Cable Pulling & Laying
CASE STUDY: ULTIMA Connect At The London Olympics
April 21st, 2020
ULTIMA Connect At The London Olympics
Cubis systems were involved in the major project of the London 2012 Olympics site and stadium redevelopment.
The implementation of Cubis Access Chambers (in particular, the ULTIMA Connect) to assist with the redevelopment project resulted in huge savings in time and cost. The underground infrastructure was developed in time for the Olympics in 2012, and then updated and reconfigured for the future use of the site two years later.
The site has been massively transformed.
Today, East Bank is a new powerhouse for innovation, creativity and learning on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It is a unique collaboration between world-leading universities, arts and culture institution that opens up opportunities for everyone who visits, lives and works in East London. The industrial land has been replaced with landscaped greenery; while the rivers and canals, previously derelict, are now dotted with tour boats and swan-shaped paddle boats.
ULTIMA Connect
London Olympic Stadium Redevelopment

Image by Gill Cooper from Pixabay
STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect Access Chamber provides huge savings in time and cost
Project |
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stadium Renovation |
Client |
London Legacy Development Corporation |
Contractor |
Balfour Beatty & PJ Carey (Groundworks) |
Products used |
STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect |
Cubis supplied large chambers for turning of large high-voltage power cables in the build in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The chambers were designed and manufactured using the original ‘cut and bolt’ system to order, the largest being 6m x 3m x 3m (internal dimensions).
Two years after the games finished, the site was being re-configured for future use, which meant upgrading and diverting the buried infrastructure on site. Cubis were asked to supply a solution for two chambers that would be able to be retrofitted over the existing cable banks.

In order to meet the criteria, Cubis supplied the ULTIMA Connect system in flat-pack format for this project. Thanks to the component design, the chambers could be fabricated on site to build around the ducts. This was done by forming two ‘C shape’ chambers around the duct bank until it reached the depth that allowed the chamber to be built normally over the top.
Each installation took less than a day to complete, including the assembly and backfill. This was significantly faster than alternatives, while offering a flexible solution for benching over existing services and creating duct entries.

London Olympic Site Redevelopment with the ULTIMA Connect
The redevelopment of the London Olympic East site now features a new tech cluster of start-ups, corporations, universities, venture capital investors and a huge new data centre. The buildings contain more than a million square feet of redeveloped space that was once home to BT Sport and other broadcasters during and after the London Olympics.
The redevelopment of the site by Laing O’Rourke Group for future use meant the upgrade of more high and low-voltage power supplies on site. Cubis were asked to supply a chamber system solution that could be quickly installed without the need for expensive trades. The use of the STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect offered the customer the flexibility to build on site to bespoke dimensions. The flexibility of the flat-pack connect system was highlighted when the customers’ needs changed at the last minute due to the conditions on site with limited access. The connect system was able to be built and altered onsite for a quick turnaround for the customer and this resulted in the installation of 1 x 5m x 2m x 1.2 deep chamber and 1 x 2m x 2m x 0.9m deep chamber by two operatives in less than 3½ hours.
The significantly faster install time compared to alternatives lead to the order of more chambers by the contractor for further works.
Further Reading: Cubis Access Chambers VS Traditional Access Chambers
Cubis Access Chambers
STAKKAbox™ chambers are significantly faster to install than conventional alternatives, with complete installations typically taking under one hour. This results in reduced costs for the installer and significant time saving. No specialist equipment or plant is required in order to install an access chamber and there is no need for specialist box builders. With flexible installation, cubis access chambers can be adapted to suit on-site conditions with standard tools to build over existing networks.

Cubis – Access Chambers, Access Covers, Cable Protection & Cable Accessories
Thorne & Derrick

