In the heart of Manchester’s bustling city centre, where underground power cables snake beneath historic pavements and active retail districts, a team of distribution network operatives recently completed a high-risk cable decommissioning task without a single safety incident, thanks to a novel approach that turns a potential hazard into a controlled safety measure.
Faced with the need to isolate and cut a live 11 kV feeder during a major regeneration project, engineers from a leading UK distribution network operator opted for a method that flips conventional wisdom on its head: rather than waiting for remote confirmation of de-energisation, they deliberately created a single phase-to-earth fault, safely and remotely, to trigger the upstream circuit breaker themselves.
The tool that made this possible was the PICOUP110, used in tandem with the SPCCS140WI spike-and-cut system. Mounted securely on the cable using suspension straps for overhead access and powered by standard batteries, the compact electro-hydraulic unit allowed operatives to remain up to 100 metres away while initiating the sequence. From that safe distance, they first drove a conductive spike into one phase conductor, establishing a controlled earth fault. The resulting current, well within the system’s rated capacity of 31 kA for one second, promptly tripped the substation protection, instantly de-energising the entire circuit.
Only then did the same tool proceed to sever all three phases in a single, smooth motion. Because the line was already grounded via the spike, there was no risk of dangerous phase-to-phase arcing which can be a common cause of equipment damage, fire, and prolonged outages in traditional live-cutting scenarios.
“The real breakthrough here is integration,” said Bill Earlie, Commercial Sales Manager for PENTA Electrical Safety Products. “You’re not just cutting a cable—you’re orchestrating a fail-safe de-energisation sequence from start to finish, all with one remotely operated device. In a dense urban environment, where every metre counts and public safety is paramount, that’s transformative.”
The system’s design reflects lessons learned from years of field experience. Its reinforced polyamide structure keeps weight down without sacrificing durability, while the elimination of external hydraulic hoses removes a frequent point of failure—and the associated maintenance costs. A double-acting hydraulic mechanism ensures the blades reliably reopen even under load, preventing jams during critical cuts. Meanwhile, the lightweight aluminium earthing lead is easily deployed and connected as close as possible to the conductor, ensuring an effective fault path.
After each use, the unit is stowed in a rugged, wheeled case—ideal for navigating narrow alleyways and construction zones common across UK city centres.
The Manchester operation is just one example of how UK utilities are adopting smarter, safer methodologies for live-line work. With regulatory scrutiny intensifying and urban infrastructure growing more complex, tools that embed safety into the workflow, not as an afterthought, but as a core function, are proving essential.
No injuries. No collateral damage. No unexpected outages. Just a quiet, controlled intervention on cables beneath the streets of a busy city—where the most successful engineering often goes unnoticed.
About PENTA Electrical Safety Products
We are an expert manufacturer of electrical safety solutions, driven by a commitment to ensuring your safety in every intervention.
PENTA Electrical Safety Products are trusted by Linesmen, Maintenance Technicians, and Electrical Engineers working across global electricity generation, transmission, rail and distribution networks.
We safeguard your operations with cutting-edge safety technology and personal protection equipment designed to meet the highest standards in the most demanding environments.
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