Blog

June 2022 VOLTS!

THORNE & DERRICK LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

Welcome to our industry bulletin – VOLTS.

So what is VOLTS?

VOLTS is our 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.

Jobs

Are you motivated and looking for a new challenge?

Filoform UK Ltd are looking for a UK Account Manager – Filoformmanufacture solutions forjointing, connecting, sealing and protecting underground LV MV cable networks.

APPLY | Please forward a covering letter and C.V. by email to [email protected].

More information – https://bit.ly/3y5WM5q

pROJECTS & NEWS

LUCY ZODION AWARDED TENDER BY SCOTTISH POWER ENERGY NETWORKS

Thorne & Derrick, a Specialist Distributor for Lucy Zodion the market-leading manufacturer of Street Lighting & ICP Connection Solutions, are delighted to announce that Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) have awarded a 2-year tender to Lucy Zodion to supply the following G81 approved products:

• Lucy 0260009009 SLF 25A Street Lighting Cut Out TYPE 1 SNE Boxed
• Lucy 0350012009 5 Way Connector Box

The Lucy Zodion range of street lighting cut-outs, controls, feeder pillars and isolators are specified and installed by ICP’s throughout the UK providing reliable and effective street lighting and electrical connections to our utility network.

➡ For further information about how Lucy Zodion provide control and power distribution products for street lighting applications, please review the Lucy Titan (Cut-outs) and Lucy Trojan (Isolators) ranges of products.

About SPEN

SP Energy Networks are a Distribution & Transmission Network Operator keeping electricity flowing to homes and businesses throughout Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire – this is achieved via a network of Overhead Lines & Underground Cables which they own and maintain.

This includes over 30,000 substations, 40,000km overhead lines and 65,000km underground cables.

Nexans Training Centre Turns 4!

The Nexans Normanton Training Centre is celebrating it’s 4th birthday! 🎉

To help us celebrate the success of the training centre over the last four years, Nexans are hosting an Online Training Session where you will get the chance to discuss your Jointer Training requirements with the experts.

Presented by James Addy (Technical Manager) and Kristof Rottiers (Technology & Services Manager – Nexans), together they will cover the Jointer Training Courses available at their UK centre which is specifically tailored to enable the upskilling of cable jointers from LV to MV 11kV, 33kV and 66kV.

Nexans established industry-leading Training Courses provide refresher and continuous development training for existing Jointers using a combination of theoretical and practical test elements.

SIGN UP HERE

https://lnkd.in/ei9tyJCd

Friday 8th July at 10.30 am CEST

BE COMPETENT, NOT JUST FAMILIAR

Thorne & Derrick, a Specialist Distributor & Stockist in the UK for Nexans Power Cable Accessories, are committed to ensuring the safe and reliable installation of MV-HV joints, terminations and connectors up to 66kV. 

We work with Nexans, who deliver MV-HV Competency Certified Training Courses to support the training requirements for Cable Jointers upskilling, with tailored courses at 11kV, 33kV and 66kV voltage levels.

High quality training is key to achieving the advanced skill-set when working on cable systems and can unlock career progression opportunities.

44 Pallets

……. worth of Customer Service.

Closing the lorry door shut on 16,200 metres of Stokbord manufactured by Centriforce Products Limited to provide accidental cable strike damage to underground 33kV power cables.

Supplied by Thorne & Derrick to a recent medium voltage cable installation project; we can support you with an extensive range of 33kV Jointing & Cable Installation Equipment.

Stokbord is made from 100% recycled plastic with variations to conform to specifications laid out by the UK DNO’s & National Grid.

Special thanks to Amanda Harris for excellent commercial and logistical support from the Team at Thorne & Derrick.

Thorne & Derrick are a leading Specialist Distributor to clients working in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors.

Stokbord | Cable Covers for Medium Voltage Undeground Cable Protection

Cembre leading in sustainability For Second Consecutive Year

For the second consecutive year, CEMBRE is one of the 200 companies leading in sustainability according to the Italian magazine ll Sole 24 Ore.

The analysis is based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and considers three areas: environment, social and economic.

CEMBRE is one of the 200 companies leading in sustainability in 2022

In 2021 CEMBRE achieved this goal thanks to impactful interventions such as:

• energy efficiency: the installation of 78 LED lamps in the manufacturing areas reduced the consumption of electricity for lighting by over 45%
• 4-year home-to-work travel plan including incentives for travel by bicycle and electric mobility
• extraordinary activities to support the well-being and training of employees

CEMBRE has always worked with passion and determination according to values and principles regarding the environment and people and believes that everyone can contribute to improving the planet’s current condition.

