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MTag High Voltage Detectors from PBwel (P&B Weir Electrical Ltd)

MTag High Voltage Detectors

High Voltage Detectors

The MTag series of high voltage detectors from PBwel (P&B Weir Electrical Ltd) are available from Thorne & Derrick International based in the UK, the leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Safety Equipment.

Detectors Approved to BS EN 61243-1

Designed for «proving dead» on high voltage distribution system between 1kV and69 kV (voltage ranges calibrated according to IEC recommendations).

The MTag detects any nominal voltage present on a overhead line or in a substation

The MTag detector meets all the expectations and wishes expressed by users and experts in recent years.

Reliable Indication
• Detects nominal voltages of its range
• Eliminates related induced voltages
• Enhanced audible and visual signals perceptible in most conditions

Heavy Duty & Reliable Design
• Direct access to the battery
• Sealed, watertight electronic compartment
• Pole end fittings interchangeable by the user, no tools required

Available with separate proving unit.

Pbwel Mtag Voltage Detector

Electrical Safety Providers

We protect substation engineers, asset managers, SAPS, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and safety equipment: this includes insulating gloves, arc flash clothing, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing to ensure worker safety when carrying out repair and maintenance on LV-HV switchgear, transformers, substations and turbines.

All of our Cable Connection & Energisation Accessories including Medium & High Voltage joints, terminations, connectors and cleats are tested to the latest international standards and supporting ranges of professional installation tools are stocked to reduce incident, accident and downtime to plant and people.

High Voltage Energisation of Solar Farms by HEIGHWAY Ltd

uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick

HEIGHWAY Energy

for High Voltage Services

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).

SOLAR FARM PROJECT NOTES

HEIGHWAY provided the following scope of works for the solar farm construction, commissioning and energisation:

• HV Cable Diversion Works
• HV Cable Installation to New Customer Substation
• HV Park Feeder & VT Connections
• Installation of 3 New Sets of CT’s
• Excavation Works to DNO Compound Including Installation of New Concrete Bases
• Installation of COP3 Metering Panels
• Full Commissioning of all Cabling, VT’s and CT’s & HV Switchgear

By George Heighway | Director at HEIGHWAY Ltd

The HV switchgear and transformers providing electrical power distribution at 33kV were connected using the Euromold brand of separable connector manufactured by Nexans – the Interface C Connectors were installed to the T Boot Station and the 33kV single core power cables were prepared, terminated and tested by our Jointers. Euromold bolted terminations are OEM approved and trusted by leading manufacturers of medium and high voltage electrical equipment including Lucy Electric, Siemens and ABB.

Reliance & Compliance

Our team of Jointers are Competent and Qualified in the installation of all types of cable joint and termination technology up to 33kV, including heat shrink and cold shrink, but the engineering preference of our HV Jointers for separable connector technology is the EPDM type manufactured by Nexans. Euromold kits are cost-competitive in the marketplace and readily available from stockists such as Thorne & Derrick, that said our focus as a business is not “lowest-cost” option. Our reputation rides on the reliability of the products we install and the expertise levels of our site teams that install them – also as a contractor we understand the criticality of accurate cable preparation using precision engineered cable tooling to achieve consistently high-quality results, for this reason our Jointing Team have standardised on tools manufactured by Alroc.

The Difference is Material

The Euromold separable connectors are manufactured from high quality EPDM which provides high mechanical strength which can be easily connected and disconnected from the equipment bushing for routine maintenance – competing silicone cable connectors have a tendency to attach and “stick” to the bushings and cannot be easily removed sometimes without damaging the actual connector. Euromold pioneered and innovated the separable connector – their products provide excellent resistance to compression, cutting, impact, tearing and abrasion over a wide temperature range.

HEIGHWAY are Hiring

HEIGHWAY Ltd are recruiting professional and experienced operatives:

– HV SAP/Project Engineer/s (33kV)
– HV Cable Jointer / Jointing Team (33kV)
– HV / LV Fitter/ Fitting Team (LV up to 33kV)

To Apply Submit CV [email protected] 

33kV

INSTALLATION PHOTO’S FROM SOLAR FARM PROJECT

Photographs uploaded by Thorne & Derrick with the kind permission of George Heighway.

Configuration | the Interface C type connectors provide versatile and optional system design configurations. Here, our team of Jointers were deployed to “Piggy-back” the Euromolds into the medium voltage switchgear compartment. This dual-cable installation is enabled by the use of a connecting plug to mate the front-end connector to the back-end.

