Electrical Excavations
Safe isolation · Authorised operatives

Prove it's dead. Then cut it.

Cable spiking is the non-negotiable step that keeps people alive when working on or near previously-energised cables. Our authorised spikers carry out the operation safely and quickly.

What is cable spiking?

Spiking is a controlled action that confirms a cable has been correctly isolated before it is cut or altered. A spiking gun fires an insulated pin through the cable, tripping protection if the cable is still live.

If the cable is truly dead, nothing happens. If it isn't, the fault is caught by the protection — not by a fitter's hacksaw. It's the most important five minutes on any cable alteration job.

  • Authorised spikers with up-to-date DNO competencies
  • Remote-fired hydraulic spike guns — operator protected at distance
  • Full RAMS, permit to work and sanction-to-test liaison
  • LV through to 33kV cables, polymeric and PILC
  • Pre- and post-spike records, photos and sign-off
Book a spiking visit →
Authorised operative preparing a remote-fired cable spike gun
Our process

How a spike goes — start to finish

Short and precise. This is a job where the boring, methodical version is the safe version.

1

Identify & confirm

Cross-reference drawings, route tracing and DNO records. Positive identification before anything else.

2

Isolate & sanction

Work with the DNO / network operator to get a sanction for test and isolation in place.

3

Set up & clear

Establish an exclusion zone, position remote spike gun, clear personnel, brief and countdown.

4

Fire & record

Fire the spike from safe distance, confirm no trip, document the outcome, hand back for cut & repair.

Who we work with

When spiking gets called in

DNO diversions

Service alterations ahead of construction — where an existing HV or LV cable is being cut, re-routed or abandoned.

Substation decommissioning

End-of-life substations and switchgear rooms where old cables need safe disconnection before removal.

Emergency damage

Third-party strikes, ploughed-through services and storm damage — proving cables dead before repair crews close in.

Point-of-connection works

Tee-joints and live cable alterations for new DNO or ICP connections.

Need a spike before cut?

We can be on site with the right kit and paperwork, usually within 48 hours.

Arrange a spike →