CEMBRE is today the leading Italian manufacturer and one of the largest European manufacturers of electrical compression connectors, lugs and related cable crimping and cutting tooling.

100MW of UK battery storage to enter construction

Thorne & Derrick this month have assisted with the supply of MV Cable Accessories & Electrical Equipment to a large-scale battery storage plant set to hold 100MW of power.

The construction of the facility has now commenced with commercial operation scheduled for spring 2023 – the storage battery systems integrate software and key equipment such as storage batteries, power conditioning systems (PCS) for storage batteries and power plant controllers (PPC) that control power, voltage and frequency. The battery energy storage system has been designed to contribute to the stability of the power system in the UK where the introduction of renewable energy continues to grow.

Working with Nexans, Thorne & Derrick have fulfilled an order of Medium Voltage separable connectors and surge arrestors to be used on the project.

Nexans Euromold 800SA is a surge arrester (11kV-42kV) specified to protect MV-HV cables terminated into substations and connecting medium/high voltage cables.

Euromold 800SA surge arresters can be supplied with straight connector (450SR) or a tee connector (480TB, 484TB or 489TB)  or a coupling connector (800PB, 804PB or 809PB) – all suitable for use with Interface C Compact type bushings on SF6 gas-insulated switchgear.

Euromold 800SA Surge Arrester – Typical Application & Dimensions

T&D Supply Major MEP Project With Cable Sealing Solutions

Thorne & Derrick Sales Engineer, David Tinning, has recently a new major project with Cable Sealing Solutions to protect buildings and equipment against water ingress, gas migration and fire spread to a mixed-use development in London called The Broadway.

For this specification, working with CSD Sealing Systems we recommended use of the ETAG CE certified Nofirno fire rated system, which can be used on pipe penetrations and cable transits with various fire ratings as they pass through fire boundary walls or floors.

Protection of the electrical infrastructure can be provided up to a maximum of 4 hours and it will also provide long-term cable sealing protection against flood and gas ingress provided by the Nofirno duct seal system.

The sealing system will protect Apartment Fit-out, Shell & Core and Offices & Amenities sections throughout the project.

Thorne & Derrick can specify and provide the most suitable solution every time – just tell us about the application, including the wall depth and construction type, cable diameters and quantities passing through each opening and the rating required.

Be it Gas, Fire, Water, Rats; whatever the risk, we can seal.

CSD Sealing Solutions | Distributed in the UK by Thorne & Derrick

The Broadway | residential and office development, set in the heart of Westminster and occupying the former site of New Scotland Yard in London.

Providing Google Approved Solutions

Thorne & Derrick are delighted to announce that a recent cable safety solution proposed to Mace Group Ltd, a global consultancy and construction company responsible for delivering the highest quality data centre projects, has now been approved by Google for use in their European project construction pipeline.

The St. Ghislain Data Center project, based in Belgium, was serviced from our large UK stock holding supported by fast shipping ability to oversees destinations throughout the EU. The client required an efficient solution for pulling cables of which Thorne & Derrick specified NEPTCO manufactured  MULETAPE – a unique pull tape designed to reduce damage, resulting in improved efficiency and enhanced worker safety.

Read Thorne & Derrick | Connecting High Voltages & Energising Data Centres

NEPTCO tapes, distributed by Thorne & Derrick, are manufactured with a low stretch polyester material that distributes heat across its wide, flat profile. This improves efficiency and prevents “snap back”, which occurs when a rope under high tension elongates and either breaks or snaps back; often injuring the installer.

A variety of reel lengths of the cable pulling tape is available to suit any installation. Available in a variety of strengths (up to 6,000 lbs or 2727 kg) which enables extensive application use.

For further information on selecting the correct tape visit the MULETAPE Calculator

Smitten by Scotchcast

Pictured: Consolidating 1000 packs of Scotchcast Electrical Insulating Resin this week for shipping out to major international wind farm project – jaw dropping commercial, technical and logistics support from 3M in the face of extreme delivery challenges. Time to thank Kate Palmer-Randle (Business Development Manager at 3M) and Nicolas Henriksson (Regional Division Leader, North Europe Region at 3M) for supporting us to secure both the specification and order.

