with Paul Livingstone (Head of Business Development & Membership at NOF) we look forward to maximising the benefits our membership which will include facilitating business introductions, event attendance and utilising their Offshore Wind Projects Database to gain a deep and clear understanding of the offshore wind market through advanced intelligence.
Technical Tip
Cut Strut without Sweat or Sparks
STRUTSLAYR™ is a strut shear head cutter that is able to deliver shop quality, burr-free strut channel cuts on the job in 5 seconds or less without grinding or sawing sparks.
CLEAN & CONSISTENT– Quick and easy to use delivering clean burr-free cuts in 5 seconds – no grinding or sawing sparks. Reduced noise compared to grinders and chop saws.
PORTABLE & POWERFUL – First mobile strut cutter offering shop-quality results out on site. Battery powered and lightweight for workplace versatility.
SAFETY & SIMPLICITY– Improves safety by eliminating rotating blades. Simple to use in seconds. Time saving dedicated window helps you measure the length of each cut.
SILENT & STRAIGHT– Approximately 3000 cuts per die, 200 cuts per charge, 30 minutes battery recharge – compatible with RIDGID 32kN press tools.
JK Jointing Ltd are a leading contractor providing Medium & High Voltage Electrical Services – this includes the repair, jointing, termination and testing of MV Cables & Substations up to 33kV. JK Jointing are members of the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) and Lloyds accredited competent contractors.
Pictured | Lovink Enertech medium voltage cable joints installed onto Western Power Distribution (WPD) network by JKJ to connect and energise 11kV substation power cables – their Jointers are training and authorised by leading MV cable accessory manufacturers including Tyco, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer and Ensto.
Lovink Joints utilise LoviSil silicone filled technology for the straight, branch and transition jointing of medium voltage power cables. LoviSil branch joints can be applied regardless of the main cable type – with branch joints a polymeric cable can be directly connected to paper or polymeric medium voltage cables. No extra transition joints are needed and less excavation costs.
Lovink cable jointing system comprises two methods of protection : MV electrical insulation is inside a polyester inner joint, provided by the combination of a polymeric tube set (primary insulation) and a high-grade silicone-based compound.
Sector Spotlight | Data Centres
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Installation & Electrical Equipment to service providers working on hyper-scale data centres including Equinix, Virtus, K2, Microsoft, CyrusOne and Interxion. We have recently supplied Warsaw RDCC (Rapid Deployment Data Centres) with sealing systems for the protection of cable ducts against water ingress/gas migration and cable termination products for the connection of 33kV power cables switchgear and transformers – the project is part of a $1 billiondigital transformation plan for Poland announced by Microsoft.
We can assist with the Competitive Supply & Technical Specification of joints, terminations and connectors for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 33kV.
After sponsoring the Event in the South, Thorne & Derrick are delighted to be exhibiting at Energyx2022 North in September.
DATE & TIME – Wed, 21 September 2022, 09:00 – 16:00 BST
LOCATION –Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY
Following on from ENERGYx2020/21, COP26 and the UK government’s drive for us all to reduce the use of fossil fuels ENERGYx2022 will be a great place to benchmark our progress. The challenges reaching Net Zero creates for transmitting and distributing electricity whilst maintaining safe and reliable networks, though not insurmountable requires a lot of joined up and collaborative thinking.
One of this year’s themes is ‘Best Practice’. All networks are facing similar challenges and the opportunity to learn about the use of products or services that another Network Operator is successfully deploying is not to be missed. The world class suppliers available in one place to the electricity industry is unrivalled for a free to attend event. Come along and meet those inventing, producing, and supplying the best practice solutions.
Please note your ticket (s) will be scanned on entry to the event, so please either print your ticket in advance or have your ticket ready to scan on your mobile phone.
VOLTS! By,
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage 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 – this includes Joints, Terminations & Connectors to enable the installation of low, medium and high voltage power cables into underground trench or duct.
Sebastian graduated from the University of applied sciences Zittau, Görlitz (Germany) as a Electrical Engineer and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years in Germany and across the world. He has been with Suedkabel since 2019 and as a keen environmentalist he and his team want to play their part in helping with the drive to Net Zero.
Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage. Read The Blog | 
