July 2022 VOLTS!
Published 07 Jul 2022
THORNE & DERRICK LV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Welcome to our initial industry bulletin – VOLTS.
So what is VOLTS?
VOLTS is our first monthly round-up of industry news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars and career opportunities from Thorne & Derrick. Take a moment to Follow Us on LinkedIn to receive future VOLTS.
In The News
Discount retailer B&M have been hit with a £1million fine after a horrific industrial accident
A horrific industrial accident at B&M’s headquarters saw an electrician’s body swell to four times its normal size.
Workman Shahenur Rahman was set ablaze during the industrial accident at the firm’s base and distribution centre at Estuary Commerce Park in Speke and remained in a coma for two weeks after.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that B&M was advised by Leep Utilities in June 2018 that maintenance work was required on the high voltage switchgear at its HQ. The retailer hired two generators from supplier Aggreko in order to maintain the supply and “allow some core functions” to remain in operation while the power was being cut. Aggreko suggested Bolton-based company Daker be contracted to connect these generators.
Shahenur Rahman was connecting a generator to B&M’s mains voltage distribution board. The board was in close proximity to the high voltage equipment which was energised while Rahman was wiring up the generator. It is believed that the spanner which he was holding came into contact with a live high voltage busbar, causing an instant blast and fireball. The 35 year old sustained serious burns to his arms, hands, thighs, legs and face. Rahman was rushed to hospital where doctors later placed him in an induced coma for 2 weeks. He then had to undergo a serious of skin grafts and was unable to work for five months.
The HSE found a “series of failings” by both B&M and Daker in the planning and execution of the job.
“Unfortunately, they failed at the very first hurdle by putting a man in charge of overseeing the work who, at his own admission, was wholly unqualified to fulfil such a role. It was a role he simply wasn’t capable of fulfilling, and one that he should never have been asked to undertake by his employer.”
B&M Retail Limited admitted two health and safety breaches, while Daker Limited pleaded guilty to one. Neither defendant has previous convictions for such matters.
The retailer was fined £1m and told to pay £4,978.30 in court costs plus a £170 victim surcharge. Daker would have faced a £12,000 fine, but this was reduced to a “nominal” amount of £100 due to its “dire financial straits”.
Ensuring you have the right systems in place when working with electricity is critical to the wellbeing of your employees and your Company. Electricity can be extremely dangerous and hazards such as an arc flash and electric shock could result in death.
Suggested PPE & electrical safety equipment includes: insulating gloves, arc flash clothing, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing
Electrical Safety Equipment for Cables, Conductors, Substations & Overhead Lines
Read more about how to keep employees safe:
Let’s Celebrate!
Celebrating Cembre
This month Mark Lewis (Rail & Power Sales Manager) celebrated his 35th Workiversary with Cembre, one of the largest European manufacturers of electrical compression connectors and related installation cable cutting and crimping tooling. Mark is one of the original employees of Cembre UK and continues to provide excellent support to customers requiring reliable, durable and safe electrical connections for Low & High Voltage power cables and systems.
Pictured : Stuart Swalwell (Managing Director UK & RoI at Cembre) recognising the continued commitment and dedication provided by Mark at their UK HQ in the West Midlands, UK.
In November 2020, Cembre introduced a new restyled logo – their commitment to product quality, company efficiency, stock availability and customer service is constant. “It is a historic step for the company,” commented Giovanni Rosani (CEO of Cembre). “Because Cembre has been represented by the same logo throughout its history today the new brand, revised in a discreet but tangible way, inherits an important rule and will have to identify Cembre for the next 50 years,” added Giovanni.
Founded in December 1986, Cembre Ltd has seen decades of continuous UK business growth and is today a key manufacturing unit within the Cembre group.
pROJECTS & NEWS
smart solar energy solutions for a net-zero future
Solar panels are the leading source of renewable energy for our homes and businesses, with more and more buildings opting to have them installed. Solar panels have several benefits for the environment due to their green energy and lack of emissions when running.
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) generation increased a record 156 TWh (23%) in 2020 to reach 821 TWh. It demonstrated the second-largest absolute generation growth of all renewable technologies in 2020, slightly behind wind and ahead of hydropower.
Thorne & Derrick have been working with a top-tier worldwide project developer involved in PV power generation, operation and maintenance services. The developer is committed to using smart solar energy solutions for a net-zero future.
The client had a requirement for arc flash protection to protect their staff that are involved in working with solar panel battery storage. Batteries used alongside solar PV allows surplus electricity generated by solar panels to be stored for later use rather than exported to the National Grid.
Working around batteries can expose an employee to both electrical shock and arc flash hazards. Battery charging can sometimes generate flammable gases, so it is important for employees to avoid anything that could cause open flames or sparks. Employers must consider exposure to these hazards when developing safe work practices and selecting personal protective equipment (PPE).
