Remote-Controlled Cable Cutter

A remote-controlled cable cutter is designed to cut underground cables remotely. It can also be manually operated as a handheld tool. Unlike overhead electric power distribution systems, underground shielded electric cable systems cannot be visually traced back to an open point to ensure the cable is isolated and de-energized.

Description:

A remote-controlled cable cutter is designed to cut underground cables remotely. It can also be manually operated as a handheld tool. Unlike overhead electric power distribution systems, underground shielded electric cable systems cannot be visually traced back to an open point to ensure the cable is isolated and de-energized.

Milwaukee Tool M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 3” Underground Cable Cutter w/ Wireless remote


(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tool)

The M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 3” Underground Cable Cutter with Wireless Remote is the Smartest Way to Cut. Milwaukee removes the physical connection to the tool allowing Linemen to cut up to 1500MCM Copper 15kV WIRELESSLY. The wireless remote communicates with the tool via a mutually exclusive connection, eliminating the potential for other smart devices to connect to the tool. After set-up, Linemen can arm the remote cutter and move away from the cutting area. A green LED on the wireless remote gives positive indication that the tool is done cutting. Milwaukee delivers a safer way to cut remotely. The M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 3” Underground Cable Cutter with Wireless Remote easily converts from Local to Remote cutting mode. Its balanced design, handle and hang hook enable easiest set-up in vaults. The open jaw design provides easiest access in trenches. Whether cutting remote or local, Milwaukee delivers an optimized cutting experience. The M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 3” Underground Cable Cutter with Wireless Remote features a fully enclosed high speed hydraulic pump, Brushless Motor, REDLINK™ Electronics and REDLITHIUM™ Battery delivering Ultimate Reliability in the toughest conditions. Featuring Milwaukee® ONE KEY™ Technology, view tool usage, receive notifications for recommended maintenance and sync information wirelessly to the cloud. The kit includes Wireless Remote, M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC 5.0 Extended Capacity Battery, AC/DC Wall and Vehicle Charger, Utility Bag and Carabineer.

 

To see the M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 3” Underground Cable Cutter in application, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39Sc5cPEbWE&list=PLfQN2PMGiKSQjRDz7uWqqYyrP-pB6Qg60&index=8


Greenlee ESG105LX 105mm Gator Cable Cutter 

(Photo courtesy of Greenlee Tools, Inc.)

The Gator® Remote Cable Cutter has the flexibility to cut cables (with insulation) up to 4-1/8 inches (105mm) in diameter and offers the operator the option to make cuts via remote control or in manual handheld mode. The cutting head has been designed to rotate 350° around the longitudinal axis in order to gain access to tight corners and other difficult working areas. Additionally, it uses Bluetooth® communication and a blade sensor system (patent pending) to help confirm that the cut has been completed. It features a single trigger that controls all functions. Also, it automatically retract after a cut has been made, further reducing the need for workers to use hand force to complete cable cuts. This tool is not intended for use on EHS guy wire, Steel Rod, Steel Cable or ACSR cable.

To see the Gator® Remote Cable Cutter in application, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hta9fRDBYYU&list=PLybbalNoqm8Lp56jykgVFiC6cmZ7gAY3h.

Huskie Tool Gear-Drive Remote Control Cutter

The Huskie Tools gear-drive remote controlled cable cutter is built on a gear-drive platform and has a cutting capacity to handle 1500 Aluminum MCM, 1000 Copper MCM and MAX O.D. CABLE: 2-1/8 inches. The tool is tested up to 35kV, and is a dedicated remote cutting tool. The FCC approved radio frequency remote works up to 300 feet away from the operator. Dual button activation prevents inadvertent tool operation. The RCC-MK754ACM gear-drive remote cable cutter is easy to set-up and operate with large push buttons and lights. Large LED lights confirm power, blade engagement, paring and complete cut. The RCC-MK754ACM features inserts for tripod, eye bolts or other rigging hardware supporting hands-free operation.

Risks Addressed:

Stressful and repeated hand and wrist activity can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as muscle strains; tendonitis, which is inflammation of elbow and wrist tendons; or carpal tunnel syndrome, which is compression of a wrist nerve, resulting in finger numbness and loss of hand strength.

An electric shock is the passage of an external electrical current between parts of the body or through the body which can cause injury or death. Coming in contact with electrical currents and arc flashes may result in shocks and electrical burns, and potentially cause death if a worker is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy.

How Risks are Reduced:

A remote-controlled cable cutter can help reduce repetitive and stressful hand and wrist activity by using battery power instead of hand power to complete cuts in large diameter cables. It reduces the need to perform forceful, repetitive motions at or below the wrist.

Per a white paper from Milwaukee Tool, "initializing remote work throughout the entire process of cutting an energized condutor improves the safety of those doing the work": https://documents.milwaukeetool.com/white-papers/dieless-crimper.pdf

Additional Considerations:

  • Construction tools and equipment can cause severe injuries. Users should follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations and comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations.
  • This tool is not designed to be used on live electrical lines. Only workers trained and qualified in high voltage applications should use the tool when working near energized lines or equipment.

Contributors:

Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training
Jennifer Hess, Ph.D. - University of Oregon
John Horak, CHST, STSC - Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters

Availability

Milwaukee Tool
To obtain information, visit M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 3” Underground Cable Cutter w/ Wireless remote or contact 1-800-729-3878

Huskie Tool
To obtain information, visit Gear-Drive Remote Control Cutter or contact 1-800-860-6170

Greenlee Tools, Inc.
To obtain information, visit 105mm Gator® Guillotine Remote Cable Cutter, 120V Charger or contact 1-800-435-0786 grncustomerservice@emerson.com

Return on Investment

To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.