Service | Should you require technical support to enable the design or specification of 33kV power cable accessories or systems please do not hesitate to contact Thorne & Derrick, the Contracted & Approved UK Distributor for Nexans Power Cable Accessories.

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.

11kV Services | Here HEIGHWAY Ltd completed the HV Isolation, Installation, Test, Termination & Commissioning of new 11kV transformer tails including preparatory de-vegetation works surrounding the site location which was heavily weeded and overgrown.

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

Thorne & Derrick Stocking Agreement for PBwel Rail Earthing Equipment

Thorne & Derrick, the UK Preferred Distributor for P&B Weir Electrical Ltd (PBwel), are now stocking their range of Rail Earthing Equipment with PADS Approval for use on Network Rail high voltage electrification projects. This significant and strategic stock holding is the culmination of discussions and planning to support framework contractors and construction alliances during and beyond the current CP6 plan.

Next Day Delivery

Thorne & Derrick will be able to provide next day delivery from stock at competitive prices for the PBwel range of Operating Poles & Temporary Earthing Kits; the complete range consists of DEP Short Earth Leads, J117 Rail Clamps, Long Blue Interlocked Earths, Short-Circuiting Straps, Rail Bonds, Rail Jumper Bonds, Rail Poles, Voltage Detectors, Rail Socket and Heads, Arboriculture Equipment and Signal Sighting Targets.

“With recent industry announcements by Network Rail about their multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, which represents the largest rail investment programme since Victorian times, it is important from a business perspective that Thorne & Derrick are placed to support clients requirements from stock. We have been privileged to be suppliers to Network Rail for several decades and this extension to our PADS Approved Rail Products range is aimed to raise levels of customer service and personal safety – the product training provided by Tim Harris including support at our office and in the field has been first-class and we look forward to introducing this news to our customers in the coming weeks.”

“The PBwel Aluflex range of temporary and portable earth leads are manufactured from multi-stranded, commercially pure aluminium with an extruded PVC sheath to preserve the cable – Short Earths, DEP Earths and Jumpers & Bonds are available at any length and with clamp choices for use on 25kV OHL and substation power systems, just contact us with your requirements,” adds Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick).

“We had a great discussion about our future commitments and agreed sales targets at the beginning of the year for 2022 – we are now excited to implement our business development plan for the UK rail industry. Working together with Thorne & Derrick we can design new and customised solutions for Portable Earthing and deliver via distribution standard products on an overnight service. Thorne & Derrick will support contractors and end-users via their trained Sales Team with competitive prices and stock availability of product. I will be on hand to support their team with continuous product training, either field based or online, to ensure their technical knowledge is up to date with the latest industry standards,” comments Tim Harris (Technical Sales Engineer at PBwel).

Portable & Temporary Earthing for Rail Electrification | Safe Systems of Working

The PBWel range of PADS Approved Portable Earths handle electrical and drain induced current associated with the inadvertent energisation of 25kV overhead power lines – this provides electrical protection of trackside workers and engineers carrying out maintenance, repair or construction under supervision and inspection of the project HV SAP.

Manufactured from highly conductive, commercially pure, Aluflex aluminium material the system is used during rail track possessions and electrical isolations – the Short Orange DEP (Designated Earth Point) Rail Earth is used in conjunction with operating pole sets, live line indicator and the CATU Dispensing Head MT630C.

Stocked by Thorne & Derrick

Thorne & Derrick supply an extensive range of 400V-33kV Rail Cable Accessories & Power Distribution Sytems 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.

Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of medium/high voltage power cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines.

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.

Reliable & Compliant Cable Accessories for Substation, Trackside & OHL Power Supply

Contact us for a Quotation for Rail Earthing Equipment

Important Factors You Need To Consider When Working With Cable Cleats

Cable Cleats

A cable cleat is designed to ensure that cables are fixed, retained and supported correctly so that in the event of short circuit fault or any other emergency, they will contain the cables without causing damage; enabling the circuit to be restored once the fault has been dealt with.

One of the most important issues to consider when specifying cable cleats is the risk of material corrosion – not just as a result of the installation environment, but also from other metals which the cable cleat may come in to contact with.

Read more about the affects of corrosion in our evidence based specification case blog – Stainless Steel Cable Cleats – Preventing Galvanic Corrosion Of Cable Fixings

All cable cleats distributed by Thorne & Derrick are undergoing testing to conform to the latest IEC 61914:2021 Standards. Certification will be in place before the deadline.

What Else Is Important To Consider When Working With Cable Cleats?