3M Scotchcast Specialist Cable Repair & Jointing Resins include : Seawater, Hydrocarbon & Chemical Resistant, Flame Retardant, Halogen Free, Submersible, Flexible & Re-enterable.

Contact Thorne & Derrick | LV HV Cable Jointing & Electrical Equipment for 3M Electrical Products & Cable Accessories, 600V to 66kV | Ex Stock

3M Electrical | Did you know Thorne & Derrick stock the most extensive range of Scotchcast, Cold Shrink & Scotch Tapes product lines in the UK.

Sector Spotlight | Battery Storage

Thorne & Derrick, Specialist UK Distributors of LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV, provide expert technical specification, customer support and product supply from stock of an extensive range of Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment – this includes Power, Heating & Lighting products with ATEX Certification for installation in Substation Battery Rooms.

♦ Lighting – T&D can provide lighting designs to ensure lux levels are achieved in line with regulations, fittings are located correctly and meet certification requirements – we provide a comprehensive hazardous area lighting system design service.

♦ Heating – T&D can provide battery room heat loss calculations to ensure the correct heaters are specified and meet ATEX certification requirements to provide adequate comfort heating to the substation.

♦ Power – T&D can specify and supply from stocks Joints & Terminations for the connection and energisation of high voltage power cables to switchgear and transformers up to 66kV.

• Raytec | Light Fittings
• Abtech | Junction Boxes
• Craig & Derricott | Isolators
• EXHEAT | Heaters
• Marechal | Plug & Sockets
• Crowcon | Gas Detectors
• Technor | Enclosures & Control Equipment
• Roxtec | Cable Transits
• Hawke | Cable Glands
• ATEX PIR’s

Pictured | Stocked by Thorne & Derrick, the SPARTAN WL168 Zone 2 Intelligent Emergency Linear Luminaires improve light levels on this substation battery room site. On this project, the lighting brief was to replace x 4 existing 2x58W fluorescent Zone 2 fittings. The customer originally requested 5ft LED Linear alternatives, but due to SPARTAN’s high lumen output and unique modular design – which would make any ongoing maintenance quick and easy – SPARTAN WL168 provided the ideal solution. Discuss your requirements with us.

We can help | High Voltage Power, Lighting & Heating for Substation Battery Rooms

Industry event

Thorne & Derrick At EnergyX2022

Thorne & Derrick were delighted to be the Exhibition Sponsor for ENERGYx2022 South which took place in June at Newbury Racecourse.

ENERGYx2022 is an Exhibition and Conference for anyone working within the Electricity Industry. The event is designed to safely promote and further the interests of everyone working in and supplying the electricity industry. The management team have years of experience working in industry, organising and promoting events and use their experience and contacts to win the support of Legislators, Regulators, Senior Managers, World Class Suppliers and Inspirational Figures.

Special thanks to Louise Purcell, Events Director at Energy Network Events, for having us as sponsor of such a great event. It was great to catch up with those in our supply chain, as well as meeting some new faces!

Ben Riley & Gary Amos with Graham Blackburn from Filoform at Energyx2022

Gary Amos, Export Sales Engineer, at the Welcome stand of the Event

Technical Tips

Cut Strut Cleanly & Consistently

The NEW RIDGID STRUTSLAYR™ strut channel cutter is the latest accessory that makes the world’s most popular press tool even more valuable.

STRUTSLAYR | Stocked by Thorne & Derrick

Featured Jointer

HEIGHWAY Ltd have successfully completed the Civils, Jointing, Connection & Commissioning package of works associated with the 33kV High Voltage Power Supply to a new build 5MW solar farm in the UK.

HEIGHWAY are a leading provider of HV Power Services to the renewable, rail, substation and energy sectors with an impressive track-record and future project pipeline following recent audit and Accreditation under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS).

The photographs below have been uploaded by Thorne & Derrick with the kind permission of George Heighway.

Sealed & Supported | The 33kV single core power cables manufactured to BS7870 Standard were sealed at the transformer point of entry using heat shrink cable sealing glands to prevent water ingress and protect against cable damage. The cables are cleated to provide mechanical retention to the cable in position and electrical short circuit protection in the event of a fault situation.

➡ Read The Full Blog | High Voltage Energisation of Solar Farms by HEIGHWAY Ltd

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.

