Blog
Hazardous Area Lighting Stock Investment by Thorne & Derrick
April 26th, 2022
Stocking Spartan
Customer service is the backbone of our business and it’s lifeblood is our ability to deliver correctly specified, competitively priced and certified products from stock.
To support increasing client demand we have now expanded and increased our stock levels of the SPARTAN range of Lighting for Hazardous Areas manufactured by Raytec – this enables us to satisfy emergency replacement, planned upgrade and project-scale orders from customers working in the explosive atmosphere industries.
We hold in stock an extensive range of standard and emergency light fittings certified according to ATEX to provide safe lighting in Zone 1/2 (Flammable Gas) and Zone 21/22 (Combustible Dust) explosive atmospheres.
Thorne & Derrick are your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas – this is underpinned by the day-to-day distribution of Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres to provide safe power, light, heat and ventilation.
We can specify and supply – our COMPEX Trained Sales Team are competent and conversant with ATEX Certification, DSEAR Compliance and the correct technical specification of products and equipment for installation in the hazardous area industries, from conventional oil/gas to biomass sectors.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint By Several Sustainable Shoe Sizes
Businesses are proactively aligning their hazardous area lighting upgrade with sustainability strategies to reduce carbon emissions and support ambitious carbon neutrality targets agreed by the EU in 2019 – the upgrade and investment in LED lighting by businesses in pursuit of zero emissions status by 2050 has led to several multinational companies to accelerate the replacement of now retrograde fluorescent type lights with modern-technology light-emitting diode (LED) light fittings.
In the drive to go green the fading glow of traditional light fittings is fastly being replaced by the brilliant “White Light” illumination of energy efficient, modern technology light-emitting diode (LED) lighting systems.
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, were voted Winners of the Award for ‘Best Customer Service’ at the annual HazardEx Gala Dinner on 6th October 2021. The competitive Award category at the prestigious event was for providing excellent customer service over the last two years.
Terry McDonald said, “It was an honour to collect the award for Excellence in Customer Service on behalf of Thorne & Derrick – we have a robust reputation for supporting our customers with the replacement and upgrade of end-of-life equipment to deliver significant operational safety and process improvements to their project or plant.
Lighting for Explosive Atmospheres
From stock, we can offer an extensive range of lighting products certified to provide safe and reliable light in explosive atmospheres, including Flammable Gas (Zone 1/2) and Vapour & Combustible Dust (Zone 21/22) according to ATEX UKEX Directive – this includes:
| SPARTAN Zone 1/21 Linear WL84 | ||
| SPX-WL84-T6 | SPARTAN Linear 2ft Light, T6, Zone 1/21, 2500lm | (2x18W / 2ft retrofit) |
| SPX-WL84-T6-EMX25 | SPARTAN Linear 2ft Light, T6, Zone 1/21, 2500lm- Emergency | (2x18W / 2ft retrofit) |
| SPARTAN Zone 2/22 Linear WL84 | ||
| SPZ-WL84 | SPARTAN Linear 2ft Light, Zone 2/22, 3400lm | (2x18W / 2ft retrofit) |
| SPZ-WL84-EMX25 | SPARTAN Linear 2ft Light, Zone 2/22, 3400lm- Emergency | (2x18W / 2ft retrofit) |
| SPARTAN Zone 1/21 Linear WL168 | ||
| SPX-WL168-T6 | SPARTAN Linear 4ft Light, T6, Zone 1/21, 5000lm | (2x36W / 4ft retrofit) |
| SPX-WL168-T6-EMX25 | SPARTAN Linear 4ft Light, T6, Zone 1/21, 5000lm- Emergency | (2x36W / 4ft retrofit) |
| SPARTAN Zone 2/22 Linear WL168 | ||
| SPZ-WL168 | SPARTAN Linear 4ft Light, Zone 2/22, 6800lm | (2x36W / 4ft retrofit) |
Thorne & Derrick
Specialist Electrical Distributors
Panels | Plugs | Isolators | Enclosures | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace | Gas Detection | Flame Detection | Process Instrumentation | Process Heating | Fans | Security Locking & Access Control
April 2022 VOLTS!
April 22nd, 2022
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.
pROJECTS & NEWS
Thorne & Derrick Secure New Renewable MV Cable Accessory Order
This month, Thorne & Derrick International were delighted to confirm receipt of a new purchase contract order for an offshore wind farm project – this is to supply 33kV Tee Connectors (Nexans Euromold) and Inline Cable Joints (3M ColdShrink) following several rounds of technical qualification, specification and commercial submissions.
