Cable Joints & Terminations HV
3M QECC | First Extended 3M Medium Voltage 20 Year Warranties | Advanced Power Services
May 9th, 2023
Advanced Power Services
3M QECC | Medium Voltage 20 Year Warranties for Joints & Terminations
Advanced Power Services are very excited to announce that the first extended 3M Medium Voltage 20 Year Warranties are released into the United Kingdom within the UK Rail Infrastructure as part of the drive for modernisation and efficiencies.
Advanced Power Services is the first company in the UK to be awarded the Qualified Electrical Construction Contractor Accreditation (QECC) from 3M.
BAM Nuttall appointed Advanced Power Services for the Jointing & Commissioning elements of twelve 33kV feeder replacements within Sussex and Kent. The partnership introduced the first 20-year Medium Voltage product warranties into the rail infrastructure that Advanced Power Services had been working on with 3M for the last couple of years.
This is a program that runs within the United States but hasn’t hit the UK or Europe until now. The warranties are issued directly by 3M to the client Network Rail.
As part of the modernisation, between the two companies we are both collaborating on driving this forward by having the opportunity to deliver this work and introducing new technology into the infrastructure being more efficient and working smarter.
As part of the 3M QECC programme, contractors receive in-depth 3M product and technology training, including theoretical training on 11kV, 22kV, 33kV and 52kV joints, terminations and Separable Connectors.
3M QECC
Advanced Power Services installation personnel go through various technical and theoretical training programs as well as practical observation in order to become an authorised QECC Installer.
This has led us to be the first company authorised to provide the warranties in the UK and to introduce this into the rail infrastructure.
Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have been Approved Distributors for 3M Electrical Products (LV HV) and whilst the competitive supply of product from stock on short lead times is essential to the distributor it is equally vital that 3M product reputation is preserved through the correct installation of products in accordance with 3M recommendations.
What are Advanced Power System doing as a collaboration?
Commissioning Using Very Low Frequency Withstand Testing
The Story
When commissioning feeders in the past we were using DC direct current testing this testing was causing problems on cable assets that were becoming life expired. Advanced Power Services and the Sussex Regional Asset manager took on some trial testing on the network using VLF and Partial Discharge testing.
This was implemented on the Tunbridge lines where cables that were introduced on the network in the early 90s were becoming life expired and were showing signs of treeing in the insulation and prone to insulation failures.
Following technology being introduced, new feeders being replaced on the network are using VLF Testing as part of the form B commissioning practices.
Advanced Power Services and BAM Nuttall are the first to commission feeders using this method on the network and this has been very successful to date.
Recycling, Cost Saving & Efficiency
As part of the two company’s relationship and Advanced Power Services fault response partnership with Maintenance in Sussex the three departments including the RAM team are recovering assets on the renewals and recycling this equipment back into the network saving network rail thousands of pounds.
The type of equipment being recycled are fluid filled oil tanks which are double skinned and can’t be purchased new anymore.
LOPI panels and Oil Stop Joints that will be refurbished tested and re-commissioned as part of a maintenance program saving maintenance departments large funds in repair works. Although Sussex is leading this, the equipment will be available to all areas of the network as part of the drive for efficiencies and cost saving measures.
What is this technology doing for infrastructure?
Testing
On occasions poor quality cable supplied to the network could escape detection through the current testing procedures.
Now with new technology being introduced onto the network as part of the modernisation drive this is identifying exactly what condition the cable is in before it’s commissioned into service and passed across to the maintainer as an asset. Saving thousands of pounds in cable repair costs and replacement before life expiry.
Advanced Power Services
Advanced Power Services was established as a specialist electrical contractor in July 2010. Our ambition was to create a team of committed cable jointing and testing professionals that fully understands their clients’ needs and are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, safely and within budget.
Advanced Power Services offer Cable Jointing, Terminations, Commissioning and Fault Rectification Services for EHV, 132kV ,275kV, 400kV, HV 66kV and MV, 11kV, 22kV, 25kV, 33kV, 52kV throughout the UK and overseas.