We supplied the client with a number of SFX251 arc flash switching suits from stock, to provide personal protection to workers undertaking maintenance and repair operations.
The STRATA SFX251 Arc Flash Clothing Kit (25 cal/cm²) is a comfortable, lightweight arc flash switching suit providing total protection against arc flash risks for wearers working on or near live electricity.
Arc Flash Protection Kit (25 cal/cm²) kit consists of:
- 1-piece Hi-Viz Overall | With reflex striping, plenty of pockets, concealed zip fastening and zip up to collar for safety
- 1-piece Arc Flash Helmet | Retractable Truecolour® visor real view vision (no discoloration)
- 1-piece Arc Goatskin Leather Gauntlets
- 1-piece Container of disposable ear plugs SNR37
- 1-piece Storage Bag |with pockets and shoulder strap for easy transport and storage
T&D Deliver Their Largest High Voltage Power Cable Cleat Order
Thorne & Derrick, a Specialist Distributor for Ellis Patents, delivered their largest contract to date to supply cable cleats to provide safety and reliability to high voltage power cable circuits in the event of a short circuit.
This current project award is testament to our ability to utilise the in-house expertise of Ellis Patents to design project specific, bespoke solutions for customers on tight delivery schedules and builds upon recent project successes in the renewable, rail, data-centre and utility substation sectors.
“Emperor was preferred to competitors due to the products established track record and its evidenced compliance to the rigorous IEC 61914: 2015 Standard. The ability to demonstrate product performance in similar harsh operating environments with past project references was critical. Ellis Patents have an international reputation to commit and meet customer delivery requirements – trust in the customer-supplier relationship was central to securing the business. We are now working with Ellis on several custom engineered cable support solutions – the commercial and technical support by Ellis Patents to Thorne & Derrick was outstanding and instrumental in securing this prestigious project order for both our companies,” comments Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick).
Special thanks to Kelly Brown (Sales Director) and Noman Shabir (National Sales Manager) from Ellis Patents for once again exemplifying the power of mutual supportive Manufacturer-Distributor relationships. This project award demonstrates our ability to combine to secure global projects demanding the highest levels of technical qualification with exacting product customisation and delivered on-time at the most competitive prices.
Read Press Release | T&D Deliver Their Largest High Voltage Power Cable Cleat Order
 ES Single Range | 32-150mm diameters with short-circuit test levels to 235kA at 225mm cleat spacings |
 ER Trefoil Range | 19-128mm diameters with short-circuit test levels to 195kA at 300mm cleat spacings |
World-leading Manufacturers of Cable Cleats for LV MV HV Cables
Sensored Cable Accessories for Medium Voltage Power Networks
3M Sensored Cable Accessories (SCA) provide a retrofittable, compact and economical way for Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to gain visibility and data from their distribution grid with voltage and current measurements.
As the need and importance of measurement and data in the underground grid rises, 3M SCA provides a simple path to high accuracy solutions for assessing and improving fault detection, power flow and power quality. The advent of new regulations and integration of renewables into the medium voltage network, make the need for high accuracy measurements critical for assessing the health of your electrical grid and better managing the future of the network’s grid modernisation.
Pictured: 3M Sensored Medium Voltage Accessories easily retrofit inside cable compartments, air insulated switches, gas insulated switches or on transformers inside substations. When you upgrade existing medium voltage substation with 3M product, you gain high accurate sensing and overall insight into multiple nodes without the need to replace.
Read Article | Medium Voltage Sensored Cable Accessories from 3M Electrical
Now stocking PBwel Rail Earthing Equipment!
Thorne & Derrick, the UK Preferred Distributor for P&B Weir Electrical Ltd (PBwel), are now stocking their range of Rail Earthing Equipment with PADS Approval for use on Network Rail high voltage electrification projects. This significant and strategic stock holding is the culmination of discussions and planning to support framework contractors and construction alliances during and beyond the current CP6 plan.
Thorne & Derrick will be able to provide next day delivery from stock at competitive prices for the PBwel range of Operating Poles & Temporary Earthing Kits; the complete range consists of DEP Short Earth Leads, J117 Rail Clamps, Long Blue Interlocked Earths, Short-Circuiting Straps, Rail Bonds, Rail Jumper Bonds, Rail Poles, Voltage Detectors, Rail Socket and Heads, Arboriculture Equipment and Signal Sighting Targets.
Read Press Release | T&D Stocking Agreement for PBwel Rail Earthing Equipment
Sealing Systems
Pictured | Chris Thompson (CSD Sealing Systems Onshore Installation Manager) and his team have been working on a project in Lancashire this month. CSD have fitted some bespoke stainless steel frames over existing ductwork before providing a water and gastight seal using the NOFIRNO duct seal system. Much of the work was completed within an area designated as a confined space. All of our installation team are highly skilled installers but are also trained to work safely in restricted access or confined space areas.