Thorne & Derrick’s technical submission for the jointing of the 33kV cables was accepted by the Senior Lead Cable Specialist based upon their 3M QS2000 range – the cable joint designed utilises a unique Cold Shrink delivery system. The 3M Cold Shrink products are supplied pre-stretched on a removable core for efficiency and ease of installation by the jointer with an integral electrical field control device and faraday cage pre-installed in the insulation body to reduce complexity during the installation.
As Approved Vendors to Vattenfall, the Swedish multinational power company, Thorne & Derrick will be supplying a 33kV Inter-Array Cable Accessory Package including medium voltage joints, connectors and cable cleats to support the installation of 19/33 (36)kV Single Core Submarine Cable with 24 Fibres (IEC 60502-2). Read more here.
52kV Trackside Power
Pictured Termination: 3M 95EP-631-2 is a 52kV Single Core Outdoor Termination utilising QTIII Technology for 26/45(52) kV Cables. Here’s a pallet shot of a Network Rail project order we have shipped out from Thorne & Derrick in April. The 52kV Cable Terminations manufactured by 3M Electrical utilising their innovative Cold Shrink Technology are Network Rail (NR) certified and PADS Listed as meeting the requirements for installation on their electrical infrastructure.
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.
From stock, we deliver HV Terminations to trackside or turbine – whatever the industry, wherever the cable.
Further Reading: Joints & Terminations for Network Rail High Voltage Electrification Projects | PADS Approved
Preserving The Heritage
A heritage studio revived for the 21st Century
We are currently working on an exciting project with a heritage film studio, that is undergoing work to expand. The studio plans to expand the complex with new studios and workshops to bring it into modern times and continue use.
Thorne & Derrick are working with the client to provide cable protection and ducting solutions to assist with the expansion project.
Cable protection covers and underground warning tapes are installed over LV, MV and HV power cables in trench and ducted cable installations with high visibility colour providing a visual warning of danger when excavating cables.
Read more about Cable Protection
Thorne & Derrick also stock and distribute a range of cable ducting solutions that are independently certified to British and European Standards and are used extensively for LV, MV & HV substation, highways, housing developments, commercial, retail and industrial infrastructure applications. ➡ View the complete range of Cable Ducts to provide underground cable protection of low, medium and high voltage power cables (LV MV HV) including 11kV and 33kV cable ducting.
Technical Tips
Thorne & Derrick are the Specialist Distributor & Stockist for Alroc in the UK for their ranges of manual and motorised Cable Preparation & Jointing Tools for the removal and stripping of outer cable sheath, semi-conductor screen and insulation from LV, MV, HV and EHV power cables.
The ORACL manufactured by Alroc and supplied by Thorne & Derrick enables the cable jointer or user to longitudinally score the peelable semiconductive layer from medium/high voltage cables (typically 33kV up to 1000sqmm) in order to peel it off carefully by hand – this is a key stage of MV HV cable preparation prior to the installation of Power Cable Accessories including joints, terminations and connectors.
The ORACL screen scoring tool covers most “easy-strip” peelable semicon thicknesses by having adjustable scoring depths of 0.4, 0.6, 0.9 & 1.1mm – contact us for prices, stock availability or further information.
Anatomy of 33kV Cable
1 Aluminium Conductor with Water Blocking Protection | 2 Semiconducting Screen | 3 XLPE Insulation | 4 Semiconductng Screen | 5 Copper Wires Screen | 6 Copper Tape | 7 Water Blocking Tape | 8 PE Sheath
See Also from Alroc
- ALROC CWF3-60 – MV Peelable (Easy-Strip) Semicon Removal | Video
- ALROC CWB-18-60-MVS – MV Bonded Semicon Removal | Video
Stocked & Supplied by Thorne & Derrick
Featured Jointers
Read | Chris Barker |132kV Transition Cable Joint
Sector Spotlight
eXPLOSIVE aTMOSPHERES
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to the Oil & Gas industry of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – since 1985 we have worked closely with EPC’S, E&P and related companies ensuring the highest levels of safety, reliability and maintainability of LV HV cable and power systems.
T&D hold the largest European stocks of 3M Hazardous Area Cable Accessories LV HV – this includes Cold Shrink and Scotchcast joints, terminations and abandonment kits for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres up to 33kV.