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
Which Access Chamber Can Be Built Faster?
April 21st, 2020
Access Chamber Testing
The following Access Chamber test, performed by Cubis, has taken place in order to determine which Chamber Access method performs the best and can be installed the fastest – the time trial provides a comparison between conventional brick built and modern technology modular style access chambers.
access Chamber Testing
Access Chamber Trial
| Brick Built Footway Access Chamber (traditional) | VS | STAKKAbox™ Modula Access Chamber (Modern Alternative) |
Trial 1Brick Footway Access Chamber Internal Dimension: 600mm x 600mm External Dimension: 1030mm x 1030mm Depth: 460mm
|
Trial 2STAKKAbox™ Modula Access chamber Internal Dimension: 600mm x 600mm External Dimension: 666mm x 666mm Depth: 900mm (Twice the depth of Brick Built Trial)
|
Trial 1 CompleteBrick Footway Access Chamber Build Time: 2 hours 45 minutes Reinstatement: CAN NOT be completed same day Vertical Loading: Suitable for vehicular trafficking in pedestrian areas Achieved after 24 hours |
Trial 2 CompleteSTAKKAbox™ Modula Access chamber Build Time: 15 minutes Reinstatement: Completed within 15 minutes Vertical Loading: Suitable for vehicular trafficking in pedestrian areas Achieved immediately
|
After testing, it can be concluded that the STAKKAbox™ Modula access chamber is significantly faster to install when compared to a traditional Brick Footway access chamber. This is also factoring in the depth of the the Modula access chamber, which is almost double that of the brick. The STAKKAbox™ Modula access chamber has been found to be suitable for vehicular trafficking in pedestrian areas, which is achieved immediately.
issues with the brick access chamber
- There are potential RSI & H&S issues found in the construction of traditional brick installation, including:
- Repeatedly bending over
- Hard manual labour (over 24hours 45 mins period)
- Extra resources & building materials required to construct a traditional brick installation
Further Reading: ULTIMA Connect At The London Olympics
STAKKAbox™ Modula Access Chamber:
- saves time
- saves money
- improved health and safety
- easy and fast access
- protection
- adheres to worldwide CRH standards
- easy assembly and installation
- flat pack option, making shipping more efficient
- variable sizes
- constructed from recycled material
STAKKAbox™ Chambers are significantly faster to install than conventional alternatives, with complete installations typically taking under one hour. This results in reduced costs for the installer and significant time saving. No specialist equipment or plant is required in order to install an access chamber and there is no need for specialist box builders. With flexible installation, Cubis access chambers can be adapted to suit on-site conditions with standard tools to build over existing networks.

Cubis – Access Chambers, Access Covers, Cable Protection & Cable Accessories

Press Release | Thorne & Derrick Appointed Approved Stockist for UK Leading Cable Pulling Equipment Manufacturer
Thorne & Derrick

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
Stokbord Drum | Cable Protection for Underground Utility Cables
April 1st, 2020
Stokbord Drum Cable Protection for Underground Utility Cables
Stokbord Drum
MV HV Cable Protection for Underground Utility Cables
Centriforce, working through their distributor network including Thorne & Derrick, announce a new cable protection product that can help to improve working safety for utilities applications – known as the Stokbord Drum.
Stokbord Drum cable protection is supplied on a reel allowing minimal effort for the cable cover to be rolled out across expansive areas; a change from the tedious task of laying individual 1m cover sections.
Stokbord Cover is the “go-to” solution with a proven track record for offering heavy duty protection for buried cables and utilities – suitable for major infrastructure projects were speed of installation of operative’s safety is the top prioritises. The drum system also helps to increase safety as it gives a clear visual warning of the presence of underground pipes and medium/high voltage cables.

Stokbord Drum
The new Stokbord Drum system has been developed to provide a mechanical installation option decreasing the need for any manual work. It reduces the manual labour involved and provides a safer environment as workers spends less time in the cable trench. As well as supporting safety on site, the Stokbord Drum also delivers a sustainable solution as it is manufactured from recycled polyethylene waste.
With all the benefits of the traditional Stokbord Covers, and a simple, less manual installation process, the Drum delivers improved safety and value for large scale operations.
Stokbord Drum Features
- Time saving installation for cable protection at LV MV HV EHV
- Lower risk to operatives and cable installation teams
- High impact resistance – cable protection does not shatter on impact
- Provides clear visual warning with bright colours and bold warning text
- Rot resistant and chemically inert meaning a long service life
- Cable covers conform to internationally recognised standards (e.g. BS 2484)
- Tried and tested by UK Distribution Network Operators and their contractors
Stokbord Drum offers a faster and safer way of installing Stokbord Cover utility protection. Stokbord Cover is approved and specified by utility companies throughout the world. It offers high visibility and prevents damage to buried HV cables and other utilities including gas, water and telecoms.
Stokbord Sheet is manufactured from post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastic. This means that there can be some variability in product performance and within finish and colour uniformity. The degree of variability is controlled by our ISO 9001 Quality Assurance scheme.
Please Note: All plastics are susceptible to thermal expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
Manufactured from high impact resistant recyclde polyethylene, Stokbord Cover is able to withstand damage from both hand tools and mechanical plant.
Stokbord Drum was launched at Utility Week Live where Centriforce demonstrated the ease of installation of the new drum system to our clients, alongside our full utility protection range with Tapetile and Locata products.
Stokbord® Drum has since been successfully used on a number of large projects across the UK.
Centriforce Tapetile and Stokbord underground cable protection tiles and covers are the market leading, heavy duty utility protection system for protecting underground cable and pipes – this includes low voltage, medium voltage and high voltage power networks working at 11kV and 33kV.

