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Quad Cable Cleats By CMP
June 30th, 2021
CMP Launches
New Quad Cable Cleat Range
Leading cable gland and cable cleat manufacturer, CMP Products, has launched its new quad cable cleat range ‘Saturn’ (QSDSS), which allows cables to be safely installed in quad formation. Designed and developed by CMP’s in-house R&D team, the Saturn Quad cleat has a market-leading high short circuit rating of 152kA and has undergone stringent third party testing and certification to produce one of the strongest cleats and clamps of its kind.
Quad Cable Cleats – CMP Saturn
CMP Cable Cleats
All of CMP’s cable cleats are manufactured with safety as a priority for both end-user and project infrastructure. The Saturn cleats safely restrain single cables in quad (also known as quadrafoil or quatrefoil) formation, whilst protecting the integrity of the cables and cable management system in the event of a short circuit fault condition.
The new quad cable cleat range has a compact design for space constrained-projects and is manufactured in the UK using 316L stainless steel. This provides superior strength and excellent corrosion resistance, making the quad cleat suitable for some of the harshest environments.
Designed to restrain cables across a range of industries including datacentres, rail, energy and more, the Saturn has been third party certified in accordance with IEC 61914:2015.
The Venus has a high short circuit rating of 135kA and can be installed in a range of applications where quadruplex cable is fitted. CMP has also developed the ‘Venus’ (QPSS) cable cleat, which is manufactured with an integrated C-clamp and bolt; providing installers with versatility of installation.
Quad Cable Cleats – CMP Venus
Lee Frizzell, Technical Director at CMP said: “In a space-sensitive but safety-conscious industry, the Saturn series offers a compact solution, whilst maintaining an incredibly high level of restraint, demonstrated by robust third-party testing.
“We have listened to our customer’s needs, producing a cable cleat that provides both safety and reliability. The demand for cable cleats is constantly growing as their essential role in cable management systems becomes increasingly recognised.”
LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
THORNE & DERRICK 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
Arc Flash Risks In The Rail Industry
June 30th, 2021
Arc Flash Risks
A Guide to Arc Flash Risks in the Rail Industry from ProGARM
Arc Flash risks are becoming more widely recognised as a specific cause for concern to those working in the rail industry, over and above general electrical incidents, although there is still work to do on raising awareness of the Arc Flash risks in the rail industry.
An Arc Flash incident can occur any time people are working with electrical components. For the rail industry there are particular risks around working with electrical services and also when breaking ground.
WHAT ARE THE ARC FLASH RISKS TO THE RAIL INDUSTRY?
Clearly our electrified rail network means Arc Flash risks are prominent when carrying out maintenance. Any work on electrified lines or power cables should be risk-assessed and Arc Flash incidents considered.
Strapping tracks is another arc flash risk that could lead to an Arc Flash incident.
And of particular concern, mainly because engineers have to work in such confined spaces, is that there are Arc Flash risks when carrying out maintenance of distribution panels, especially track-side.
HOW CAN WORKERS BE PROTECTED FROM ARC FLASH RISKS?
Arc Flash specialists ProGARM and have developed a range of arc flash clothing products for the rail industry over and above our standard range.
For example, it’s likely an arc flash risk assessment for engineers working on distribution panels will require a helmet with visor and perhaps gloves, along with appropriately-rated clothing.
The Arc Flash risks of an incident on a distribution panel beside a railway track are increased because of the proximity of the worker to the panel and the confined space, meaning the potential energy from an incident could have even more catastrophic consequences.
What doesn’t seem to be widely recognised is the Arc Flash risk from breaking ground during track maintenance, laying new sleepers and cables, putting in new fencing or working close to electrified rails. In our 2017 research, 60% of those who were from the rail sector didn’t know the correct safety guidance for breaking ground (HSG47).
It’s conservatively estimated that around half of all services maps are wrong, so anyone digging or breaking ground could be at risk from a life-altering or life-threatening Arc Flash incident.
The following video shows the very real danger of breaking ground and striking an underground cable.
ProGARM says ‘An arc flash explosion is a very real danger when breaking ground with the possibility of hitting an underground cable. There is a lot of confusion in the industry, or across industries, around what to wear when breaking ground.