Specialist Cable Joint & Repair Systems include submersible, hydrocarbon and fire resistant solutions for marine and offshore power, control and instrumentation cables.
We provide expert technical support and supply from a multi-million pound stock holding:
- Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors
- Earthing & Lightning Protection
- Cable Accessories – Lugs & Glands
- Circuit Protection & Fuses
- Cable Cleats & Clamps
- Electrical Safety Equipment
- Cable Pulling & Laying Equipment
- Arc Flash Protection & Clothing
- Cable Duct Seals & Transit Systems
- Surge Arresters & Bushings
- Overhead Line & Substation Power Products
Selected Article | Repairing Damaged Cables, Cable Sheath & Jackets
Supporting Articles
- Submersible Cable Repair | Repair Damaged Offshore Firepump Cables
- Cable Repair Tape & Heat Shrink Sleeve From 3M Electrical For VFD Cables
- How To Abandon Cables Using 3M Cold Shrink Cable Abandonment Kits CSCAK
- 3M Cold Shrink Tubes For Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) Cable Repair
Shelf-to-Shelf
This April we shipped-out 50+ Resin-type low voltage power and instrumentation cable joints with hydrocarbon resistant Scotchcast resin suitable for installation in Zone 1/2 flammable gas atmospheres according to ATEX Directive – picked from the Bristol warehouse shelf destined overnight to the continental shelf of the North Sea.
If you need to joint, to terminate or to connect LV or HV cables, either onshore or offshore, whatever the cable, wherever the location: Thorne & Derrick can help.
Scotchcast Stocks | Jointing Systems for all types of Industrial Cables
Industry event
Dogger Bank Wind Farm: Meet the Buyer event
Jonathan Hewitt, Key Account Sales Engineer at Thorne & Derrick, enjoyed attending the Dogger Bank Wind Farm ‘Meet the Buyer Event’ organised by NOF. The event included presentations by Dogger Bank, Port of Tyne and North Star Renewables. The networking lunch and one-to-one meetings created a great opportunity to meet project managers and stakeholders to learn more about opportunities within the project.
About the Event
Dogger Bank Wind Farm and its Tier 1 Contractors are committed to the development and growth of a competitive UK supply chain. The meet the buyer event was held to showcase contract opportunities during the operations of this flagship UK development.
More about Dogger Bank
The Dogger Bank O&M Base is being constructed at the Port of Tyne and is due to be completed in Q4 2022. The project is the UK’s first HVDC connected wind farm and will feature the world’s first unmanned HVDC offshore platforms. North Star Renewables has been contracted to provide four Service Operation Vessels to the project. One rotation of GE’s Haliade-X turbine can power a UK household for two days. 277 units of the 13MW and 14MW turbines will be used on Dogger Bank.
Dogger Bank is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Eni (20%).
Jonny Hewitt from Thorne & Derrick with Noman Shabir from Ellis Patents at the Dogger Bank – Meet The Buyer Event.
Top of The Posts
Prize Draw!
This month we are hosting a prize draw to win a PFISTERER special edition Centenary Book. We are delighted to celebrate 100 years of PFISTERER with the history of their role in the energy industry, dating back to 1921. Connecting power for the future.
Enter the prize draw here
PFISTERER meets future challenges with the knowledge that comes from one hundred years of experience. This expertise has developed continuously with advances in technology. Numerous innovations and patents continuously drive our growth with further investment in R&D planned for 2022 and beyond. Read more about our established relationship: Thorne & Derrick | Product Training With PFISTERER
Jobs
Meet Mane
Mane Contract Services are committed to working with their client partners to help create a greener and cleaner future. For over 20 years, they have provided project staffing solutions to the complete project lifecycle across all Energy sources. Mane have an extensive project and client portfolio across both cable manufacturing & installation, working across UK, EMEA, APAC and USA.
Stephen Stuart and his team at Mane and they are looking to expand their network within the Wind Energy Industry;
– HV Engineering & Installation – 33kV, 132kV, 155kV, 220kV, 400kV
– Commissioning Engineering / Commissioning Management
– Installation Management & Package Management
– Grid Connection and Cable Installation
– Project Management / Construction Management
– Client Representation
– Site Management & Support
– Document Control & Management
– Project Planning / Scheduling– Project Controls Management
– Health & Safety Management
If you are recruiting for yourself or looking for a new career move within the Renewables sector then please get in touch +44 (0) 1923 470 724 or email: [email protected]
For more information – visit their jobs page; https://www.mane.co.uk/energy/
With a network of international offices around the world and a large dedicated team of specialist Account Managers and Head Hunters, Mane are well placed to support your career development or recruitment requirements around the globe.
