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ICP Showcase | Smith Brothers Ltd

Pictured: Class-leading workmanship and Jointer competency demonstrated in the installation of NKT separable connectors shown here terminating medium voltage power cables at 33kV into Siemens 132-33kV 130MVA power transformer.

Project | Lucite (Billingham)

Sector | Chemical Manufacturing

Date | November 2011

Smith Brothers Ltd is a large, turnkey electrical contractor with over 20 years’ experience. Since their inception in 1999, they have worked on a vast portfolio of projects throughout the UK and overseas, both as an ICP and EPC contractor on schemes up to 132kV. Offering a range of services and can cater for everything from the delivery of a turnkey project – including design, the supply and commissioning of equipment and cabling installations from LV up to 132,000 volts (220,000V in ROI).

Jointing & Cabling Services

Cable and jointing services provided by Smith Brothers Ltd including cable management, installations and fault finding.

• Cable Jointing | Turnkey installation – cable management, joints and terminations, cable ladder racking, cable tray and basket systems civil works and cable pulling
• Cable Testing | Certified testing with HV pressure testing up to 80,000 volts (80kV) DC and VLF testing up to 94,000 volts (94kV)
• Cable Fault Location | Cable and fault location, identification and cable spiking
• Energisation | Network switch-ons – trained and certified to act as an authorised person for switching on client networks and projects

Services by Smith Brothers

• Cabling & Jointing
• Containerised Substations
• Extra High Voltage (EHV)
• Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC)
• Emergency Callouts
• Industrial, Commercial, Manufacturing
• Maintenance & New connections
• Onshore & Offshore Jointing
• Optical Fibre Installation
• Power System Design
• Switchgear & Transformers
• Testing & Commissioning

Nov 2020 | Lower Strensham – Western Power Distribution (WPD). Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd was commissioned by Next Energy to provide turnkey electrical engineering services for the development of a 125-acre solar farm in Strensham, Worcestershire.

Dec 2020 | The Grange – Western Power Distribution (WPD). Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd was commissioned by Next Energy to provide turnkey electrical engineering services for the development of a 125-acre solar farm in Strensham, Worcestershire.

Nov 2016 | Western Power Distribution (WPD) – North Steads Wind Farm – Northern Power Grid (NPG) 33kV Loop In Loop Out.

Smith Brothers was employed by I & H Browns to undertake the balance of plant electrical works of North Steads Wind Farm. This 18MW Wind Farm development consists of nine Senvion 2.05MW turbines which are connected to NPG’s 66kV network, The contract covered the following scope of works:

Design, supply, installation and commissioning of the electrical equipment within the substation building, including:

• 66kV ceiling end structure
• 24MVA ABB power transformer 66/33kV ONAF c/w neutral earthing resistor
• 33kV wind farm array switchboard -ZABB ZX02
• AUX transformer with LV auto/changeover switchboard
• Design, supply, installation and commissioning of the 33kV wind farm array cables between the substation and the nine wind turbines
• Design, supply, installation and commissioning of the fibre optic cables interconnecting the wind turbines
• Installation and commissioning of the Senvion’s free-issue SCADA equipment, installed within the SCADA room of the substation building
• Testing and Commissioning of the protection interfaces with NPG
• Design, supply, installation and commissioning of the substation small power and lighting
• Energisation of the wind farm site

LV MV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

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

BOOK REVIEW | The European Arc Flash Guide By Mike Frain CEng FIET MCMI

The European Arc Flash Guide

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

The European Arc Flash Guide

By MIKE FRAIN CEng FIET MCMI

This publication is a must-read book which provides a practical approach to the management of arc flash risk in electrical power systems for designers, duty holders, consultants, service providers and health and safety specialists.

An arc flash can cause minor injuries, third degree burns and potential death as well as other injuries including blindness, hearing loss, nerve damage and cardiac arrest.

Purchase your copy today by clicking the BUY NOW on the image below.

Overview

This book is essential reading for anyone responsible for designing or putting workers to task on, or near, large power electrical systems. This is especially relevant where local health and safety law uses a risk-based approach to electrical safety such as in Europe.

It is based upon a bedrock of risk management methodology using the 4Ps of Predict, Prevent, Process & Protect to ensure that arc flash hazards are systematically identified, analysed, and prevented from causing harm.