Our Jointing and Testing Teams are experienced in working within the Railway Networks, Infrastructure Networks, Renewable Energy, Private Networks, Datacentres and Shipping Industries.
For further details please contact Business Development Manager, Heather Andrews at [email protected] or 07754 855938.
3M Electrical | Scotchlok | ColdShrink | Scotchcast Resin | Scotch Electrical Tapes
The Leading Specialist Distributor to the Rail Electrification Industry
Thorne & Derrick supply an extensive range of 400V-66kV Rail Cable Accessories & Electrical Equipment 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 medium voltage cable terminations, joints, cable repair and connection products up to 66kV.
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.
MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales
Oil Filled Transformers | Driving Uptime Through Asset Winterisation
February 1st, 2023
Oil Filled Transformers
in the Wind Power Industry
Are Low Oil Level Trips Causing Asset Downtime?
This Case Study covers the problems caused by low oil level trips on aging transformers, the impact it has on downtime, availability and power generation. It goes on to discuss how Thorne & Derrick assisted Ventient Energy in custom designing and supplying a fit for purpose electrical heating solution to overcome the problem and effectively Winterise assets preventing downtime.
Who should read this? – Asset Managers in the onshore wind industry with responsibility for managing and maintaining oil filled transformers.
Causeymire – Ventient Energy
Thorne & Derrick have recently worked in partnership with Ventient Energy to provide a bespoke electrical heating solution for an onshore wind application. After a number of site meetings and application surveys with the client to understand the problem, T&D proposed a bespoke heating jacket solution to prevent downtime due to low temperatures.
Jon Priddy of Ventient Energy describes the problem
“For those of you managing assets with ageing oil filled transformers you may find this useful. If you do you’ll know that the tank expands and contracts with heat and cold. As they age the tank loses that capacity to contract and so now you have a bigger volume but the same amount of oil and usually a very finely tuned oil level sensor which as we know is a primary safety and protection feature.
Come the winter and those high pressure low wind speed days and bang, we have a trip. I have spent many a late night with the site team topping up, getting the contacts to close and getting everything back on. The result is downtime, a hit on availability and a hit on generation.
What’s the answer? A hugely costly campaign to change out all the transformers, a nearly as expensive retrofit of conservators (if you have the room and a good design), heating the transformer compartment in a large drafty steel tower fighting the physics of heat loss.
Obviously it doesn’t affect every site but typically anything over 15 years where the tank has lost that capacity to contract back to normal shape after the summer or high generation is a candidate.”
The nature of the problem included a number a variables and it was agreed that T&D would provide 5 trail heating jackets which would be put into use throughout the winter of 2022/23. The jackets were installed to the “top 5 offenders” during previous winters. The trials have proven successful and the client experienced no outages as a result of low oil trips during one of the harshest UK winters on recent record.
Pictured – fabricated model of the bottom of the transformer was made using the measurements taken from site survey. This meant the electrical heating jackets could be manufactured and test fitted prior to delivery.
The Solution for Oil Filled Transformers
Ventient approached Thorne and Derrick with a request for feasibility on applying a thermostatically controlled electric heating blanket to the base of the transformer with a view to stopping the oil from contracting to the point of a trip. This typically applies on high pressure (clear skies) low wind speed days and nights when there’s little in the way of current going through the transformer and temperatures drop to or minus zero.
Consideration had to be given to:-
Jacket Design – the client needed a solution which was simple and could be easily fitted, ideally as a single piece. The jacket also had to provide a very good fit as any additional heat losses may have negatively affected the overall performance. Representatives from T&D made the journey to Causeymire wind farm to carry out a site survey.
Power Supply – the power available was restricted due to only a single socket outlet being available.
Energy Efficiency – the design needed to be fit for purpose but using excessive power to solve the problem wasn’t an option.