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.
Volts! Archive
Tools for Stripping MV & HV Peelable Semicon Screened Cables
April 21st, 2022
Alroc ORACL Tool
Screen Scoring Tools
Alroc manufacture a range of cable jointing tools for the removal and stripping of outer cable sheath, semi-conductor screen and insulation from LV, MV, HV and EHV power cables – this includes precision engineered manual and motorised cable installation and preparation tools for Power, Transmission & Distribution cables.
The ORACL by Alroc enables the cable jointer or user to longitudinally score the peelable semiconductive layer from medium/high voltage cables (typically 33kV) in order to peel it off carefully by hand – this is a key stage of MV HV cable preparation prior to the installation of Power Cable Accessories including joints, terminations and connectors.
The Screen Scoring Tool has an adjustable scoring depth of four different lengths (0.4 / 0.6 / 0.9 / 1.1 mm) and is lightweight in design.
Screen Scoring Tool Capacity
- Diameter: 10 – 100 mm or 0,394 – 3,937 inch
- Scoring Depth: 0.4 / 0.6 / 0.9 / 1.1 mm or 0.016 / 0.024 / 0.035 / 0.043 inch
- Min Remaining Length: 10mm
Spare Part
LSO – Spare blade for peelable semiconductor
Associated Tool
DSP – Peelable semiconductor lifter
MVS – Stop for tools
Screen Scoring Tool Dimensions
- Length: 135 mm
- Width: 55 mm
- Height: 35 mm
- Weight Without Box: 0,16 Kg
- Packaging: Box
| Part Number | Diameter | Tool Capacity | Dimensions | Packaging | |||
| Scoring Depth | Min Remaining Length | Length | Width | Height | |||
| Alroc ORACL | 10 – 100 mm or 0,394 – 3,937 inch | 0.4 / 0.6 / 0.9 / 1.1 mm or 0.016 / 0.024 / 0.035 / 0.043 inch | 10mm | 135 mm 5,315 in |
55 mm 2,165 in |
35 mm 1,378 in |
Box |
Thorne & Derrick | Stockists & Distributors for the Alroc Range of Cable Jointing & Preparation Tools
Contact us with your Enquiry.
Thorne & Derrick protect substation engineers, asset managers, SAPS, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and safety equipment: this includes insulating gloves, 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 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.
Conductor Repairs | CatchBlock OHL Catenary Roller From Slingco
April 20th, 2022
CatchBlock
Conductor Repairs
CatchBlock OHL Catenary Roller From Slingco
Slingco has developed a range of products to vastly improve conductor replacement. The Catchblock, the Conductor Replacement Roller (CRR) and our range of specialist cable socks and grips.
The challenges faced by the OHL (Overhead Line) industry due to the growing number of electrical infrastructure projects built beneath existing transmission and distribution networks – alongside increasingly stringent OHL regulations – can make maintenance costly, time-consuming and challenging.
Replace OHL conductor in half the time with no need for possession orders
CatchBlock
Lightweight, robust and easy to deploy, CatchBlock helps to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
CatchBlock is an innovative overhead line (OHL) catenary roller system.
A two-rope system, allowing the replacement of old-for-new conductors. In the event of conductor failure during this process, Catchblock enables the recovery of both ends without having to lower the system.
Removes the need to erect and dismantle scaffolding, significantly reduces the risk of accidents and harm to site workers and reduces cost and project timeframe.
Designed to deploy a twin-rope system, it allows the recovery and redeployment of broken conductors without the need to take possession of road/rail or client/third party property or infrastructure.
CatchBlock Features & Benefits
- Removes the need to close down essential infrastructure for conductor repairs or in the event of an emergency
- Cuts down the need for scaffolding, reducing accident risk
- Lightweight, robust, weatherproof and easy to deploy
- Twin rope system allows for recovery and redeployment
- Flexible – CatchBlock isn’t specific to a single tug design
- High conductor range, including the ability to allow mid-span joints/repair sleeves to pass through safely
- Blocks can be connected for use on multiple bundle conductor systems
Conductor Replacement Roller (CRR)
Provides a simple, conductor-deployed protection system using a lightweight aramid rope.
