Under a regional DNO framework agreement, a programmed LV network refresh in Cheshunt called for fourteen separate cables to be safely spiked and cut over a fortnight, allowing the old feeder pillars and link boxes to be replaced street by street.
We were the appointed framework spiking contractor. The role wasn't just spiking — it was running the programme so that one cable being late didn't push the rest out of sequence.
What the job involved
- Daily planning meeting with the DNO works supervisor to confirm the day's spike list.
- Positive route ID and drawing cross-check for every cable.
- Remote-fired hydraulic spike on each cable with fully briefed exclusion zone.
- Same-day photo log and sign-off for each spike, uploaded to the DNO framework portal.
- Daily handover to the LV jointing crew for cut and replace works.
Key challenges
- Two cables found to be tee-jointed where records showed straight — re-traced and re-confirmed.
- Three streets had on-street parking that required short-notice TM coordination.
- Wet middle week extended set-up time — programme caught up across the second weekend.
Outcome
- All fourteen spikes completed inside the two-week window.
- Zero deviation reports filed across the programme.
- Framework client extended our spiking allocation for Q3.
Programmed framework work is half about turning up and half about not breaking the schedule. These guys do both — and they don't kick up about the paperwork.
— DNO Works Coordinator, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire
Need something similar?
If you're planning a cable spiking job across North London or the Home Counties — talk to us about scope, sequencing and a price. We work directly with DNOs, ICPs, main contractors and developers.