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

Main UK Stockists for:  3M Electrical, PFISTERER Connex, Nexans Power Cable Accessories (Euromold), Alroc, Ellis Patents, ABB, Roxtec, Cembre & CATU Electrical.

Correct Termination Of A Cable Lug Onto An Earth Bar | AN Wallis Guide

• by AN Wallis | Jason Leatherland | International Sales Manager at AN Wallis & Co Ltd

Earth Bars

AN Wallis designs, manufactures and supplies thousands of Earth Bars per year, it is one of our ‘core’ product ranges. This has given AN Wallis many years of history and experience dealing with Earth Bars and puts us in a good position to answer any questions or queries on the subject or topic of Earth Bars.

One question we often get asked is to clarify the correct way to terminate a cable lug onto the actual Earth Bar? For instance, should the cable lug be bolted face down directly onto the actual copper bar or should the cable lug be placed ‘floating’ between the nuts?

The correct way to terminate the cable lug onto an Earth Bar seems to cause confusion so the purpose of this article is to give our recommended installation instructions to eliminate the common mistakes being made during installation.

Before we begin to talk about the correct installation, we think it is important to look at the actual termination components of the Earth Bar and know what these are.

Each typical AN Wallis ‘standard’ termination point consists of the following components.

• 1 No. x M10x35 Phosphor Bronze Hex Head Set (7)
• 1 No. x M10 Phosphor Bronze Flat Washer (4)
• 1 No. x M10 Phosphor Bronze Spring Washer (8)
• 2 No. x M10 Phosphor Bronze Full Nuts (5)

When manufactured, the combination of components are assembled on an Earth Bar in the following order: Hex Head Set → Flat Washer → Nut → Spring Washer → Nut

Our recommended way to terminate the cable lug onto an Earth Bar is to ‘fix’ the flat side of the cable lug directly to the actual copper bar. This method allows for full contact to be made between the connecting cable and the Earth Bar and prevents any reduction in cross-sectional area.

Based on the components supplied on a AN Wallis Earth Bar we recommend the ‘fixing’ to be made in the following combination (as detailed in the below picture)

1.      Lug over the Hex Head Set (in direct contact with the Copper Bar)

2.      Flat Washer

3.      Spring Washer

4.      Nut

5.      Nut

Our recommended way to terminate the cable lug onto an Earth Bar is to ‘fix’ the flat side of the cable lug directly to the actual copper bar.

Under normal circumstances, when fixing down a cable lug having the spring washer and one nut should be absolutely fine, however, at AN Wallis we like to go above and beyond therefore we supply two nuts! The second nut is to act as a locking nut against the first nut making the installation even more secure and safe.

There are occasions where people incorrectly assume that the supply of two nuts must be used to ‘sandwich’ the lug in between the two i.e. the lug ‘sitting’ on one nut and tightened up by the other.

This is not correct and not recommended at all. This method does not allow for full contact to be made between the connecting cable and Earth Bar, therefore the actual cross-sectional area is reduced.

We can think of two reasons why this incorrect method might be used. Firstly, it could be a lack of knowledge/training on the correct installation procedures, and secondly, it could be ‘laziness’ of the installation contractor, wanting to save some time and effort by not fully disassembling the termination components to attach the lug and reassemble correctly.

This may save slight installation time, but it is incorrect and more importantly, unsafe!

Our recommended way to terminate the cable lug onto an Earth Bar is to ‘fix’ the flat side of the cable lug directly to the actual copper bar.

To conclude, our recommended way to terminate the cable lug onto an Earth Bar is to ‘fix’ the flat side of the cable lug directly to the actual copper bar so that the cable lug is directly in contact with the actual copper bar.

This method allows for full contact to be made between the connecting cable and the Earth Bar and prevents any reduction in cross-sectional area.

Thorne & Derrick and AN Wallis are aware of the crucial role of an Earth Bar which is why they manufacture high quality, affordable earth bars that are designed and tested to all relevant standards – manufactured from hard drawn copper bar to BS EN 13601 and tested to BS EN 62561-1 Class H.

THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Earthing & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, substation, overhead line and the installation of medium/high voltage cable joints and terminations at LV, 11kV, 33kV and HV.

Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.

Advanced Power Services Awarded 3M Qualified Electrical Construction Contractor Accreditation (QECC)

3M QECC

Advanced Power Services is the first company in the UK to be awarded the Qualified Electrical Construction Contractor Accreditation (QECC) from 3M.