The CRR unit enables the safe exchange of conductors in three easy steps:
- Laying out the pulling cable, e.g. with an electric pulling robot.
- Tensioning the CRR Block assembly.
- Feeding a new conductor through the cable pulleys of the CRR Block.
The rollers have a spring loaded gripping feature to secure the rope laterally without impinging any rotational movement as the rollers rotate around the axis of the conductor.
CABLE SOCKS & PULLING PRODUCTS LV MV HV
Complete range of LV, MV and HV cable pulling products for installation and enabling cable jointing in trench or ducts including LV, 11kV/33kV medium voltage (MV), 66kV/132kV high voltage (HV) and EHV transmission and distribution cables up to 400kV.
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors.
We service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.
➡ See Also Further Reading
- Cable Laying, Installation & Support Products | MV HV Windfarm
- Thorne & Derrick Appointed Approved Stockist for UK Leading Cable Pulling Equipment Manufacturer
- NOF Members Thorne & Derrick and Slingco Ltd Supporting Cables in the Offshore Wind Industry
Earlier this year, Thorne & Derrick welcomed Phil Day from Slingco Limited, the world-leading manufacturer of cable pulling and support socks, swivels, cable protectors, wire rope assemblies and accessories. Phil provided an Offshore Wind focussed company presentation to our Sales Team (pictured left-to-right Sarah Henderson, Carl Cox, Jonathan Hewitt, Phil Day, Jeff Jhanke, Natalie Lundie and Chris Dodds.
Cable Rollers | Duct Rods | Cable Socks | Cable Lubricant | Duct Seals | Cable Duct
Arc Flash Risk In Wind Turbine Renewables?
April 19th, 2022
- Special thanks to MD at Electrical Safety UK for the kind permission to republish
Arc Flash
Deputy MD, Paul Hopton, outlines the additional considerations in a wind turbine environment and highlights the potential consequences of arc flash incidents.
Wind Turbines
There have been a number of arc flash incidents and accidents reported on wind turbines. The arc flash hazards are similar for wind turbines as for other types of electrical installation. There are however some other things to consider with a wind turbine application:
- Wind turbines are often in remote locations, potentially making emergency response more difficult and slower e.g. offshore; on higher ground; away from centres of population
- Access and egress can be difficult due to the space restrictions within the turbine as well as the height of the turbine
- A fire can be started by an arc flash event, escape from any fire can be more difficult due to the access and egress difficulties
- Incident energy levels can be relatively high due to the high fault levels associated with the connection of the wind farm to the extra high voltage network
Wind turbine damaged by Arc Flash
Let’s look at some of the accidents and incidents that have been reported1:
- In Palm Springs, California in 2000 an operator suffered severe burns from electrical fault in a fuse holder. Hospitalised for 10 days with second- and third-degree burns.
- In Byron, California in 2003 an employee was performing a manual switching operation on a pad-mounted electrical transformer. An explosion occurred during the switching operation. The employee died the following day from injuries sustained in the explosion.
- In Schaller, Iowa in 2004 firemen climbed a 213 feet tower to rescue two electrical workers following a fire. Fire started following refit and testing of components.
- In Norfolk, England in 2008 A worker was treated in hospital for burns caused by an electrical flash while working to repair the shore cables.
- In Minnesota, USA in 2008 a man was burned while working on a wind turbine. The man sustained a severe electrical burn on his left arm.
- In 2009, work was being carried out in the bottom power cabinet of a wind turbine in the United States. The individual was checking electrical connections when he came into contact with a busbar and an arc flash occurred, causing injury. The individual was hospitalised but later died of his injuries.
- In Alcala, Spain in 2009 two electrical fires were reported on the same day on a wind farm.
- In Pampilhosa Mountains, Portugal in 2009 one person killed and two injured in an electrical discharge. Two maintenance workers were electrocuted and badly injured after an incident with a high voltage line. The men suffered severe burns to their arms and legs.
- Outland Renewable Services were issued six citations for wilful safety violations after a wind farm technician suffered severe burns from an electrical arc flash on 20th 2010, at the Iberdrola Streator Cayuga Ridge South Wind Farm near Odell. The company faced penalties of $378,000. The citations were issued for exposing maintenance technicians to electrical hazards from the unexpected energisation of transformers in three wind turbine towers. They failed to ensure that technicians working in the towers applied their own isolation devices to switch gear at ground level. The injured worker suffered third degree burns to his neck, chest and arms, and second degree burns to his face as a result of an arc flash that occurred when a transformer was unexpectedly energised by another worker.