Pictured | The naval installation team for CSD Sealing Systems have been working across multiple projects. A cable transit upgraded using the NOFIRNO cable transit system and multiple switchboard cable glands also sealed using the NOFIRNO system. The system provides a fully certified A60 fire rated penetration seal and will also ensure protection against water ingress and damage to any critical equipment.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Download your Guide to MV Distribution Cable Standards & Power Distribution Network Requirements
This guide aims to inform the industry – designers, specifiers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, operators, and others of the range of standards and product approval process for MV cables (up to 33kV). It also highlights some of the specific enhanced performance requirements for MV cables that can help mitigate climate change impacts.
Cable Quality
- Promoting Good Practices For Cable Products Following The Grenfell Tower Report
- End User Specification Of Approved Cable Products: Where Is The Value?
- Fire Testing Of Cables Is Important, But Not At The Expense Of Other Characteristics
- Top Dos And Don’ts – Cable Delivery, Pulling And Installation
- How To Write A Good Cable Specification
- New Testing and Certification Scheme Launched for YY, SY, CY Control Cables
- Specifying Quality Cable For Your Projects
- When Quality Matters: Early Indicators Of Error
- Tratos Supplies BASEC Approved Medium Voltage Cables Into WPD
- Electricians Guide to CPR
BASEC is the expert in cable certification, testing and the awarding of triple standard accredited management systems approvals: ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for the environment and ISO 45001 for health & safety. Established in 1971, BASEC works in partnership with cable manufacturers worldwide and their end-users as the preferred testing and certification provider.
Featured Jointer
Swalek provide a comprehensive range of Solar & Wind Farm Maintenance Services including high voltage power cable installation, jointing, termination and testing.
Swalek’s wind farm maintenance division recently supported a customer with their off-supply issue at a wind farm in Scotland, near Falkirk. An engineer attended site to assess the problem and found that the site had lost communications. The engineer checked the Scottish Power Network and didn’t find any problems. It was assumed that there was a loss of supply.
The engineer then carried out a detailed investigation and it was discovered that Transformer 1 had a failure. An 11kV insulation resistance test was carried out which proved a fault on the HV winding. Swalek High Voltage Services are now in the process of sourcing and installing a new 800kVA transformer to replace the faulty transformer and ensure the wind farm continues to generate.
Swalek carry out wind farm high voltage design, build, operation & maintenance services throughout the UK and across Europe.
Sector Spotlight | Data Centres
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 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 and connectors for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 33kV.
Industry event
After sponsoring the event in the South, Throne & Derrick are delighted to be exhibiting at Energyx2022 North in September.
DATE & TIME – Wed, 21 September 2022, 09:00 – 16:00 BST
LOCATION – Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY
Following on from ENERGYx2020/21, COP26 and the UK government’s drive for us all to reduce the use of fossil fuels ENERGYx2022 will be a great place to benchmark our progress. The challenges reaching Net Zero creates for transmitting and distributing electricity whilst maintaining safe and reliable networks, though not insurmountable requires a lot of joined up and collaborative thinking.
One of this year’s themes is ‘Best Practice’. All networks are facing similar challenges and the opportunity to learn about the use of products or services that another Network Operator is successfully deploying is not to be missed. The world class suppliers available in one place to the electricity industry is unrivalled for a free to attend event. Come along and meet those inventing, producing, and supplying the best practice solutions.
Visit
ENERGYx2022 North Visitor Delegate FREE Tickets
Exhibit
ENERGYx2022 North Exhibitor Booking Form
Please note your ticket (s) will be scanned on entry to the event, so please either print your ticket in advance or have your ticket ready to scan on your mobile phone.
Jobs
EDS HV Contractor Vacancies
EDS HV Group are looking for a 33KV Pfisterer jointer to start immediately.
This will be for 3 days work at a location within the UK.
To apply, follow this link and click on the button to upload and send your CV
EDS is part of James Fisher Renewables, who provides comprehensive and trusted offshore renewable solutions dedicated to the technical and operational aspects of construction preparation, installation, and specialist operation and maintenance.
VOLTS! By,
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – this includes Joints, Terminations & Connectors to enable the installation of low, medium and high voltage power cables into underground trench or duct.
Key Product Categories: Connectors, Joints & Terminations MV HV | Cable Preparation & Jointing Tools | Duct Seals | Cable Transits | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection | Cable Pulling | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars
Main UK Stockists for: 3M Electrical, PFISTERER Connex, Nexans Power Cable Accessories (Euromold), Alroc, Ellis Patents, ABB, Roxtec, Cembre & CATU Electrical.