Operating Temperatures

Ellis’s standard ranges of cable cleats are designed for use in ambient temperatures ranging from -50°C to +60°C and with cable conductor temperatures up to 90°C.

Eddy Currents

Ferro-magnetic materials that completely surround single conductors in AC circuits are susceptible to heating from eddy currents.

Generally, eddy current generation at mains frequencies requires a complete electrical and ferro-magnetic circuit around each conductor. However in installations where all three phases are contained within the same cable cleat e.g. three cables in a trefoil cable cleat, the magnetic fields of the phases cancel each other out, which in turn negates the eddy currents and the heating effect.

Despite this, it is preferable to use cable cleats manufactured from non-magnetic materials such as aluminium, injection moulded polymers or stainless steel, which has only very slight magnetic properties.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: When using single cable cleats manufactured from ferro-magnetic materials care should be taken to avoid forming a complete iron loop around the cable.

Multi-core Cables

There is a commonly held belief within the electrical industry that multi-core cables will protect themselves in the event of a short-circuit, meaning their installation does not require fault rated cable cleats.

However, research shows that the forces between the conductors of a multi-core cable in the event of a fault are similar to those between three separate single core cables laid in a trefoil arrangement.

Therefore, when specifying multi-core cables it is advisable that cable manufacturer should be contacted to ascertain the ability of its specific cable to withstand these forces.

It is worth noting that whatever the withstand quoted, in the event of a significant fault an unrestrained multi-core cable will move.

Furthermore, the requirements of most wiring regulations are clear and typically state that:

“Every conductor or cable shall have adequate strength, and be so installed as to withstand the electromagnetic forces that may be caused by any current, including fault current.”

Fire

There are currently no European or IEC standards for fire rated cable clamps, although there are requirements within other standards that can be followed to prevent unsuitable products being specified.

The international standard IEC 61914 requires non-metallic and composite cable cleats to have adequate resistance to flame propagation.

UL94, the standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances, is a plastics flammability standard that classifies plastics according to how they burn in various orientations and thicknesses. Adherence to its V-0 rating for polymers should be demanded by specifiers.

The use of the description LSF (low smoke and fume) is common terminology with regard to polymers, but is misleading as it doesn’t relate to any published standard and so can be interpreted in a wide variety of ways.

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Rail Cable Cleats

To ensure complete assurance of performance in a fire, all Ellis plastic products have undergone testing at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in line with the London Underground 1-085 specification with regard to:

• Smoke emission
• Limited oxygen index
• Toxicity of fumes

The appropriate products are listed in the London Underground Approved Products register. Identification numbers are 360, 361,362, 363, 364, 365 and 1661.

A great deal of focus is placed on fire rated (FP) cables and their performance in fire, but very little attention is given to the cable fixings used to secure these cables. Given that FP cable is typically rated for operation in temperatures ranging from 850°C to 950°C then the use of plastic cable cleats or clamps is clearly inappropriate.

Even aluminium only has a melting point of 660˚C, which means it would fail to support FP cables in a fire.

Cable Cleats | Fire Resistant Cables

To counteract this shortcoming, Ellis manufactures the Phoenix range of clamps for use with FP cables. Independently tested by Exova Warrington fire and BRE, all products in the range are proven to perform to the same level as the FP cables ensuring continuous operation in the event of fire.

UV Resistance

While wholly metal cable cleats are impervious to UV attack, composite and polymer cable cleats can be at risk.

Ellis composite cable cleats such as Emperor, Vulcan and Atlas all have polymer liners, but are designed to be impervious to UV attack because the polymer is shielded by either the cable cleat’s body or the installed cables.

Polymer cable cleats that are likely to be exposed to UV should be supplied in materials containing carbon black or other UV stabilised material.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: All cable cleats supplied by Ellis Patents for applications involving UV are provided in UV resistant materials.

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Do Ellis & Thorne & Derrick provide any advice on cable cleat system designs?

As a cable cleat manufacturer, Ellis Patents do not offer advice on the design principles and choices between different types of cable installation. We will however provide expert advice on the suitability of particular cable cleats within any type of installation.

Flexible and Rigid Cable Installations

On most projects a major consideration is the constant movement of the cable due to thermo-mechanical effect. To accommodate this two principal types of installation design exist:

FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS – where the cables are “snaked” either vertically or horizontally. The cable can expand and contract freely between fixing points.

RIGID SYSTEMS – where the cables are rigidly fixed. The longitudinal thermo-mechanical force is withstood by the combination of the stiffness of the cable, the cable cleat reaction force and the rigidity of the support structure.