- In Nova Scotia, Canada in 2010 there was an electrical fire in a panel.
- In Shangyi County, Northern China in 2011 three wind workers killed while installing and testing a wind turbine. One worker suffered an electric shock in the nacelle. The other two workers were badly injured from the resulting fire and died later in hospital.
- In Nova Scotia, Canada in 2011 an electrical problem was the likely cause of a fire that completely burnt out a turbine.
- In 2012, a wind turbine in Germany caught fire. The fire started in the Harmonic Filter Cabinet as a result of a loose connection in the electrical system that created an arc flash.
- In 2012 a nacelle fire on a wind turbine in Spain was started by an arc flash. An employee, carrying out maintenance in the control cabinet in the nacelle, suffered burns to hands and face and was rushed to hospital in the incident.
- In Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland in 2013; substantial blaze blamed on an electrical fault. Fire crews were at the site for six hours.
- In Texas, USA in 2013 a wind turbine fire, fire investigators believe the turbine either had an electrical malfunction or a bearing that overheated.
- Two fatalities occurred in October 2013 in the Netherlands. Two personnel carrying out routine maintenance 80 meters above the ground were trapped by a fire. The Netherlands Times reported that, because of the height, the fire department initially had trouble extinguishing the fire. The fire broke out in the afternoon but help in the form of a large crane did not come until the evening. A short circuit was deemed to be the cause of the accident, but presumably because of the fire damage it was difficult to determine the cause of the fire.
- In Meinersen, Germany in 2015 a wind turbine fire. A fire in an electrical distribution box in a turbine. The fire was within the tower and was successfully extinguished after 4 hours.
- In Uedem, Germany in 2016 a fire caused by electric arcing during maintenance work in the nacelle housing burned two of three technicians present. All three escaped however two technicians were injured – one badly burned. The fire completely engulfed the nacelle and burned for 3.5 hours.
- In 2018 in Maine, USA fire destroyed key parts of a 9-year-old wind turbine. The turbine’s nacelle, which houses the generator and other key mechanical components was where the fire broke out. An engineer from the turbine manufacturer concluded that the turbine experienced “an arc flash,” that led to the electrical fire. The turbine maintenance was up to date however, the root cause of the arc flash remains unknown.
- In Ipswich, USA in 2018 an electrical fire. The employee involved reported that he had no fire extinguisher available to fight the fire.
- In Lackawanna, NY, USA in 2018 police and fire crews had to respond to electric arcing from wind turbine equipment on a 480 Volt line.
- In North Fork, NY, USA a wind turbine fire blamed on an electrical fault.
What about the Arc Flash hazard?
Looking at the incidents and accidents above, arc flash hazard and fires due to electrical faults are happening on Wind Turbines.
Here at Electrical Safety UK, we have carried out Arc Flash studies on a number of Wind Farms.
Does a typical wind farm installation differ much from other industrial type installations?
In general, the high voltage (HV) network that the wind turbines are connected to have incident energy levels well above 8 cal/cm2. The main reason for this is that the power distribution network that wind farm is connected to, can supply a significant amount of arc fault current into an arc flash event on the HV network.
We find a similar effect with conventional power stations that tend to have elevated levels of incident energy due to the fault levels available from their grid connection as well as their generators.
Interestingly, the contribution to fault levels from the wind turbines themselves is limited, as there is a solid-state conversion between the generator and the rest of the network.
If you would like more information or help in carrying out an Arc Flash Study, why not get in touch with us, using the form below? There is no charge for our initial pre-assessment visit. We would be happy to come and see you to discuss your requirements and, if required, provide you with a fixed price proposal for an Arc Flash study.
(References: Caithness wind farm Forum, http://www.caithnesswindfarms.co.uk/)
Electrical Safety Management is our core business. We provide expert consultancy and advice services for blue chip organisations across Europe concerned with the safe management of risk associated with all electrical work activities.
Electrical Safety UK provide a multi-faceted holistic approach including a full electrical safety management programme, project management and policy documentation all bespoke to the client’s requirements including fully accredited and bespoke training courses and personnel assessment programmes.
2 Genesis Business Park
Sheffield Road
Rotherham
S60 1DX
Tel: 0800 652 1124
Tel: 01709 961 666
Email: [email protected]
To find out more information click here
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.
