Blog
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.
Nexans Euromold Terminations – 33kV 300sqmm & 11kV 630sqmm Transformer Connectors
June 22nd, 2021
Image Courtesy of: Joe Wall – LV/HV Cable Jointer at D&R Jointing Services
Pictured: Nexans Euromold Terminations – 33kV 300sqmm & 11kV 630sqmm Transformer Connectors
Thorne & Derrick are Approved Distributors & Stockists for the complete range of Nexans Euromold Connectors, Joints and Terminations for medium voltage cables utilising EPDM rubber, cold-shrink, push-on and heat shrink technologies.
Nexans Euromold Connectors are fully screened compact separable cable connectors used to terminate medium/high voltage cables onto bushings to provide a “touch safe” cable termination with disconnection option for polymeric cables (XLPE EPR).
T&D distribute from stock and provide expert technical support for the Euromold range of Separable Connectors – the European manufactured connectors are manufactured from high quality EPDM rubber and include elbow, straight and tee connectors supplemented by a complete range of 11kV-33kV bushings.
Jointers blog
Subscribe now to our POWER NEWSLETTER– a monthly email circulation packed with news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars, career opportunities and white papers.
Includes access to our popular JOINTERS BLOG with contributions from utility professionals, linesmen and cable jointers working on MV HV EHV cables and overhead lines typically at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and up to 132kV.
15,000+ Subscribers. ➡ 
132kV 3 Core Oil To Single Core XLPE Transition Cable Joint Without Sleeve
June 22nd, 2021
Image: Dan Chessher at Energi Cable Services
Energi Cable Services provide specialist bespoke solutions for the high voltage power cable systems of transmission and distribution electricity network operators. Both on land and subsea, these include: oil filled cable systems, fluid filled cable systems and gas filled cable systems.
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
Jointers blog
Subscribe now to our POWER NEWSLETTER– a monthly email circulation packed with news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars, career opportunities and white papers.
Includes access to our popular JOINTERS BLOG with contributions from utility professionals, linesmen and cable jointers working on MV HV EHV cables and overhead lines typically at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and up to 132kV.
15,000+ Subscribers. ➡
11kV Heat Shrink Resin Encapsulated Cable Joint (XLPE CTA SWA 3 Core)
June 22nd, 2021Pictured: 11kV Heat Shrink Resin Encapsulated Cable Joint (XLPE CTA SWA 3 Core)
Images courtesy of: Lee Richards – Cable Jointer at LR Power Services
1. 40 degrees Celsius in a plant room, suspended in the air and the cable jointer is working on an 11kV XLPE screened polymeric resin filled heat shrink cable joint.
2. 11kV SWA Screened Polymeric Resin Filled Cable Joint
3. 11kV Heat Shrink Resin Encapsulated Cable Joint (XLPE CTA SWA 3 Core)
Jointers blog
Subscribe now to our POWER NEWSLETTER– a monthly email circulation packed with news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars, career opportunities and white papers.
Includes access to our popular JOINTERS BLOG with contributions from utility professionals, linesmen and cable jointers working on MV HV EHV cables and overhead lines typically at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and up to 132kV.
15,000+ Subscribers. ➡
