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Powering the Solar Revolution: How Klauke Tools are supporting the Solar industry

Powering Solar Installations with Klauke – Now Featuring the EK WF 120 ML

In the fast-growing solar sector, every connection matters. As panel installations scale and systems go to higher currents, installers need tools that combine precision, speed and robustness. At Thorne & Derrick, we’re excited to highlight the Klauke EK WF 120 ML, a powerful addition to our solar tool offering and how it complements the rest of our Klauke range.

EK WF 120 ML – High-Quality Crimping for Solar Park Installations

When constructing solar parks, including transformer installation – secure, reliable connections are essential. With the battery-powered Klauke EK WF 120 ML Crimping Tool, installers can optimise workflows: faster, easier and with consistently high quality.

Thanks to its innovative square-comb mechanism, the EK WF 120 ML effortlessly crimps DIN-compliant, insulated, twin and insulated twin cable-end sleeves all without needing press inserts. The tool automatically adapts to the cable-end shape, ensuring even force distribution and a perfect crimp every time.

The result is clean, precise crimping across 6–120 mm². For cable end sleeves up to 32 mm in length, one single crimping operation is enough, allowing installers to complete most connections in just one step.

With the EK WF 120 ML, solar installers can rely on maximum efficiency and DIN 46228-compliant quality, helping keep solar park projects smooth, consistent and on schedule.

Klauke EK WF 120 ML

The EK WF 120 ML is a battery-powered hydraulic crimper perfect for larger solar DC conductors.

Key benefits for PV work:

• Crimps 6–120 mm² with no die changes

• Square-cam mechanism for consistent, reliable crimps

• Lightweight + portable for rooftop and field installations

SOME EXTRA Klauke Tools Perfect for Solar InstallATIONS

ES 32 F ML / ES 32 ML

Battery powered hydraulic cutting tools 32 mm dia.

• The ES32FML is ideally suited for cutting fine and superfine stranded copper cables
• The ES32ML is designed for cutting multi-stranded copper and aluminium cables
• Both tools have a slim cutting head – ideal when space is critical

ESM 50

Battery powered hydraulic cutting tool 50 mm dia. for copper and aluminium cable

• High cutting power for cutting copper and aluminium cables (fine stranded also)
• Saves time with multiple cuts thanks to the manual retract stop (MRS)
• Very low weight (3kg)
• Optimum center of gravity

EKM 60/22

Battery powered hydraulic crimping tool, 6 – 300 mm²

• The EKM6022 has a very large crimping range of up to 300 mm²
• Interchangeable crimping dies of the 22 series can be used

EK 50 ML

Electromechanical crimping tool  0,14 – 50 mm²

• With the multitude of available crimping dies, the Klauke micro offers a very wide range of applications
• Excellent crimping results with minimum effort

EKM 60 ID

Battery powered hydraulic crimping tool 10 – 240 mm²

• Extra large crimping area due to innovative 2-stage telescopic cylinder
• Indent crimping – no change of crimping dies required

Why Klauke Tools Make a Difference in Solar

• Designed for clean, consistent DC terminations

• Reduce installation time on connectors, strings and terminations

• Improve long-term reliability of PV systems

• Safer, repeatable crimping with minimal user effort

Thorne & Derrick

Thorne & Derrick International are UK based and are the leading specialist distributors of LV, MV and HV cable accessories and tooling from 600V to 132kV complemented by an extensive range of hazardous area certified electrical equipment (ATEX and IECEx) to provide compliant, safe and optimised power, heating and lighting. Thorne and Derrick International supports critical infrastructure projects across power, utilities, rail, construction, oil & gas, marine, and process industries. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick International delivers trusted products, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial process markets.

Thorne & Derrick: Celebrating our Class of 25🎓

Meet the Class of 2025

At Thorne & Derrick, we take great pride in developing future talent through our apprenticeship programme. This year, we are delighted to celebrate the success of our Class of 2025 – a group of bright, ambitious individuals who have completed their apprenticeships and are now embarking on the next stage of their professional journeys.

Our apprentices bring energy, innovation, and a fresh perspective to the business. Each has demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a commitment to excellence throughout their training. Together, they represent the future of our industry.

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Joseph thane – Business administrator apprentice – level 3

“During my time as a Business Administrator apprentice at Thorne and Derrick, I have developed a strong understanding of how the company operates and supports its customers. The apprenticeship has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of business practices while improving my digital skills, organisation, and professional communication. It has also helped me grow more confident in handling daily tasks, prioritising my workload, and contributing effectively to a busy team environment”

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dylan white – apprentice sales engineer – level 4

“During my time as an Apprentice Sales Engineer at Thorne and Derrick, I have developed a solid understanding of how our technical products and solutions support customer needs. The apprenticeship has enabled me to expand my knowledge of engineering and sales practices while improving my digital skills, organisation, and communication.

