Fewer cable breaks when digging

The electricity company Eon released a report early 2021 which suggests that there are more and more incidents of excavated cables. Often in connection with new construction directly adjacent to the existing cabling. According to Eon, more than 2,00 excavations in 2020 caused damage to their electricity network, which is and increase since 2019. With the help of vacuum, they have now reversed the negative trend. 

CHALLENGE

Cable breakage in connection with new construction

New residential areas, business establishments and infrastructure are emerging over large parts of our country, usually directly adjacent to existing buildings. This automatically mean that excavation work is required in streets and land where wires and cables have already been drawn. This also increases the risk of damage to the existing networks, as Eon has noted with its statistics. 

Mats Andersson, local network manager at Eon Electricity distribution, also highlights the safety risks: “A cable that is damaged in connection with excavation work causes and acute power outage for the subscribers, but also poses a major safety risk that is associated with direct danger to life, both for those who dig and those who are nearby.”

SOLUTION

Dig with the help of vacuum

The increased risk of excavated cables is something that can be minimized with the help of vacuum. The DISAB MultiFLEX™ hose arm, compatible with the DISAB Futurion™ vacuum loader, digs, sucks and blows using a powerful suction capacity and a serrated nozzle. Digging with air, for example when laying cables and pipes, involves less risk that if the work is done with and excavator.

“A excavated cable breakage poses a major safety risk, both for those who dig and those who are nearby”

Mats Andersson, local manager Eon Energidistribution

The function is simple. The air stream transports the material into the hose and further into the car’s tank. With a remote control, the operator runs all movements simultaneously. The hose arm is also equipped with a specially designed air lance that streamlines and facilitates the work of loosening materials during digging.

RESULTS

Digging suction for gentle and efficient digging

The environmental contractor Sortera Industry has been using DISAB MultiFLEX™ since 2019 and is very pleased with the results of the business. With extensive experience in sensitive excavator applications, Sortera Industry seems to have found the right one. Jarno Puustelli, operations manager, explains that the method of a dig suction has provided extra security: “Damaging a cable is hugely resource-intensive, not to mention the danger that can arise for everyone involved. We feel that it will be a more gentle and effective performance if we use the excavator suction.”