Cable cleats are designed to withstand the forces exerted by the cable in the ‘axial’ direction, this is relevant to both flexible and rigid systems. It is also important when the cables are installed vertically.

Flat, Trefoil and Quadrafoil Installations

Cable arrangements for three phase installations utilising single conductor cables are typically flat spaced, flat touching or trefoil.

The Wiring Regulations (BS7671) provides current ratings and voltage drop values for all these arrangements. It also contains information on grouping factors and spacing between circuits to achieve thermal independence.

Additionally, IET Guidance Note No. 6 delivers valuable advice on installation arrangements where there are multiple cables per phase.

An additional method for installing single-core cables is to use quadrafoil cable cleats where the neutral is bundled with the three phase conductors. In this arrangement, there is no advice in BS7671 but a report produced by ERA on behalf of Ellis delivered the following guidelines:

Current ratings, given in BS7671, for cables in touching trefoil formation are appropriate for cables in quad bundles

Derating factors, given in BS7671, for cables in touching trefoil formation are appropriate for cables in quad bundles

Voltage drops for circuits in quad formation should be calculated using the values tabulated in BS7671 for cables in flat touching formation

When considering multiple cables per phase, the advice given in Guidance Note No.6 for trefoil groups is applicable to quad bundles

The induced voltage in the neutral conductor of a quad group is minimal and can be ignored.

Quadrofoil Cable Cleats – Ellis Patents Vulcan Quad

How do I prevent thread galling when installing cable cleats?

Stainless steel fasteners have a propensity to “pick-up” when the two threaded surfaces slide against each other. If sufficient speed and pressure is applied to the sliding surfaces then they can weld themselves together – a phenomenon known as thread galling.

All stainless steel fixings will thread gall if there is sufficient friction.

To avoid thread galling, reduce the speed and downward pressure when closing fasteners and use lubrication where appropriate.

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THORNE & DERRICK

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

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

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

T&D Deliver Their Largest High Voltage Power Cable Cleat Order

Press Release | June 30th 2022

Thorne & Derrick, a Specialist Distributor for Ellis Patents, have delivered their largest contract to date to supply cable cleats to provide safety and reliability to high voltage power cable circuits.

The order includes a project total of over 10,000 units of their market-leader cable cleat, The Emperor. The cable cleats will be installed to provide the highest levels of short circuit protection to high voltage power cables. Following several client meetings, Thorne & Derrick were awarded the purchase contract despite market-wide challenges including raw material price volatility and supply chain strains.

This current project award is testament to our ability to utilise the in-house expertise of Ellis Patents to design project specific, bespoke solutions for customers on tight delivery schedules and builds upon recent project successes in the renewable, rail, data-centre and utility substation sectors.

“Emperor was preferred to competitors due to the products established track record and its evidenced compliance to the rigorous IEC 61914: 2015 standard. The ability to demonstrate product performance in similar harsh operating environments with past project references was critical. Ellis Patents have an international reputation to commit and meet customer delivery requirements – trust in the customer-supplier relationship was central to securing the business. We are now working with Ellis on several custom engineered cable clamps and support solutions – the commercial and technical support by Ellis Patents to Thorne & Derrick was outstanding and instrumental in securing this prestigious project order for both our companies,” comments Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick.

The Emperor of Cable Cleats

The Emperor is a heavy duty compact stainless steel cable cleat designed, developed, tested and manufactured in accordance with IEC 61914. The cleat is available in an extensive range of sizes with range taking ability to suit cables installed to containment in single or trefoil formation. The frame of the cleat is manufactured from corrosion resistant grade 316L stainless steel, the cable is supported by a liner manufactured form a low smoke zero halogen (LSOH) material. The closure fixings are manufactured from grade A4-70 stainless steel. The Emperor can be fixed to the supporting structure by either two M10 fixings or one M12 fixing. Non standard cleat designs can be supplied upon request.

ES Single Range | 32-150mm diameters with short-circuit test levels to 235kA at 225mm cleat spacings

ER Trefoil Range | 19-128mm diameters with short-circuit test levels to 195kA at 300mm cleat spacings

Cleating 3 Times Faster

Ellis Patents are an outstanding manufacturer innovator of products to drive down life cycle costs, including their Twist-Foot design of cable cleats which is typically 3 times faster to install than using conventional fixings.

Jonny Hewitt from Thorne & Derrick with Noman Shabir from Ellis Patents at the Dogger Bank – Meet The Buyer Event.

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

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