What we would like to bring to you today is an example in a video of what can happen when breaking ground and hitting an underground cable. There were two operatives, they are both bricklayers, they were round a manhole and they needed to break some concrete out from around the manhole. So if we go over the video and run through it as we go.
There’s the arc flash.
We will go over it in a bit more detail now and why it should happen. The guy on the breaker, 22 years old, picks up the breaker and starts breaking the ground. He unfortunately hits the cable, there is a massive explosion, he gets chucked up into the air and across the side. Now he gets up out of shock and tries to get out of the compound.
➡ It is imperative that all workers should wear protective Arc Flash garments whenever they are breaking ground where there is a risk of hitting underground cable.
He doesn’t have any FR or arc garments on so he has significant burns to his body and he spent the next few weeks in hospital having skin grafts. If you look at his colleague next to him, he gets chucked back against the side of the building now he receives burns to his face and hands. However he didn’t go back to work because of the mental trauma of it.
You see it can affect people in different ways, some people mentally, some people physically and in some cases both. What we believe is to have the correct FR arc flash garments for your operatives to give them the correct protection when breaking ground and at the risk of hitting an underground cable because the injuries can be life changing.’
Our industry research tells us that in the rail industry, when breaking ground the fire risk is often carefully managed, but the Arc Flash risks are less well-known.
ProGARM’s protective clothing is flame resistant as well as providing protection from Arc Flash incidents, so there’s no need to compromise, workers can be protected from both hazards.
➡ Let Thorne & Derrick and Arc Flash specialists ProGARM help you choose the correct garments to protect you and your team.
ARC FLASH RISKS SOLUTIONS: ESPECIALLY FOR RAIL
A wide range of our personal protective clothing is available in orange high viz, conforming to the new 2018 RIS Railway Specification.
All of our clothing is lightweight and breathable, ensuring worker comfort while also providing protection when workers are subject to Arc Flash risks. We use a variant of our VXS+ fabric which is tested to European standards, and all garments display an at-a-glance SafetyICON label so it’s easy to see what protection is offered.
Our orange high viz trousers and coveralls are available in male and female versions to ensure the best fit and maximum comfort. We have also designed waterproof salopettes, polo shirts and two jackets in the regulation orange high viz. Two types of helmet with visor are available, depending on the voltage.
Specialist Distributor & Customer Service
Thorne and Derrick are Approved Specialist Suppliers & Distributors of ProGARM Arc Flash Clothing & PPE providing competitive prices from extensive stocks with excellent customer service levels. We protect LV HV Cable Jointers, SAP’s, Overhead Linesmen, Substation & Electrical Engineers; whether racking and switching Medium Voltage switchgear or fusing Low Voltage feeder pillars – we have the correct clothing and workwear to provide safe protection against all calculated levels of arc flash hazards.
Overview of Arc Flash Clothing | Contact us to discuss your garment and PPE requirements, we can mitigate risk with guidance on safe working practices and by providing appropriate worker clothing that offers advanced Arc Flash Protection that saves lives every day. Whether working on underground cables or overhead lines, here is a selection of workwear clothing – contact us to discuss your requirements;
>> Download Your Guide To Here <<
HV Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors | Approved Stockists & Distributors | 3M Electrical (Cold Shrink) | Nexans (Euromold JTS MONO) | Pfisterer (CONNEX SEANEX) | 11kV 33kV 66kV Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories
Safety Equipment | Track And Manage Compliance
June 30th, 2021
Safety Equipment Compliance
Operator safety depends on the conformity of the electrical safety equipment used during operations (PPE, CPE, Voltage Detector). In case of an accident, the employer may be held liable. Therefore, it is vital that the safety equipment and PPE used in your operations conforms with the correct regulations.
Track And Manage Compliance Of Your Safety Equipment
Safety Equipment REGULATIONS
The personal protective equipment have to be in compliance with the requirements of the European Directive :
- 89/391/CEE, on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work.
- 89/655/CEE and 89/656/CEE, on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace.
- 89/686/CEE, on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective equipment (CE marking).
In practice, they define:
- The protections adapted to the kind of risk,
- The highest level of protection possible,
- The comfort, the ergonomics and the quality of the equipment,
- The annual verification of PPE by a competent individual.