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Harvey andrews – Business administrator apprentice – level 3

“During my time as a Business Administrator apprentice at Thorne and Derrick, I have developed a strong understanding of how the company operates and supports its customers. The apprenticeship has allowed me to broaden my knowledge of business practices while improving my digital skills, organisation, and professional communication. It has also helped me grow more confident in handling daily tasks, prioritising my workload, and contributing effectively to a busy team environment”

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CHLOE JOHNSTON – APPRENTICE SALES ENGINEER – LEVEL 4

Through my Level 4 Sales Engineer Apprenticeship, I’ve gained hands-on experience in connecting technical solutions with customer challenges. The role has sharpened my problem-solving, communication, and technical understanding, while also teaching me how to manage enquiries confidently in a fast-paced sales setting.

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Millie temple – content creator apprentice – level 3

Through my Content Creator Apprenticeship, I’ve gained hands-on experience in turning ideas and technical information into clear, engaging content. The role has strengthened my creativity, communication, and digital production skills, while also teaching me how to manage multiple projects confidently in a fast-paced environment. This experience has improved my organisation, technical understanding, and overall ability to support both the marketing team and wider business through impactful, well-crafted content.

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Looking Ahead

The Class of 2025 represents the continued success of our apprenticeship scheme. As they take their next steps, we look forward to seeing their growth and contribution to the wider industry.

At Thorne & Derrick, investing in people is at the heart of what we do. Congratulations once again to Joe, Harvey, Chloe, Dylan, and Millie – the Class of 2025.

Class of 26/27

L to R: Benn Cowan (Admin Apprentice), Ella Bradley (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Elisa Thompson (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Noah Lowden (Apprentice Sales Engineer), Charlie Baines (Apprentice Sales Engineer) & Robert Wallace (Apprentice Sales Engineer)

We are also excited to welcome our new apprentices, the Class of 2026/27, as they begin their journey with us and continue the tradition of learning, development, and innovation at Thorne & Derrick.

What Is a Transformer Bund Filter?

Transformer Bund Filter

A Complete Guide for Asset Managers

Environmental protection around LV, MV and HV transformers is a growing priority for utilities, renewable energy developers, industrial sites and BESS operators. With increasing regulatory pressure around oil containment, many sites are upgrading to modern Transformer Bund Filters—a passive, low-maintenance system that allows clean rainwater to drain while preventing oil from escaping a transformer bund.

Why Transformer Bund Filters Are Becoming Industry Standard

DrainEezy Bund Filters are now widely used across:

• Solar farm transformers and inverter skids
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) sites
• Wind farm transformers
• Data Centre transformers
• Secondary substations
• Industrial transformers

How the Draineezy Transformer Bund Filter Works

The DrainEezy system uses hydrophobic media ensuring:

• Allows clean rainwater to pass freely
• Captures hydrocarbons instantly from oil transformer leaks
• Triggers an automatic shut-off valve when inundated with transformer oil
• The filter prevents any oil discharge from the transformer bund

Applications Across Energy & Utilities

• Wind turbine transformer bunds
• Solar farm transformer/inverter bunds
• BESS sites
• DNO/IDNO substations
• Industrial HV transformer bunds
• OEM bund installations

Transformer Bund Filter

Need a Transformer Bund Filter?

Thorne & Derrick supply the full range of Draineezy Transformer Bund Filters, fitting kits, pre-filters and technical support.

Enquire Now

DrainEezy Bund Filter	DrainEezy New Design	Oil Filled Transformers

LV MV HV Transformers, Cables & Electrical Equipment

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of 11kV 33kV Cables, Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV 33kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages; approved stockists and suppliers of 3M Electrical (ColdShrink), Nexans (Euromold), Pfisterer (CONNEX) and Lovink cable accessory and connection products.

Joints, Terminations & Connectors | MV HV | 11kV 33kV 66kV

From Factory to Field | Power Pillars for Project Connections, A Case Study

From Factory to Field | Power Pillars for Project Connections

Thorne & Derrick, a Specialist Electrical Distributor for Lucy Zodion, have successfully completed delivery of the industry-leading Fortress range of feeder pillars to a major street lighting project for the Highways Department of Nottinghamshire County Council. The project demonstrated our combined customer service excellence, communication speed and technical support while ensuring full compliance to client specification. Upon payment completion the consignment of 27 feeder pillars was delivered ex stock from factory to field within 3 days.

The Challenge

Fernmac Limited, sub-contracted to Nottinghamshire County Council, urgently required 27 galvanised steel feeder pillars delivered from stock to precise technical specifications for installation across the county’s highways network. Although Lucy Zodion was not the specified manufacturer, their Fortress range of feeder pillars recommended by Thorne & Derrick, fully satisfied the council’s design and performance requirements. Each feeder pillar was required to:

• Be constructed from galvanised steel with side-hinged doors and stainless steel/brass hinges
• Include a 15mm marine-grade plywood backboard, pre-treated with moisture-repellent lacquer
• Incorporate BS 88: Part 2 fuse links and a dedicated 10-way brass earth block
• Achieve a minimum IP34 ingress protection rating for outdoor installation
• Cut-outs and terminations integrated in accordance with Electricity Authority standards

Tight project timescales meant Fernmac needed a proactive and technically capable supply partner to coordinate specification, communication and logistics with Lucy Zodion.