Stokbord Drum Cable Protection for Underground Utility Cables
FURTHER READING
- UKPN Cable Protection Tapes & Covers (LV MV HV)
- ENA-TS 12-23 : Cable Tiles & Cable Covers For Use With LV 11kV 33kV & HV 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, Centriforce, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.
Cable Winch | Customised & Refurbished 5 Tonne Cable Pulling Winch
January 30th, 2020
Cable Winch
-
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Sales & Marketing Manager with Thorne & Derrick International
Thorne & Derrick, the Specialist Distributor of LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt have supplied a cable winch requirement to a leading provider of offshore power distribution to the renewable and oil/gas sectors.
The refurbished and customised 5 tonne cable winch was customised to enable the pull and installation of medium/high voltage power cables – the winch was delivered
within 2 weeks from receipt of client order. The cable winch enabled the installation of cable runs up to 120 metres from the variable frequency drive (VFD) to the compressor junction box which goes from underground cable trench to above ground and onto the cable containment ladder racking system.
The cable winch modification was based on the standard SEB TW5000 version with additional cable tension dynamometer – the dynamometer continuously checks the cable pulling tension to ensure the forces do not exceed the recommended guidelines.
Additional features Pre-Set Load Function, Load Display, Test Certification & Load Cell.

Press Release | Thorne & Derrick Appointed Approved Stockist for UK Leading Cable Pulling Equipment Manufacturer

Cable Pulling Equipment
Thorne & Derrick distribute an extensive range of Cable Pulling & Laying Equipment to enable the safe installation of fibre and copper cables within the telecommunications industry. Safely installed cables reduces operational and maintenance requirements to the network and reduced service interruption to telecom cables, wires, ducts, cabinets and exchanges – products include cable spiking tools, conduit rods, cable lubricant, cable socks and rollers.
Cable Laying, Installation & Support Products | Offshore Oil & Gas Cables
January 22nd, 2020
Cable Laying, Installation & Support Products | Offshore Oil & Gas Cables
Cable Laying
Courtesy Slingco – Manufacturer of Cable Pulling & Support Products
As a leading specialist supplier to the offshore industries for many years, Slingco has developed a range of cable pulling products designed to meet the demanding performance requirements of the oil and gas industry.
The Slingco ranges are extensive, covering everything from stainless steel or non-metallic cable socks for installing and/or supporting cable (or pipes) of diameters from 3mm-300mm, to down-hole cable protectors from 2 3/8” to 7” in diameter. Slingco take immense pride in delivering engineered solutions of the highest quality and performance.
This focus on quality extends across every aspect of the cable laying and installation operation.

Cable Laying, Installation & Support Products
Slingco was founded on innovation and quality and we continue to supply a varied range of cable-related products to customers throughout the world.
The cable pulling products are renowned for high performance in quality-critical applications across industries as varied as oil and gas, civil engineering, aerospace, transport, public utilities, marine and offshore, the military, performing arts, vehicle building, construction and more.
Cables and their associated supports are by definition, safety-critical components and Slingco recognises it places them in a real position of responsibility. Hence all of products are designed, manufactured and tested to exacting standards to ensure safe and dependable operation under even the most challenging conditions. Slingco operate a total quality management system and are accredited to ISO 9001.
An integral part of the manufacturing facility is the dedicated in-house design engineering team. As well as being focused on their own design and development projects, the engineering team’s skills – employing cutting-edge 3D modeling and finite element analysis software – are available to our customers.
From initial product design and manufacture to technical support and customer service, the strength of the business lies in the skills and commitment of the people. They are here to serve you and Slingco are confident that this shows in everything we do.
Thorne & Derrick’s aim isn’t simply to sell you a product; it’s to be your preferred supply partner.

