T&D Supply PADS Network Rail Approved 3M Cable Terminations For TRU Project

Published 23 Feb 2024

Thorne & Derrick | 3M Stockists & Key UK Distributor Since 1985

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3M Cable Terminations

PADS Network Rail Approved Medium Voltage Cable Accessories

Thorne & Derrick are proud to have supplied 3M Cable Joints & Terminations to the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project. Our partnership with 3M Electrical since 1985 has enabled us to deliver high-quality electrical solutions to various projects.

The TRU project involved the installation of an overhead gantry and the laying of 3km of high voltage cables through the deep Marsh Lane Cutting, which connects Leeds and Neville Hill. To ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations, the project required the use of PADS Network Rail Approved joints and terminations.

By supplying reliable and durable Cable Joints & Terminations, we were able to support the TRU team in accomplishing their goals. This project is crucial for the future electrification of the line east of Leeds, providing the necessary power infrastructure for efficient and sustainable transportation.

Transpennine Route Upgrade

The TRU project is a major programme of railway improvements aimed at bringing better journeys to passengers traveling across the Pennines between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.

Stretching across the North of England the 70-mile Transpennine main line serves 23 stations, crosses over and dips under dozens of bridges and viaducts, passes through six miles of tunnels, and crosses over 29 level crossings.

TRU will transform the Transpennine main line into a high-performing, reliable railway, bringing more frequent, more reliable, faster & greener trains. The Transpennine Route Upgrade East Alliance is a collaborative effort between several organisations including Network Rail, J. Murphy & Sons, Siemens, Systra, and VolkerRail. These companies have come together to deliver infrastructure improvements on the eastern part of the route between York and Leeds.

Thorne & Derrick are a Network Rail Approved Vendor, which means we have met the necessary criteria and have been approved to supply our products and services to Network Rail. PADS (Product Acceptance and Design Services) is the product approval process used by Network Rail.

Network Rail Electrical Equipment Cable Accessories Approved

PADS Approved Solution

The client contacted Thorne & Derrick requiring PADs Approved Joints & Terminations so the team could carry out planned major engineering works. As part of the TRU project they needed to install an overheard gantry and lay 3km of high voltage cables between East of Leeds Colton & Neville Hill.

The cable joints & terminations provided by Thorne & Derrick will be used to enhance the electrical connectivity and reliability of the railway infrastructure in this area. These components are crucial in ensuring efficient transmission of power and signals along the tracks.

3M cold shrink cable joints require no hot-work permit or special tools for installation – specified for rail cable sealing, insulation and protection and are approved by Network Rail for live rail terminations and inline cable joints for DC track feeder cable applications.

Why T&D?

One of the reasons Thorne & Derrick was chosen for this project was our ability to offer the best price and quickest delivery of the cable terminations. The delivery had to be completed within a specific timeframe in order to guarantee that the engineering works could proceed as planned. The terminations were available ex stock, meaning they could be shipped the next day.

The use of high-quality cable joints and terminations in the TRU project aims to minimise signal interruptions, electrical faults, and downtime on the line. Electrification of the line east of Leeds is an important step towards achieving efficient and sustainable transportation in the future. This demonstrates a commitment to delivering a modern, efficient, and reliable railway network. Ultimately, this will lead to improved train performance, reduced delays, and a better overall experience for passengers.

⚡️ November: The TRU team installed an overheard gantry and laid 3km of high voltage cables through the deep Marsh Lane Cutting between Leeds and Neville Hill.

These will provide the power for future electrification of the line east of Leeds. pic.twitter.com/Y7q19tdrh6

— The Transpennine Route Upgrade (@theTRUpgrade) December 31, 2023

The project’s investment in the latest technologies and partnerships with trusted suppliers like Thorne & Derrick aim to provide a safe and seamless travel experience for passengers in the East Leeds Colton and Neville Hill area.

As a Network Rail Approved Vendor, Thorne & Derrick is proud to serve the rail industry as a reliable and trusted supplier, helping to contribute to the efficient and reliable functioning of the national railway infrastructure in the UK and meeting the demanding requirements of the rail industry.

With our extensive range of PADS Approved Medium Voltage Joints & Terminations available from stock, T&D is well-equipped to support the Transpennine Route Upgrade and other railway projects in the future.

Thorne & Derrick’s experience and expertise in the electrical distribution industry, combined with our strong relationship with 3M Electrical, have allowed us to contribute to significant infrastructure projects like the TRU. We remain committed to delivering reliable and innovative solutions to our customers in the UK.

Installation of Medium Voltage Termination

3M Cold Shrink technology ensures quick, easy and safe installation of the QTIII Termination Body by pulling and unwinding the plastic support core in counter clockwise direction. Specialist cable jointing tools are not required. Included with each kit are installation instructions for the 3M QTIII Series Terminations.

3M 95-EP631-2 uses innovative Cold Shrink Technology combined with Network Rail (NR) and PADS Approval to meet the requirements for the installation on medium voltage electrical infrastructure – forming part of rail cable joints & terminations range by 3M Electrical.

3MCold Shrink High Voltage Termination Kit QTEN is suitable for application up to 72.5 kV (U_max) single-core copper wire-screened cables. The silicone cold shrink insulation body provides an easy and secure solution for cable termination.

The 3M 95-EP620-1R cold shrink cable termination, with PADS Approval for used on high voltage power networks at Network Rail, is suitable for the connection of 52kV single core polymeric insulated cables with copper wire screens

PADS Approved Rail Equipment

Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute a wide range of cable accessories and electrical equipment for rail applications. These accessories are used by contractors who work on various aspects of the rail system, including low voltage power distribution, high voltage electrification, substations, DC traction and networks, OLE (overhead line equipment), and track feeder cable renewals.

Our product range includes cable terminations, joints, cable repair products, and connection products that are approved by Network Rail PADS. These products are suitable for medium voltage cables and can handle voltages up to 66kV.

The cable accessories provided by Thorne & Derrick include options like heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on, and slip-over varieties. These accessories are used to joint, terminate, and connect medium and high voltage power cables to various equipment such as oil, air, or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors, and overhead lines including 3M Cold Shrink, Pfisterer CONNEX and Nexans Euromold products.