Durable and safe solution for replacing cable cabinets

CHALLENGE

Excavation work without cable damage and workplace accidents

There are incidents of excavated cables in connection with excavation work when replacing cable cabinets and adjacent to the existing wired cables. As a direct result, the safety of the fitters is compromised and may cause power outages for subscribers. Excavation work also causes disturbances in the connecting environment, sidewalks and such usually needs to be shut down during the work. On behalf of its electricity network customers, Omexom changes cable cabinets in southern and central Sweden. Both project managers and fitters at Omexom were looking for a smoother alternative than the classic excavator and the cooperation with DISAB proved to be a hit. 

SOLUTION

Gentle digging suction with vacuum 

In close cooperation with DISAB’s engineers and sales representatives, a TrailerVAC™ SDW-3.5T was developed. In close cooperation with DISAB’s engineers and sales representatives, a TrailerVAC™ SDW-3.5T was developed. The excavator suction, which is built on a 3,5-ton trailer, is connected to a tow truck and means that the excavation work can be carried out by an operator – with reduced risk of workplace damage and cable breakage. The excavator suction is equipped with a foldable swing arm with a weight relieved suction hose that makes it easy for the fitter to, with easy hand and precision, excavate material around cables or other sensitive and invisible materials underground. The powerful vacuum can handle both rock and sand as well as sludge and leaves no large digging holes behind. This makes it possible to carry out the work safely and gently. Soon, Omexom’s fleet will be expanded with additional excavators from DISAB, which now serves as the only and best method when replacing cable cabinets. 

“The big gain for us in this is safety and sustainability.”

David Westerdahl, Omexom

RESULT

Major gains in safety and sustainability

David Westerdahl, Business Unit Manager at Omexom, is pleased with both cooperation and results. “The big gain for us in this is safety and sustainability. We have zero-tolerance for workplace accidents, and this is a much better and sDavid Westerdahl, Business Unit Manager at Omexom, is pleased with both cooperation and results. “The big gain for us in this is safety and sustainability. We have zero-tolerance for workplace accidents, and this is a much better and safer way to work. Our emissions are also drastically reduced, as the excavator has significantly less fuel consumption than traditional diggers. A big plus is also satisfied customers, the work is done in a minimalistic way without us leaving large digging holes or damage in the surroundings or vegetation after the job has been done”

David mentions that the cooperation with DISAB has taken place in close contact. “Together we have tried different solutions and come up with the best design. DISAB has a similar entrepreneurial spirit as we have. We would rather see opportunities than difficulties. It has made it a very nice cooperation.”