The obligations for using PPEs in companies are defined by
the European Directive 89/656.
A secure Solution
CHECK ME – The all in one solution to track and manage the compliance of your safety equipment.
Your data is stored on secured servers, complying to the GDPR European directive, and all of your information is accessible 24/7 under your subscriber profile.
It’s a Fantastic solution tool for all the control and management challenges we face regarding our Safety Equipment such as PPE, PCE and Voltage detection.
See full range of Arc Flash Clothing, PPE & Protection Garments
LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Electrical | Gloves | Arc Flash Clothing | Arc Suits | Coveralls | Helmets & Visors
Are You Ready For An SF₆ Phase Out?
June 30th, 2021
3M Novec Insulating Gas
Sustainable SF₆ alternative
The EU commission DG CLIMA has issued a new report on Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆) alternatives and potential SF₆ phase out scenarios related to the so-called F-gas regulation (EU Regulation 517/2014). Usage of SF₆ has been banned already in multiple applications with electrical equipment being excluded from these restrictions up to now.
The EU report is assessing the availability of SF₆ alternatives and giving an evaluation for a potential SF₆ phase out 3M Electrical Novec Insulating Gases are the ideal SF₆ alternative as they combine excellent dielectric performance and safety with exceptional environmental properties. Used as part of a gas mixture, Novec Insulating Gases reduce the greenhouse gas potential of more than 99% in on-grid commercial equipment.
3M partners GE, ABB & Hitachi ABB Power Grids are using Novec Insulating Gases as part of their SF₆ free products in multiple medium- and high-voltage application going back to first installations in 2015.
In total, more than 25 installations are already running or are currently being installed in Europe by multiple leading Transmission and Distribution System Operators (TSO’s and DSO’s) which make Novec Insulating Gases a well proven SF6 alternative.
Installations using 3M Novec Insulating Gas
EU Stakeholder Workshop Discussing SF6 Phase Out Scenarios
In a next step the EU Commission (DG CLIMA ) has invited related stakeholder including member states, switchgear OEM’s, utilities and NGO’s to discuss potential SF6 phase out timings. The workshop is based on the 2020 EU report and additional input the commission has received via direct consultation with related stakeholders. It is expected that the commission will issue a proposal for the revised F-gas regulation by the end of 2021 and the regulation will take effect end of 2022/beginning of 2023. It is therefore time to act and to start implementing suitable SF6 alternatives!
Replacing SF6 In Electrical Gas-insulated Switchgear – Impact Analysis for EU 28
In addition, a recent study conducted by the University of Antwerp concluded that the reported SF6 stock and emissions are significantly underestimated. The study also provides an estimate of CO2 eq savings for potential SF6 phase out scenarios using the example of a 145kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS).
3M Novec Insulating Gases
smart, safe, sustainable
Novec Insulating Gases are the ideal SF6 alternative as they combine excellent dielectric performance and safety with exceptional environmental properties. Used as part of a gas mixture, Novec Insulating Gases reduce the greenhouse gas potential by more than 99% in on-grid commercial equipment.
Our partners are using Novec Insulating Gases as part of their SF6 free products in multiple medium- and high-voltage applications going back to first installations in 2015:
GE’s g³ using 3M Novec 4710 Insulating Gas
GE’s g³ Using 3M Novec 4710 Insulating Gas – g3, (pronounced “g” cubed) is GE’s game-changing alternative to SF6 gas, developed for HV electrical transmission equipment and is using 3M Novec 4710. g3 products feature the same ratings and same dimensional footprint as the state-of-the-art SF6 ones, with a drastically reduced environmental impact.
- g³ products operate with no restriction under the same temperature range as SF6 products (down to -30°C).
- GE’s g³ products are type-tested and available for live-tank circuit breakers and gas-insulated substations up to 145 kV, gas-insulated lines (GIL) up to 420 kV and instrument transformers up to 245 kV.
- More than 20 leading utilities have decided to use equipment with g³ incorporating more than 100 bays in total.
AirPlus Using 3M Novec 5110 Insulating Gas – AirPlus, using 3M Novec 5110 as an eco-efficient SF6 alternative, has been developed by ABB. Today, AirPlus is being used in Medium Voltage by ABB AG in MV Primary GIS up to 40.5kV and in MV Secondary GIS and AIS up to 24kV.