The Solution

Upon receiving the enquiry, Thorne & Derrick reacted quickly to review the design drawings, confirm compatibility and liaised directly with Lucy Zodion to secure the required units from available stock. This rapid and coordinated approach ensured that the project remained on schedule, with all 27 feeder pillars delivered and installed in line and in time with the local authority requirements. By maintaining close communication between Fernmac, Lucy Zodion, and the council’s highways contractor, Thorne & Derrick ensured a smooth and efficient delivery process.

Results

The successful delivery of the feeder pillars demonstrated the value of agility, communication and collaboration across the supply chain.

Key outcomes:

• On-time Delivery: Project milestones were maintained without delay
• Specification Accuracy: Compliance with Nottinghamshire County Council’s design and regulatory requirements
• Customer Satisfaction: Clear communication between all stakeholders ensured confidence throughout the project

About Lucy Zodion

Lucy Zodion is a leading UK manufacturer of street lighting control and power distribution equipment. Their Fortress range of feeder pillars is designed for durability, safety, and performance across infrastructure, highways, and industrial applications. Learn more here.

Your Invite to Meet with the Faraday Power Group

The Faraday Centre, based at the Wilton Centre in Redcar & Cleveland specialise in the delivery of High Voltage & Electrical Safety Training Courses for AE’s, SAP’s, Jointers & Duty Holders operational up to 33kV across all industrial sectors  – manufacturing, renewables, BESS, offshore/marine, utilities, facilities management and data centres.

Many clients attend from across the UK and globally.

The Faraday Centre is home to and will be hosting the Inaugural Power Group Meeting, and we would like to personally invite you and your organisation to either Exhibit or attend as a Visitor.

The Faraday Power Group is a collective of companies rooted in the region of the North of England who work together with passion as a network to improve safety, introduce innovation and support entirely the requirements of the Electrical Power Industry.

Open Trade Day – The Faraday Centre

📅 Tuesday 25 November 2025
🕙 10:00 – 15:00 (Visitors’ Access)
📍 The Faraday Centre, Wilton Centre, Redcar & Cleveland
💼 Exhibitors & Visitors: Free of Charge

Purpose of the Day

• Bring together organisations from the North East and beyond
• Expand cross-sector relationships – Renewables ⚡Utilities ⚡Power ⚡Testing ⚡Protection⚡ Offshore ⚡ Manufacturing ⚡ HV/LV Electrical ⚡Tools ⚡Engineering ⚡Supply Chain ⚡Cable Jointing ⚡Switchgear & Transformers ⚡Electrical Safety
• Explore collaboration, partnerships and supply chain opportunities
• Celebrate the strength of local industry and regional economy to mutual benefits

What’s included (Free)

• Exhibitor stall (round table + seating)
• Chance to present or demonstrate your product/service
• Networking with key companies across multiple sectors
• Lunch included for exhibitors and attendees
• Parking included
• Transport available from the Wilton Centre Visitor’s Centre to The Faraday Centre
• Guided facility tours of The Faraday Centre

The Faraday Centre combines world leading electrical safety knowledge with the world’s best learning experiences to create High Voltage Training you can trust.

Important Site Information

The Wilton Centre is a COMAH site, therefore all visitors (including exhibitors) must complete a quick visitor safety induction. If completed online beforehand via our instructions, your pass will be ready on arrival. If completed on the day, please allow an additional 15–20 minutes to physically complete it with the Falck induction team.

⛔ No under-18s Permitted/ Right Of Admission Reserved (COMAH site).

Exhibitor Set-up

🕗 08:00 – 09:30
Stall space is compact – please plan for a round table display. You are welcome to bring a small banner and marketing materials, as well as demo products/merchandise. If you have any special requirements (power, equipment placement, product demonstrations), just let me know.

To Register Interest (Exhibit or Attend): please message : 📧 [email protected]

If you have dietary requirements or allergies, please include that in your reply so catering can accommodate appropriately.

We are incredibly proud of the innovation happening in the North East of England and want this to become a place where new partnerships, contracts and collaborations start. It would be great to have you with us.

Thanks, and we hope to welcome you on the day.

The Faraday Centre Ltd
The Wilton Centre Annexe
South Building
Wilton Centre
Redcar, TS10 4RF

LV-HV Jointing, Termination, Substation & Electrical Eqpt Distributors 600V to 66kV 

Authorised Stockists & Distributors for Leading HV Cable Accessory Manufacturers