Each of the 4Ps are described in detail starting with a quantitative prediction of harm from the arc flash hazard and then a separate chapter on prevention based upon practical measures to avoid or minimise harm set against a hierarchy of risk control measures.

The chapter on process, policy and procedures gives advice on a methodical approach to creating rules and ensuring competence. Finally, the chapter on protection describes, as a last resort, how personal protective equipment can be selected, used, and maintained.

This book is packed with the fruits of the author’s vast experience and there is a chapter dedicated to myths and mysteries as well as separate chapters for electrical utilities, duty holders, service providers, contractors, legislation, and data collection.

Book Details

• ISBN-10: 1982284064
• Publisher: Balboa Press UK
• Publication date: 20^th September 2021
• Pages: 306
• Dimensions: 59(w) x 27.94(h) x 2.11(d)

Available from: Amazon, Balboa Press and Barnes & Noble

Chapters

Introduction

• 1 Purpose and Scope
• 2 What is Arc Flash?
• 3 Risk Assessments and the Four P Guide
• 4 Prediction
• 5 Prevention & Minimisation
• 6 Process, Policies & Procedures
• 7 Protection
• 8 Data Collection
• 9 Electrical Duty Holders
• 10 Service Providers and Contractors
• 11 Electrical Utilities
• 12 Myths & Mistakes
• 13 Complex Software Guide
• 14 Hazard & Severity Calculators
• 15 Why Do Arc Flash Calculations?
• 16 Rules, Codes & Legislation

The Online European Arc Guide

The Online European Arc Flash Guide

Whilst the book gives you the how to manage arc flash risk, the online European Arc Guide gives you the tools to carry it out. It’s accessible from phones, tablets, and laptops which provides the tools and together with the book is a practical and valuable resource to discover and manage dangerous levels of electrical incident energy in the workplace. Click the link here – www.ea-guide.com

About The Author Mike Frain

Mike Frain is an expert for the BSI live working technical committee TC78, Convenor for the IEC arc flash working group, Project Team Leader for the IEC arc flash guidance for end users project team, vice chair of the IET Engineering Safety Policy Panel and heads up the IET arc flash working group. He has extensive experience delivering electrical safety consultancy and arc flash system studies throughout Europe and beyond for large blue-chip organisations.

MIKE FRAIN CEng FIET MCMI

• IEC Convenor for the Arc Flash Working Group
• IEC Team Leader for PT 902 Arc Flash Guidance
• BSI Expert for Technical Committee 78 Live Working
• IET Vice Chair of the Engineering Safety Policy Panel

ARC FLASH CLOTHING

Stockists & Suppliers

ProGARM is a specialist UK Arc Flash Garment and Accessories manufacturer, delivering the ultimate in arc flash protective clothing without compromising on comfort – Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery for the complete range of ProGarm arc flash clothing designed to protect people and save lives. ProGarm offer a wide range of mens and womens arc flash garments providing comfortable protection to our clients in the LV HV Electrical Power & Substation sectors of the onshore and offshore renewable, rail, utility, data-centre and energy storage sectors.

Arc Flash | Polo Shirts |  | Coveralls |  | Sweatshirts | Helmets | Insulating Gloves

THORNE & DERRICK | SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS | MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales | Nexans Euromold MONO JTS | Pfisterer Connex | 3M Cold Shrink

Cleaning Wipes & Solutions for Low & High Voltage Switchgear

HYSO QD

HYSO QD from Socomore is the former PF-QD manufactured by PT Technologies Europe – HYSO QD is a quick drying residue free manual cleaning solvent for surface cleaning and degreasing in manufacture, maintenance and fabrication activities. HYSO QD removes general soils, oils, greases and combustion residues.

Features & Benefits of HYSO QD

• Low odour, fast evaporating cleaning solvent
• Suitable for use in poorly ventilated or confined spaces
• Leaves no residue after complete evaporation
• Non corrosive to metal such as copper, aluminium, magnesium and stainless steel
• Compatible with resins, plastics and elastomeric rubbers
• Available in liquid and pre-saturated on low lint wipes such as SOCOSAT 15233 – a cloth compliant to AMS 3819C qualification requirements
• Pre-saturated wipe system eliminates the hazardous storage, transport and logistical issues of loose flammable liquids

HYSO QD is a fast evaporating and odourless solvent for zero residue cleaning and degreasing of low and high voltage switchgear. A non corrosive electrical cleaning solvent on metal such as copper, aluminium, magnesium and stainless steel – suitable for use on metal and painted switchgear surfaces. Compatible with resins, plastics and elastomeric rubbers, the low surface tension provides excellent wetting action, even with difficult plastics.

