Spike Tool

SPIKE Tool is a vital safety device for maintenance linemen that can prevent injury and/or loss of life.
Lakeport Power Ltd. is the master distributor for Spike Tool Inc. 
This important safety tool is shipped to customers all over the world. 

We are always open to discussing distribution agreements with qualified distributors interested in promoting and selling this must-have product. 
For information regarding distributor opportunities, contact us today!
The Spike Tool

Responsible cable maintenance personnel must be able to positively ensure an underground electric power cable is de-energized prior to cutting, especially if the termination points are not visible.

"Spiking" underground single conductor cable is a crucial safety step toward preventing injury or loss of life.
Cable Spiking Tool Actuation

SPIKE is a low velocity, charge-actuated device which pushes a 2-5/8" spike into cable, which pierces the neutral or sheath and its insulation through the main conductor. By breaking down the cable insulation, an arcing fault is created (if the cable is energized). If the cable is de-energized prior to "spiking", there will be no fault and therefore minimal damage to the cable.
Unique benefits and features provided by Spike Tool:
  • SPIKE provides positive assurance that an underground cable is not energized.
  • SPIKE is designed to ensure the spike pierces the cable directly through it's center core.
  • SPIKE is operated remotely thereby removing the cable maintenance personnel from danger, if a live cable is spiked.
  • SPIKE can be used on thermoplastic or thermosetting insulation, as well as oil impregnated paper insulation.
  • SPIKE can be used on aluminum and lead sheathed cable and interlock armored cables.
  • SPIKE will accept single conductor cables ranging in diameter from 3/4" OD to 2-3/4" OD at all voltages. A larger tool can accommodate cable sizes up to 3-1/2" OD.
  • SPIKE creates minimal damage to the cable.
  • SPIKE is not cumbersome to use in the field. It weighs only 7 lbs.
  • SPIKE is fast and easy to operate.
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Spike Tool

WHY "SPIKE" A CABLE?

Unlike overhead electrical power systems, underground or hidden power cable systems cannot be visually traced to a termination point to ensure cable is isolated. Upon opening a trench between two termination points, a lineman could see a number of cables identical in appearance, making it difficult to determine which cable among the group has been isolated.

As an overall procedure, it is first recommended that the cable-to-be-cut be identified by using "as constructed' drawings. Next, an electronic signal should be used according to local procedure to further identify the cable to be cut. This process should reduce the probability of cutting a live cable.

If switching procedures were incorrectly followed, or if "as constructed" drawings are in-error, cutting a live cable in a trench could be lethal. Thus, to provide further assurance that the de-energized cable-to-be-cut has been correctly identified, the last step should be to "spike" the cable before cutting. 

If the cable is identified correctly (and it was properly de-energized), "spiking" will not create a fault and cable damage will be minimal. If the cable is incorrectly identified (and the cable is still energized), "spiking" will create a fault thereby de-energizing it, making it safe to cut. In either case, it's not worth risking your life. 

Don't guess it..... SPIKE it. 

Information, including test reports, videos, user manual, cartridge selection guide, kit contents list, specifications, and more can be found at www.spiketool.com. 

Orders must be placed through Lakeport Power Ltd. (Global Distributor)

SPIKE TOOL BONDING

Spike Tool is designed to pierce a cable's insulation, resulting in a cable fault (if the cable is energized prior to "spiking"). 
Bonding Spike Tool to a solid grounding arrangement is important to provide a path for fault-current to flow to trigger system fault protection, should an energized cable be "spiked".
Spike Tool should be bonded to ground by using the 25mm ball stud provided. The ball stud is able to handle fault currents up to 20k amps. 
Click here for a recent lab test, or download PDF of test results.
The Spike Tool manual should be read carefully before field use.
Contact us today to get this essential Spike Tool kit.

Spike Tool Lab Tests

Please click here to download the PDF document with the test results of the SPIKE Tool lab test.


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.

Lab Test 1 — Test 3234
12 kA, 15 Cycles General Cable, 500 MCM, Copper, 15kV Ungrounded

Lab Test 1 — Test 3235
12 kA, 15 Cycles General Cable, 500 MCM, Copper, 15kV Grounded Spike Tool with U-Bolt

Lab Test 1 — Test 3236
12 kA, 15 Cycles Prysmian 750 MCM, Aluminum, 15 kV Grounded Spike Tool with 25mm Ball Stud

Lab Test 1 — Test 3237
27 kA, 15 Cycles Prysmian 750 MCM, Aluminum, 15 kV Grounded Spike Tool with 25mm Ball Stud

Lab Test 1 — Test 3238
20 kA, 15 Cycles General Cable, 1000 MCM, Aluminum, 28 kV Grounded Spike Tool with 25mmNew Paragraph

To ensure 100% safe operating efficiency, the manufacturer recommends maintenance of the Spike Tool every two years. The internal parts of the Spike Tool will wear with continued use over time or have reduced functionality due to operating in harsh field environments.


Contact Lakeport Power for a manufacturer inspection and overhaul. An estimate for repair and maintenance will be provided for your approval before commencing work. The Spike Tool will be restored to peak operating performance. There is a one-year manufacturer maintenance warranty, the same as a newly purchased tool.


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