Heat Loss – T&D have many years trace heating design experience and have carried out thousands of heat loss calculations for pipes, tanks and vessels. This was particularly challenging as we didn’t know the optimum oil temperature that would prevent it contracting enough to cause a trip. A safety factor had to be built into the design without using unnecessary power/energy.
Maintenance – any solution needed to be low/zero maintenance due to the remote location. The solution offered a fit and forget heating jacket. Once commissioned the jackets will operate using built in digital control thermostat. Any maintenance/inspections can be carried out alongside other routine maintenance.
Before & After Jacket Was Fitted to the Oil Filled Transformers
Heating Blanket For Oil Filled Transformer
Custom Heating Solution
Bespoke Heating Jacket
Client feedback
“The blankets were installed last year and wired up in November. A winter with some spectacularly low temperatures and some nights with low wind speeds has followed. And until 2 weeks ago, no low oil trips. This is the first winter in the last 6 where we haven’t had the problem.
Almost by way of verification the low oil trip 2 weeks ago occurred on one of the transformers without the blankets. The blankets are currently set to come on at 5°C ambient air temperature.
As usual with these things team work makes for the dream work. A huge shout out to Terry McDonald of Thorne & Derrick for crunching the numbers, doing the physics and coming up with a design, that was easy to fit and forget.
The great support and encouragement from the Ventient team, Alexa Belsham, Rui Meneses, who were willing to spend the cash and give it a try. For the support as ever from Tony Crombie who helped make the case and for Colin McIver of DWT for coming up with a power supply solution. A true “can do” team and collaboration.
So in short, it looks like we have a fix for this expensive (in every sense) issue with ageing oil filled transformers in colder climes.”
T&D have over 30 years process heating experience and are your pro-active problem solvers. If you are reading this and experiencing similar issues, please reach out to T&D and we will be happy to arrange an initial meeting to discuss your requirements.
Who are Ventient Energy?
Ventient Energy is a dynamic, pan-European renewable energy business and is one of the leading generators of renewable energy in Europe. They are Europe’s leading independent onshore wind group, with over 140 generating sites.
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer CONNEX & SEANEX 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 medium/high voltages. Thorne & Derrick hold large stocks of 11kV 33kV 66kV Joints & Terminations suitable for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables, in both heat shrink and Cold Shrink technologies, to service the medium/high voltage power cable accessory requirements of UK and international customers.
400AR-4BC from Nexans | NEW Euromold Interface C High Voltage Bushings
January 24th, 2023
Nexans 400AR-4BC HV Bushings
Thorne & Derrick, UK Distributor for Nexans Power Cable Accessories, are pleased to announce the release of the new EUROMOLD® Interface C in-air bushing 400AR-4BC, up to 24kV – 1250 A. The new Interface C in-air bushing 400AR-BC will replace the Interface D in-air bushing 672TBC, for use in medium voltage electrical equipment insulated with air in hazardous area locations according to the ATEX Directive.
The in-air MV equipment bushing is used in industrial applications such as the manufacture of motors, pumps and locomotives – the bushing is ATEX Certified for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres according to the following classification:
- II 2 G
- Ex eb IIC Gb
- Ts= -20°C to 95°C
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from Nexans Euromold to connect, splice, repair and maintain medium/high voltage cable and power distribution systems
The correct selection and specification of Nexans Euromold connectors is dependent on the cable specification and the electrical equipment MV HV bushing type. There are 6 bushing interfaces common to MV electrical equipment (A, B, C, D, E or F).
Nexans 400AR-4BC In-Air Bushing
400AR-4BC Advantages
- On the new Interface C in-air bushing you can install all separable connectors of the Interface C product family. It also offers the possibility to install a Surge Arrester.
- The new Interface C in-air bushing is also available with ATEX/IECEx/UKEx certification.