HYSO QD is suitable for a variety of LV-HV switchgear cleaning applications, in general and specific niche industries such as aerospace and power.

* Switchgear cleaning and maintenance
* Surface cleaning and preparation
* Removing petroleum based oils
* General cleaning and degreasing in manufacture, fabrication and maintenance applications

HYSO QD has additional worker benefits along with its impressive compatibility and cleaning abilities : quick drying, non toxic, has a low skin irritation potential and as it is odourless, eliminates strong smells in the workplace – especially important for those working in confined spaces on low and high voltage switchgear and cabinets.

Switchgear Cleaning Guidance

1. Apply a thin film of cleaning solvent using the liquid or impregnated wipe.
2. Allow 1-2 minutes for surface action to dislodge switchgear contaminants.
3. Wipe off with the same wipe or with a clean, dry lint free cloth (recommended). Repeated use of the impregnated cleaning wipe without further solvent addition is possible until the cleaning wipe becomes saturated with contaminant.

See Also | PF Wipes Cable Cleaning Solvents & Products

Techlube | Market-leading Cable Pulling Lubricant

Cable Pulling & Cleaning Products

Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading stockist and supplier of Cable Pulling & Cable Laying Equipment for the installation of underground land and subsea power cables and overhead lines up to 400kV – the products support cable pulling teams to install LV MV HV cables into trench, cable duct, risers and all forms of cable containment.

T&D distribute the complete range of LV-HV Cable Pulling and Laying Equipment including cable rollers, cable socks, cable jacks, cable drum trailers, cable lubricant, underground cable protection and conduit duct rod.

Heat Shrink Terminations | Tracking on Medium Voltage Cable Terminations

By Stephen Harrison | Training & Technical Manager Current Training Service Pty Ltd

Terminations for MV Power Cables

The image shows a shed (rain shed) – this is a heat shrink moulded part and component of standard medium voltage cable terminations. The installed rain shed is in operation on a 33kV indoor installation – tracking and discharging can be seen on the outside of the shed (rain shed) element of the cable termination and if left unchecked this will eventually cause the MV cable to fail in the field. At 33kV (Um 36kV) this cable termination was suffering a tough time whilst in service and it was eventually pulled out of operation after the discharge was identified. The discharge and tracking can be seen between the surface of the anti-tracking tube and the shed (rain shed) collar which is due to poor installation by the cable jointer. Sheds (rain sheds) must be shrunk down with collar connecting to the anti-tracking tubes evenly. If in doubt how and where the shed (rain shed) is to be installed, refer to manufacturer’s instructions.

Thorne & Derrick | Distributors of Medium Voltage Joints, Terminations & Connectors

3M Electrical | Nexans Euromold | Pfisterer CONNEX | Main UK Stockists

Techlube | Cable Pulling Lubricants for Power & Telecom Cables

Cable Pulling Lubricants | Techlube

Cable Pulling Lubricants

Techlube by Socomore

Techlube is a range of water-based underground Power & Communication cable pulling lubricants designed to provide superior friction reduction and reduce the risk of cable damage during cable installation, which is the primary cause of 90% of cable damage.

All Techlube cable lubricants share similar chemistries and characteristics:

• ‘Cling & String’ consistency of Techlube ensures strong adhesion to the duct wall/ cable
• Perfect adhesion to cable in wet weather
• Resistance to wash off, allowing lubrication even in flooded ducts
• Slow drying, leaving a thin film which keeps its lubricating potential assisting with cable pulls to the same duct, preventing ‘cementing’ of the cable
• Substantially biodegradable* & non-flammable
• Water polymer lubricants with low conductivity

Cable Lubricants By Socomore

Cable Pulling Lubricant Product Benefits

• Reduced friction & risk of damage
• Compatible with cable jackets & jointing accessories
• Regular pulling tension
• Temperature stability
• Retains lubricating potential
• Improved efficiency
• Environmentally responsible
• Several formulations available

Friction Reduction

The ability to reduce friction between the cable jacket and the conduit provides the means to evaluate performance of cable lubricants.