- Environmentally sustainable with a GWP of less than 1
- Compact equipment design
- Retains key benefits of established GIS technology
AirPlus using 3M Novec 5110 Insulating Gas
EconiQ by Hitachi ABB Power Grids Using 3M Novec 4710 Insulating Gas – EconiQ is Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance. Since 2010, Hitachi ABB Power Grids has been deploying eco-efficient high-voltage technology with SF6 alternatives. The current EconiQ portfolio covers 145kV GIS and 420kV GIS busducts.
3M Scotch Electrical Tapes
T&D distribute the complete range of 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes for the insulation, repair, identification, jointing and terminating of LV, MV & HV cables – specialist fire resistant tapes, arc resistant, semi-conductive and rubber splicing tapes up to 69kV enable the protection of LV-HV cables including 11kV-33kV medium voltages, against abrasion, moisture, alkalis and acids.
3M Scotch Tapes include vinyl electrical insulation, high temperature glass cloth, sealing mastic, rubber self-amalgamating and high voltage tapes to provide track resistance, semi-conductive and sheath repairs to 11kV-33kV power cables.
THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.
Arc Flash Safety Awareness Campaign | Service Cable Strikes – Internal Safety Training Video
June 30th, 2021Service Cable Strikes
Internal Safety Training Video
Bomb – An explosive, incendiary or other destructive substance or device. In our industry this could be electric cables or gas pipes. Many people are killed or seriously injured from service strikes every year. Because when you hit an electric cable or gas pipe it becomes a bomb! … and you’re far too close to escape its blast!
Minefield – An area of ground containing explosives or situation beset with hidden problems. In other words, the site you are working on.
Signs of a Potential Minefield – Signs of road repair, including patches, paved areas and new fill, odd features in the ground or patterns that are not present in nature. These situations present potential hazards.
Since 2015 an average of 70 people a year were killed or seriously injured from service strikes! … And that’s just in the UK!
The disclaimers on plans tell a big story ‘This information is given as a guide only and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed’
The depth of the hazard is not guaranteed either. These shallow hazards are everywhere! The following are taken from our own reports, all of these tell us to expect a threat as soon as we start digging.
Hit electric service cable @ 250mm – 200mm too shallow!
Cable struck with mini digger bucket @ 220mm deep!
UG streetlight cable hit by excavator. 60mm tarmac and depth of cable was 300mm!
Even if you hit a low voltage cable, you’re by no means safe. Examples of low voltage damage to PPE.
Would you cut corners here?
Service Strikes – Would you cut corners here?
Or here?
Service Strikes
Sweep For Mines – Assumption could kill you today. Bear in mind the unknowns beneath your feet, don’t cut corners, and plan for the unexpected!
➡ Thorne & Derrick together with ProGARM aim to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of cable strikes and how important it is to wear the correct Arc Flash clothing and accessories.
Closing Thought – statistics show that between eight and ten arc flash accidents occur in the UK every week. Protect yourself, contact us to learn how.
Protecting Cables Against Strikes & Restoring Power Post-Strike
Thorne & Derrick have been distributors for 3M Electrical since 1985 and can provide a range of reliable and easy to install Cable Repair Products – this includes Scotch Tapes, Scotchcast Joints and Cold Shrink Tubes to provide effective re-instatement of cable sheath jackets on all types of LV MV HV cables in onshore and offshore locations with safe or hazardous area workplace classifications.
Cable Repair Products
Our range of cable protection covers manufactured by Centriforce provide underground utility protection of LV MV HV cables including Tapetile (11kV) and Stokbord (33kV 66kV 132kV) – contact us to discuss Cable Damage Prevention Products including Dectamesh, the underground detectable warning tape for alerting excavators of the presence of buried cables and to prevent potentially lethal accidents during excavation.
Stokbord
Tapetile
Arc Flash Learning & Resources
Thorne and Derrick are proud to be distributors of ProGARM arc flash coveralls and protection.
We can help – should you require arc flash calculators or advice on the type of clothing and protection available please do not hesitate to contact us.