Part Number
703937 – K400AR-4BC/J + KBC-RING CLAMP 3 *SS
703939 – K400AR-4BC/J-ATEX-IECEx + KBC-RING CLAMP 3 *SS
The bolted type equipment bushings 400AR-4BC are moulded epoxy insulated parts and meet the requirements of CENELEC EN 50180. A non-tracking insulating rubber boot is installed over the bushing shank.
Specification | Construction & Electrical Characteristics
- Connector Shape | Bushing
- Connector Type | Male
- Conductor Material | Copper & Aluminium
- Technology | Cast Resin
- Rated Voltage Uo/U (Um) | 12/20 (24)kV
- Maximal Partial Discharge at 2Uo | 10 pC
- Dielectric Withstand Voltage, 50Hz 1mn | 55kV
- Impulse Voltage | 125kV
➡ Contact Thorne & Derrick for further order information
T&D Win Excellence in Customer Service Award At HazardEx 2021 | Read Press Release
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, were voted Winners of the Award for ‘Best Customer Service’ at the HazardEx Gala Dinner in 2021. The competitive Award category at the prestigious event was for providing excellent customer service over previous 2 years.
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries. Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas. Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Low & Medium Voltage Cables & Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment to UK and international projects.
THORNE & DERRICK
SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Installation & Electrical Equipment – we can assist with the Competitive Supply & Technical Specification of joints, terminations, connectors and preparation tools for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 66kV.
- Distributors for: 3M Cold Shrink, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Filoform, Furse, Lucy Zodion, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec.
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
Connecting High Voltages & Energising Data Centres
January 17th, 2023
- uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick
According to Statista, the total amount of data created, copied and consumed in the world was estimated to reach 59 zettabytes in 2020 – this exponential growth projection to support the cloud computing and digitization drive has been accelerated by this year’s pandemic. Our internet connection has been an umbilical, our online life-line, to the outside world connecting friends, families and business – with the Internet under strain European data centre demand is forecasted to rise by a third in 2021.
HV
No Time for Downtime | Resilient & Reliable HV Power Systems
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are the leading Specialist Distributors of Cable Connection, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Equipment to support the construction and maintenance of High Voltage Power Distribution Systems – we can specify and supply from stock market-leading brands of Joints, Terminations & Connectors in Cold Shrink, heat-shrink, silicone and EPDM rubber technology up to 33kV.
Recently, Thorne & Derrick have supplied products in conformance with the Electrical Work Scope Specifications of owners and operators of hyper-scale digital infrastructure assets including Virtus, K2, Microsoft, CyrusOne, Interxion and Google.
11kV & 33kV Electrical Services & Substation Connections
Separable Connectors | Inner & Outer Cone Style for Gas Insulated Switchgear & Transformer Connections
Cable Terminations & Joints | Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink & Silicone Push-on for Air Insulated Switchgear, Transformers & Circuit Breaker Cubicles
Stockists of 3M ColdShrink, Pfisterer CONNEX, Elastimold and Nexans Euromold (AIN Slip-on & MONO Heat Shrink) cable accessories up to 33kV. Contact us with your Enquiry.
LV
We supply an extensive range of LV Cable Accessories & Installation Equipment to support cable and electrical infrastructure located in server rooms and data halls.
- Low Voltage Cable Accessories
- Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Cable Accessories | Glands, Joints, Cleats
- Fire Protection & Transit Sealing of Cables & Ducts
- Cable Cleat, Hanger & Support Systems
- Cable Pulling & Laying Equipment (Duct & Trench)
- Earthing, Bonding & Lightning Protection
- Tooling – Cable Preparation, Jointing, Cutting & Crimping
- Trace Heating | Frost Protection External & Cold Water Services
Temporary Cable Supporting Hooks
The CableSafe Extreme hooks, available from T&D stock on overnight delivery, provide orderly support and suspension for temporary cables; creating a cable management system to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity during construction, maintenance or Shutdown/TAR. S-shaped hooks are UV stabilized, Flame Retardant (Class: 94V-0, Flame Class Rating 3) and Cold Weather rated.