Advanced Power Services is the first of a very small number of companies across the UK to be selected by 3M based on qualifications, experience and assessments on skills.

Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have been Approved Distributors for 3M Electrical Products (LV HV) and whilst the competitive supply of product from stock on short lead times is essential to the contractor it is equally vital that 3M product reputation is preserved through the correct installation of products in accordance with 3M recommendations.

Until now the market has been largely unregulated until the 3M QECC launch. Advanced Power Services are proud to represent 3M in the marketplace and pleased to champion their first adopter of the QECC warranty program.

Advanced Power Services qualified and skilled Jointing Teams have completed in-depth assessments along with theoretical training on each 3M Medium Voltage product family that qualifies for the warranty.

Advanced Power Services qualified and skilled Jointing Teams have completed in-depth assessments along with theoretical training on each 3M Medium Voltage product family that qualifies for the warranty.

Training included Cable Theory, Joint Theory, Termination Theory, 3M Material Science and hands-on training & assessments. In addition to this, 3M will also provide continuous updates and refresher training as per the market requirements.

The QECC Certification enables Advanced Power Services to issue a 20-year product warranty to their clients on each new installation completed by our certified Jointing Teams.
Lee Burrell, Managing Director of Advanced Power Services said;

“I have been working with 3M now for a many years providing feedback on their products and over time we have built up a very good relationship. This new programme we hope will bring confidence to clients that our in-house, experienced jointers installing products on their network are competent, skilled, trained and qualified. This programme will strengthen our clients’ and consumers’ confidence when utilising our services on their networks and investing long term in their assets.”

This will change the landscape for Medium Voltage products.

Who would not want a 20-Year Warranty that provides value for money and peace of mind on their investment?

This will be invaluable for maintenance departments and private networks as any product failure will be covered by the 3M QECC Extended Warranty.

Each 3M Medium Voltage product family that qualifies for the warranty will be recorded in detail so that they can be properly referenced in the unlikely event of a failure to assist in any investigation.

As part of the QECC programme, contractors receive in-depth 3M product and technology training, including theoretical training on 11kV, 22kV, 33kV and 52kV joints, terminations and Separable Connectors.

Advanced Power Services is excited to be able to offer this amazing 20-Year Warranty to all their existing clients and welcomes new relationships with those interested in our cable jointing and testing services.

Choosing a 3M QECC certificated company allows you to have peace of mind that the contractors you’re working with are trained to the highest level and backed by an extended 3M 20-year product warranty.

Advanced Power Services

Advanced Power Services was established as a specialist electrical contractor in July 2010. Our ambition was to create a team of committed cable jointing and testing professionals that fully understands their clients’ needs and are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, safely and within budget.

Advanced Power Services offer Cable Jointing, Terminations, Commissioning and Fault Rectification Services for EHV, 132kV ,275kV, 400kV, HV 66kV and MV, 11kV, 22kV, 25kV, 33kV, 52kV throughout the UK and overseas. Our Jointing and Testing Teams are experienced in working within the Railway Networks, Infrastructure Networks, Renewable Energy, Private Networks, Datacentres and Shipping Industries.

For further details please contact Business Development Manager, Heather Andrews at [email protected] or 07754 855938.

3M Electrical | Scotchlok | ColdShrink | Scotchcast Resin | Scotch Electrical Tapes

Supplying Cable Termination, Jointing, Pull-in & Electrical Equipment up to 66kV

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 and Shrink Polymer Systems.

Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-132kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at MV HV.

MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales

ATEX | High Voltage Power, Lighting & Heating for Substation Battery Rooms

Image Credit: Eclipse Power Networks

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager 
  

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  Thorne & Derrick, Specialist UK Distributors of LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt up to 66kV, provide expert technical specification, customer support and product supply from stock of an extensive range of Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment – this includes Power, Heating & Lighting products with ATEX Certification for installation in Substation Battery Rooms.

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Substation Battery Rooms

What’s The Risk?

Explosive Flammable Gases/Vapours 

UK DNO’s detail safe working procedures and rules in their Document Manuals to be followed when working on alkaline or acid substation batteries and storage rooms located within primary network medium/high voltage substations (MV HV).

Lead-acid type batteries release potentially explosive hydrogen gas when charging – this is the primary explosive risk associated with medium/high voltage substations.