Friction Theory:

The coefficient of friction, µ is a dimensionless value that is a proportionality constant between the frictional force, F, and the normal force, N.
µ=F/N
µ_s : the static coefficient of friction, is defined as the minimal force required to start an object in motion divided by the normal force.
µ_k :the kinetic coefficient of friction, is defined as the minimal force required to keep an object in motion divided by the normal force.

Note: laboratory measured coefficients may not be accurate when used to predict actual cable pulling tensions.

Compatibility 

Techlube does not contain any salt, detergent, paraffin or grease which can degrade cable jackets or cause hot spots, and has passed compatibility testing with materials commonly used in power cable accessories, joints & cable jackets including HDPE, LLDPE, Natural Rubber, CPE, CSPE, EPR, XLPE, PVC and Neoprene.

Cable Pulling Lubricants Techlube Range

*Excluding microspheres in Techlube M

Directions For Use

Techlube products are easy to apply through a variety of methods:

• Hand
• Manual Pouring
• Pumping
• Cone Feeder Systems

Recommended Cable Pulling Lubricant Quantity

These quantities are given for reference and guidance only. Every installation is different depending on complexity, route, cable and duct variables.

• For plastic conduit (PVC, Polyethylene) use the following equation:
  Q = 0.0064 x L x D (HD, PHD, MULTI)
  Q = 0.0080 x L x D (FO)
  Q = 0.0004 x L x D (M)
• For multiple concrete, clay tile, fibre cement, fibre filled & wooden conduit use the following equation:
  Q = 0.0098 x L x D (HD, PHD, MULTI)
  Q = 0.0120 x L x D (FO)
  Q= 0.0006 x L x D (M)

Q = Quantity of Techlube
L = The total length of the pull in meters
D = The inside diameter of the conduit in centimeters

Physical Properties

Appearance: Viscous liquid
VOC: 0% or O g/1
PH: >=5.0 – <8.0

Health & Safety

• Substantially biodegradable*, non-toxic & water-based
• Non-flammable
• Not irritating to the skin under normal use
• No unpleasant odour
• Protective clothing not required under normal use
• No threat to the environment

Temperature Stability

Standard grade Techlube will not lose performance qualities in hot weather or after undergoing freeze/thaw cycles.

Clean Up

Good working practice in accordance with local & EU regulations.

Standard Packaging

• 20 litre buckets / 24 buckets per pallet
• 1 litre bottles (PHD only)/ 12 bottles per case/ 36 cases per pallet
• 2 litre pre-lube bags (HD only) / 10 bags per bucket

Storage & Shelf-Life

Store tightly sealed in adequately ventilated premises. Shelf life is one year from the manufacturing date.

General Requirements for Cable Lubricants

• Cable & Duct Compatibility: prolonged exposure to the lubricant should not adversely affect the cable or duct performance for the life of the cable
• Friction Reduction: the initial installation should not expose the cable to excessive pulling forces or generate damaging heating effects and when completely dried, the lubricant should not ‘cement’ the cable in place
• Environmental Safety: the chemical consistency of the lubricant should not adversely affect the users or environment into which it is placed
• Fire Resistance: the lubricant deposits should not continually burn or spread a flame along the length of the duct/ cable
• Electrical Considerations: the lubricant should not affect the volume resistivity of the semi-conducting cable jacket when used in conjunction with power cables

The below video shows the Socomore Techlube HD heavy duty water-based cable pulling lubricant in use. Suitable for underground cable installations and is designed for heavy power and difficult cable routes and pulls (LV HV).

Cable lubricants manufactured by Socomore are recommended when installing LV-HV power, fibre optic and telecoms cables into cable duct.

CABLE PULLING & CLEANING PRODUCTS

Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading stockist and supplier of Cable Pulling & Cable Laying Equipment for the installation of underground land and subsea power cables and overhead lines up to 400kV – the products support cable pulling teams to install LV MV HV cables into trench, cable duct, risers and all forms of cable containment.

T&D distribute the complete range of LV-HV Cable Pulling and Laying Equipment including cable rollers, cable socks, cable jacks, cable drum trailers, cable lubricant, underground cable protection and conduit duct rod.