THORNE & DERRICK
SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Installation & Electrical Equipment to service providers working on hyper-scale data centres including Equinix, Virtus, K2, Microsoft, CyrusOne and Interxion. We have recently supplied Warsaw RDCC (Rapid Deployment Data Centres) with sealing systems for the protection of cable ducts against water ingress/gas migration and cable termination products for the connection of 33kV power cables into gas-insulated switchgear and transformers – the project is part of a $1 billion digital transformation plan for Poland announced by Microsoft.
We can assist with the Competitive Supply & Technical Specification of joints, terminations, connectors and preparation tools for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 66kV.
- Distributors for: 3M Cold Shrink, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Filoform, Furse, Lucy Zodion, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec.
MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)
Fibre Optic FO Splice Trays & Junction Boxes for Offshore Wind Farms
January 4th, 2023
Fibre Optic FO Splice Trays
& Junction Boxes
Offshore Wind Farms
The Fibre Optic Junction Boxes series of hazardous area terminal boxes, manufactured by Abtech and distributed by Thorne & Derrick is a range of fibre optic (FO) splice boxes designed for protection of optical fibre cable splices within hazardous areas with a particular focus on the Offshore Wind Sector.
Abtech’s Ex certified fibre management solution for hazardous areas provides protection for fibre optic cables on offshore wind farms. The FJC ensures the correct installation of optical cables and helps to reduce installation time.
- Holds up to 24 fibre cables
- Stackable (up to max. 8 trays)
- Fibre tray hinge maintains access to splices with stacked trays
- Cable delivery entries from all 4 sides
Splice Trays & Junction Boxes
Fibre Optic Splice Tray Data
| Splice Tray Reference | Application Type | Maximum Optical Power (mW) | Special Requirements |
| FJC24F | Safe Area | – | – |
| FJC24F-IS | Ex op is | 15 or 35* | – |
| FJC24F-PR | Ex op pr | 100 | Must be fitted with additional mechanical protection |
| FJC24F-SH | Ex op sh | 100 | For use with an Ex op sh interlocked supply |
* refer to enclosure certificate for more details.
Fibre Optic Splice Tray Specifications
| Product Type | Fibre Optic Splice Tray |
| Tray Material | ABS |
| Operating Temp Rating | -40°C to +60°C |
| Splice Type | Heat Shrink |
| Maximum Fibre Size | 900 μm |
| Maximum No. of Fibres | 24 |
| Tray Dimensions | 168 x 124 x 13mm |
| Tray Mounting | 2 x M4 clearance holes |
| Tray Weight | 81g |
| Certification | |
| Area Classification | Zone 1 & 2 Gas, Zone 0 Gas (Ex op is only) |
| Types of Protection | Ex op is (Inherently Safe Optical Radiation), Ex op pr (Protected Optical Radiation), Ex op sh (Optical System with Interlock) |
| Component Coding | Ex op is I/IIC Ga, Ex op pr IIC Gb, Ex op sh IIC Gb |
| Certificate Number | ATEX: CML 17ATEX9035U / IECEx: IECEx CML 17.0020U |
Splice Tray General Arrangement
Splice Tray Dimensions
Stainless Steel Mounting Frame
Ex op pr applications require mechanical protection of the splice tray and fibres, which is provided by use of a stainless steel mounting frame. An acrylic cover and cable trunking (if the enclosure size permits) add further protection.
The frame can also be used for safe area, Ex op is and Ex op sh applications. Frame dimensions shown below are typical and may vary depending on the application.
*Product design and specifications are subject to change without notice; please check the website for latest specifications.
SUPPLYING CABLE TERMINATION, JOINTING, PULL-IN & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT UP TO 66KV
Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service. Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.
See how T&D support, supply and service the Renewable Energy industry.
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
Thorne & Derrick are UK Stockists for: 3M Electrical, PFISTERER Connex, Nexans Power Cable Accessories (Euromold), Alroc, Ellis Patents, ABB, Roxtec, Cembre & CATU Electrical.