ATEX

Consequently, these worksite locations are classified as hazardous area Zones according to the ATEX Directive – a “hazardous area” is defined as an area in which the atmosphere contains, or may contain in sufficient quantities, flammable or explosive gases, dusts or vapours. The Zone designation depends on the level of risk and likelihood of flammable gas, vapour or mist forming during normal operation.

ATEX is an abbreviation of “Atmospheres Explosibles” and is a set of European Union regulations that are designed to ensure the safety of electrical products being used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Thorne & Derrick, Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, provide Zone 1/Zone 2 (Flammable Gas) ATEX Compliant electrical equipment for installation in substations and battery rooms to provide heating, lighting and power distribution.

The Danger Zones 

The main Dangers to Persons carrying out work or testing on batteries and chargers are electric shock, explosion or burns arising from the ignition of flammable gas which is emitted by cells during the charging process.

Flammable gas can be ignited by naked flames (eg “hot-working” by cable jointers), cigarettes or by sparks if cell terminals are accidentally earthed or shorted together.

This short-circuiting releases dangerous levels of heat, light and arc energy.

Consequently, electrical equipment installed in MV HV substation battery rooms should be Zone 1 or Zone 2 certified according to ATEX Directive for safe installation in such potentially explosive atmospheres.

♦ Primary Network Substation: a 132kV, 66kV, 33kV or 25kV substation including directly associated 66kV, 33kV, 25kV, 11kV and 6.6kV switchboards at transformer stations (Definition: WPD Engineering Specification EE Spec 25/5).

lIGHT | hEAT | pOWER

How We Can Help?

♦ Lighting – T&D can provide lighting designs to ensure lux levels are achieved in line with regulations, fittings are located correctly and meet certification requirements – we provide a comprehensive hazardous area lighting system design service.

PIR Motion Sensors

♦ Heating – T&D can provide battery room heat loss calculations to ensure the correct heaters are specified and meet ATEX certification requirements to provide adequate comfort heating to the substation.

♦ Power – T&D can specify and supply from stocks Joints & Terminations for the connection and energisation of high voltage power cables to switchgear and transformers up to 66kV.

• Raytec | Light Fittings
• Abtech | Junction Boxes
• Craig & Derricott | Isolators
• EXHEAT | Heaters
• Marechal | Plug & Sockets
• Crowcon | Gas Detectors
• Technor | ATEX Enclosures & Control Equipment
• Roxtec | Cable Transits
• Hawke | Cable Glands

The ATEX PIR detector is a movement sensor that detects a moving body heat (infrared) signature and provides an alarm output signal to the alarm/monitoring system accordingly within the substation battery room.

Extensive Stocks | Competitive Prices | HV Joints Terminations Connectors for GIS

Lighting Design & Specification Services

The SPARTAN range of Standard & Emergency ATEX Certified light fittings manufactured by Raytec is designed for lighting hazardous areas which require high performance, high reliability, energy-efficient brilliant “White-Light” illumination using latest LED technology.

Pictured | Stocked by Thorne & Derrick, the SPARTAN WL168 Zone 2 Intelligent Emergency Linear Luminaires improve light levels on this substation battery room site. On this project, the lighting brief was to replace x 4 existing 2x58W fluorescent Zone 2 fittings. The customer originally requested 5ft LED Linear alternatives, but due to SPARTAN’s high lumen output and unique modular design – which would make any ongoing maintenance quick and easy – SPARTAN WL168 provided the ideal solution. Discuss your requirements with us.

The EXHEAT range of FAW heaters provides versatile air warming to battery rooms with 250W to 3kW ratings – the electric heaters are certified for use in hazardous areas where the explosive atmosphere is classified as a Zone 1 or 2 (IIA, IIB, IIC) gas group.

Blogs

• Jointing Cables In Hazardous Areas According To The ATEX Directive
• Sealing Cable Ducts In Hazardous Areas According To ATEX Directive
• The Temporary Hazardous Area Floodlight – Wolf LinkEx WF-300 XL LED Floodlite
• Confined Spaces – Powering, Lighting & Heating Explosive Atmospheres
• 132kV 33kV 11kV DNO Substations – A Guide To Cable Sealing By Roxtec
• Can Arc Flash Clothing Save Utility Workers Lives?

