Thorne & Derrick Working with 3M Electrical to Connect Solar Energy

Published 14 May 2024

Photovoltaic Solar Farms | Connect Solar Energy

Solar Farms | 600V to 66kV

Reliable 3M Electrical Solutions That Help Keep Your Power On

Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have been Authorised Distributors for the 3M Electrical range of Low, Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories for the insulation, connection, repair and provision of reliable electrical power up to 66kV utilising Cold Shrink, heat shrink, Scotch Tape and Scotchcast Resin technologies.

For more than 30 years, 3M Electrical has been a trusted supplier of advanced materials for the solar industry. From engineered films to modular assembly solutions, 3M products are engineered to enhance performance, help improve reliability, and help drive down the critical cost per watt.

11kV | 33kV | 66kV Connections & Energisation

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors – this includes heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-72kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at medium/high voltages.

Cable Joint

3M Electrical Products — More Uptime, Reduced Outages

Insulate, Connect, Protect & Energise

Cable Applications

A	Insulate Wires and Cables • Repair and re-insulate LV cables and busbar • Repair or replace busbar insulation • Insulate and seal in harsh conditions
Connect Wires and Cables • Conductor to conductor (pigtail and inline) • Conductor to flat pad or pin-connection	B
C	Splice Cables • Splice underground buried and submerged • Splice in cable tray or ductwork • Shearbolt and compression connectors
Rejacket and Protect Medium Voltage Cables • Rejacket buried and submerged cable • Provide mechanical and abrasion protection	D
E	Terminate Cables • Terminate in switchgear • Terminate live-front busbar connections • Terminate with dead-front separable equipment connection • Terminate in outdoor pole top and substation connection
Motor and Equipment Maintenance • Insulate motor lead connections • Repair busbar insulation • Repair metal housing for motors and pumps	F
G	Be Safe on the Job • Equipment outlet line insulation • Personal protection
Protect Cables from Fire, Water or Corrosion • Resist water, oil and chemicals • Resist abrasion, puncture and cut-through • Resist pipe corrosion	H
Locate & Mark • Map path and depth of underground assets	J
K	Maintain & More • Cable identification and cable management • Metal lubrication and rust resistance

Photovoltaic Solar Farms

Voltage Rating of 3M Product Applications

Indicates High Voltage Application (69KV-145KV)
Indicates Medium Voltage Application (5KV- 46KV)
Indicates Low Voltage Application (<1000V)

Kitting & Stocking Commitment | Thorne & Derrick have expanded existing stock lines and introduced products into stock across the 3M Electrical Product range from LV to HV. From Scotch Tapes for 600V repair to QTEN for 66kV termination – we hold the deepest and broadest selection of 3M Scotch, Scotchcast and ColdShrink cable accessories in UK stock, 11kV 33kV 66kV.

3M Electrical Product Application Guide

Application	3M Solution	Faster installation	Outdoor/UV resistance	Low temps performance< 0°C	High temperatures > 105°C	Moisture/humidity	Chemical/corrosion protection	Small or tight spaces	Irregular shapes or sharp edges	No access to cable end	Mechanical protection
Connect	Spring Connectors	•		•				•			•
	IDC Connectors	•	•	•		•		•			•
	Direct Bury Kits	•	•	•		•					•
	Butt Connectors	•		•		•		•			•
Insulate & Protect	Vinyl Tapes		•	•		•	•		•	•	•
	Rubber Tapes		•		•	•		•	•	•
	Mastic Tapes			•		•		•	•	•
	Specialty Tapes*		S,C		S,G,V	C,S	C,S		•	•	G,V
	Motor Lead Kits		•		•	•	•		•		•
	Heat Shrink		•	•	•	•	•				•
Splice & Terminate	Resins		•	•	•	•	•		•	•	•
	Cold Shrink Splices	•		•	•	•		•			•
	Compression Lugs & Connectors		•	•	•	•
	Terminations	•	•	•	•	•		•
	Separables			•	•	•
Locate & Mark	Locators	•	•	•		•		•	•	•	•
Locate & Mark	Markers	•	•	•		•		•	•	•	•
Maintain & More	Wire Terminals	•		•	•			•
	Lubricants	•	•
	Wire ID							•
	Cable Ties		•	•				•

NOTE: Products vary within each category. Not all products will be suitable for all the application requirements listed.

*Speciality Tapes coding: S=silicone, C=corrosion protection, G=glass cloth, V=varnished cambric

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors to Solar EPC’s & High Voltage Jointing Contractors working on the design, construction and maintenance of UK, European and international projects supplying an extensive range of LV HV Solar Cables, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt. Based in the UK, we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.

We stock LV HV Solar Cables, Accessories & Electrical Equipment to enable the construction, maintenance and operation of utility-scale PV installations – our products connect 600V/1500V solar cables into combiner boxes, inverters, transformers and energise switchgear up to 33kV/132kV for high voltage grid connections. Since 1985, we have provided expert technical support and express delivery from extensive UK stocks to world-wide destinations.

View our Solar Capability page.

Further Reading