All Slingco products are designed, manufactured & tested to exacting standards – ensuring safe & dependable operation under even the most challenging conditions

Slingco Cable Socks
CABLE PROTECTORS
Cable Support & Guidance in Vertical, Deviated & Horizontal Wells
Slingco’s cable protectors provide a safe, quick and efficient way of conveying and securing downhole cables into well-bores while eliminating the risk of compression-induced damage. A full range of products is available to suit ESP cables, control lines, umbilicals and encapsulated bundles of all sizes, and a streamlined design prevents hang-ups downhole.
Standard Cable Protectors
The Slingco Cable Protector has been purpose-designed for use on the wide range of cables, lines and umbilicals that have to be conveyed in and out of well-bores. Its innovative, streamlined form minimises the risk of downhole hang-ups to ensure maximum operational productivity. Each protector features an eight-point friction pad gripping system that provides a secure, reliable grip to enable the safe, quick and effective conveying and securing of ESP cables, control lines, umbilicals and encapsulated bundles.
Its design and innovative engineering deliver the required grip without risk of either compression-induced damage to cables, or damage to the protector itself, enabling it to be re-used (subject to all necessary safety checks).

Standard Cable Protectors

Slingco Cable Protector Advantages
- Custom design and development – any size, any shape, any quantity
- Zinc plating at no extra charge
- Flexible and easy to work with, fast quotes, customised drawings, special requests
- Custom materials: Stainless; Super Duplex; Inconel Alloy 625

Banded Cable Protectors

Mid-Joint Cable Protectors

Centralising Cable Protectors
Cable Socks
Cable socks provide a quick and efficient means of installing/controlling or heavy-duty or electrical cables, and can also be used to support or pull any cylindrical object within their grip diameter and load carrying capacity.
Slingco offer a wide selection of cable socks to match standard applications and can manufacture woven-to-order products to meet special requirements (e.g. socks with diameters over 400mm and breaks exceeding 50 metric tonnes).
Our cable socks are complemented by a growing range of associated products, including swivels, rollers and feed tubes, all manufactured to the same exacting standards.
- Custom availability
- Any size, any specification
- Class-leading performance
- Unrivalled strength

Cable Socks – a comprehensive range designed and engineered for installation of cables and pipes through ducts, conduits and trenches
Hose Resistant Cable Socks
The specialist oil and gas product range encompasses a selection of extremely heavy duty grips. These double eye, multi-weave restraints are manufactured in 316 stainless steel and designed for use as high pressure hose restraints or for large underwater pulls.
Marine Cable Socks
Slingco also manufacture specialist marine cable grips in a wide range of sizes and lattice lengths, and these can be supplied as single eye, double eye or lace up double eye products. All are suitable for use for use as high pressure hose restraints or for large underwater pulls.
Non-Metallic (Aramid) Cable Socks
The extensive portfolio of cable socks includes a range of non-metallic products offering an outstanding weight to break ratio.
Manufactured using a high-strength, non-metallic aramid fibre, they are suitable for pulling both single cable and cable bundles and are ideal for offshore applications.
- High-strength aramid
- Suitable for single cable and cable bundles
Slingco offers a range of support grips, in 304 Stainless Steel, designed to support the cable weight as it hangs vertically or horizontally. They are the ideal solution for taking the strain off connectors, terminators and wall sockets and are available in various designs to suit most applications.

Non-Metallic (Aramid) Cable Socks
Rigid & Bow Spring Centralisers
For Vertical Deviated & Horizontal Wells
Slingco manufacture a range of centraliser products (also referred to as casing spacers) suitable for use in vertical, deviated and horizontal wells. Designed to deliver reliable centralising and spacing of piping within larger diameter pipes, they are available in rigid and bow string options.
Bow Spring Centralisers
Specially designed for vertical wells where low principal forces and high restoring forces are required, this one-piece design simplifies installation onto casings.
The Bow Spring Centraliser is available in multiple sizes and blade configurations.

Bow Spring Centraliser
Rigid Centralisers
Designed to ensure concentricity and standoff in deviated and horizontal wells, this one-piece centraliser minimizes differential sticking.
As with other centralisers in our range the Rigid Centraliser is available in multiple sizes and blade configurations.

Rigid Centralisers
➡ Slingco together with Thorne & Derrick offer a wide range of cable installation and support products developed for the Oil & Gas market, covering everything from stainless steel or non-metallic cable grips for installing and/or supporting cable (or pipes) of diameters from 3mm-300mm, to down-hole cable protectors.

Press Release | Thorne & Derrick Appointed Approved Stockist for UK Leading Cable Pulling Equipment Manufacturer
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.
➡ See Also Cable Laying, Installation & Support Products | MV HV Windfarm

Cable Rollers | Duct Rods | Cable Socks | Cable Lubricant | Duct Seals | Cable Duct