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 Eqpt – 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

Specialist Suppliers of High Voltage Electrical Equipment & Cable Accessories

GRP Cable Containment | From LV DC to 25kV Rail Cable Containment

Article Written by Andrew Sillars, Rail Sector Manager, Wibe Group UK Ltd

GRP Cable Containment

Having supported the specification of Glass Reinforced Polymer cable containment since 2005, I have experienced its unique features such as lightweight, long-life durability, no deburring, no earth bonding and many more. All these advantages of GRP Cable Containment support a cheaper, quicker and easier-to-install system that gives a true fit-and-forget  solution.

Thorne & Derrick are an approved distributor of the MITA brand, now powered by Wibe Group who are a RISQS approved supplier. Andrew together with Wibe are proud to introduce our extensive cable support offer which includes Glass Reinforced Polymer GRP cable ladders, CABSYS cable trays and elevated cable troughing with accessories.

GRP Elevated Cable Troughing | Containment System for Rail

GRP elevated cable troughing is an especially useful containment system for rail.

Ground Level Troughing (GLT) is often used in signalling and telecoms schemes for the cable connections to lineside equipment such as points, train detection, signals and radio sites. However, in many places, GLT cannot be used due to the ground profile and steep embankments and cuttings. GRP is an ideal alternative for such locations and it is also essential for large current-carrying power cables.

High quality manufacture

Mita GRP is produced by pultrusion technology. This uses a combination of unidirectional and cross-strand glass mat which is resin-impregnated and pulled through a hot die to produce a very solid, structurally sound profile with excellent mechanical rigidity unlike other moulded systems.

Mita GRP does not contract or expand with heat causing the troughing route to distort. It is produced with a high quality of manufacture and modified by the use of additives to the resin, and with protection from ultra-violet light.

This year, with the launch of the new GRP GMAX^R 6m troughing range, which allows a 6m post span, Mita GRP becomes a full offer with its 3m or 6m lengths to meet the needs of every application in the most cost-effective way.

Features and benefits

Mita GRP is 70% lighter than steel; it is also corrosion resistant. It does not conduct heat and has excellent durability against adverse weather conditions. The product offers excellent UV stability resulting in a cost-effective long-term solution.

The Mita GRP is provided in a wide range of trays, troughing and ladders which can support any type of cable – especially power and fibre cables which require a gentle bending radius. Unlike some competitors’ systems, Mita elevated troughing is provided with GRP support posts to increase its durability. The troughing lids clip securely in place, providing cable theft protection. Further security can easily be added by installing stainless steel bands around the elevated route.

Working with GRP

Another particularly useful feature of the Mita^R GRP system is that it is integrated with the Bentley Raceway and Cable Management Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool.This provides a complete layout, routing and material estimating function in a single, integrated system. It can be applied from the initial concept design through to detailed design and construction.

A user can create an accurate 3D model of the cable troughing route, making it easy to ensure that adequate space and clearances are available in confined locations, and for the detailed design and material requirements to be quickly and easily produced.

Network Rail approval and other applications

The Mita GRP elevated cable route has been fully approved by Network Rail under Certificate of Acceptance PA05/00442 issued in 2015 for use in locations unsuited to GLT. The Zero Halogen Low Smoke (ZHLS) version has also been approved for use in sub-surface stations, connecting tunnels, and London Underground applications.

It was a concern that sensitive signalling equipment was susceptible to contact by flakes of galvanisation from steel support systems and that DC traction cabling system might create eddy currents within troughing ladders and supports if they were metallic.

Mita GRP troughing was chosen as it is the best candidate with non-magnetic and non-conductive properties.

The cable containment system is not just used in rail, but has also been successfully employed in a wide range of industries including data centres, petro-chemical industries, water treatment, off-shore oil and gas etc.

RAIL CABLE ACCESSORIES, ELECTRIFICATION

& INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT

Thorne & Derrick supply an extensive range of 400V-33kV Rail Cable Accessories & Power Distribution Systems including feeder pillars to contractors undertaking Low Voltage Power Distribution, HV Electrification & Substations, DC Traction & Networks, OLE and Track Feeder Cable Renewals – a complete range of Network Rail PADS approved track terminations, cable joints, cable repair and connection products up to 25kV, including 3M Cold Shrink, Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold products.

Full range of Cable Pulling Equipment & Products to ensure safe and efficient of rail cables in to cable ducts and containment infrastructure including cable troughs.