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The Reason SPIKE Tool exists.

There is an extremely large amount of energy released when an energized cable is inadvertently cut, this presents a serious safety hazard to cable personnel. Personnel could be seriously injured or worse. Spike Tool has been designed to ensure personnel are safely away from the spiking area. The videos and report below demonstrate why remote operation is necessary for safe cable spiking. A very careful reading of this section will be vital for all personnel when designing your cable spiking procedures.
That is why remotely spiking a cable before cutting is a critical safety process. The tests herein were conducted at Kinetrics labs in Toronto. The test report and the videos provide excellent evidence of the energy released when an energized cable is inadvertently cut. Please take a moment to review these tests carefully. A large number of Spike Tools have been destroyed in the field in situations where energized cables were incorrectly thought to be deenergized and were not. While a tool was destroyed, it was the spike procedure that avoided severe injury or worse to workers.

Lab Test Videos

Please click here to download the PDF document with the test results of the SPIKE Tool lab test. If you don't see the PDF document appear in your browser window, be sure to check your downloads folder.
The videos below show the SPIKE Tool piercing various common live single conductor cables under varying fault current conditions. They also have different grounding conditions which should be reviewed carefully. These videos were taken as part of the testing by Kinetrics. They show the performance of the SPIKE Tool under severe but possible field conditions. More importantly they show the energy released when a live conductor is pierced at high fault current levels. The tool performs well and the videos show clearly why remote operation, via a lanyard, is necessary for personnel safety.
12 kA, 15 Cycles General Cable, 500 MCM, Copper, 15kV Ungrounded
12 kA, 15 Cycles General Cable, 500 MCM, Copper, 15kV Grounded Spike Tool with U-Bolt
12 kA, 15 Cycles Prysmian 750 MCM, Aluminum, 15 kV Grounded Spike Tool with 25mm Ball Stud
27 kA, 15 Cycles Prysmian 750 MCM, Aluminum, 15 kV Grounded Spike Tool with 25mm Ball Stud
20 kA, 15 Cycles General Cable, 1000 MCM, Aluminum, 28 kV Grounded Spike Tool with 25mm

Lab Test Report by Kinetrics

Please click here to download the PDF document with the test results of the SPIKE Tool lab test. If you don't see the PDF document appear in your browser window, be sure to check your downloads folder.