Portable Tool for Removing Linkbox Lids

Call
ICA-24-04
Portable Tool for Removing Linkbox Lids

The opportunity 

The objective of this Opportunity is to shortlist the submissions that best answer the brief, with the aim of 
attending a presentation day with the EIC Industry Partners, where it can be discussed in greater detail with 
a technical panel. The EIC welcomes submissions from individual companies or companies working in collaboration with each 
other. 

What is the problem

When faults occur on the underground low voltage (LV) network, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) dispatch operational staff to locate and repair the fault, restoring power to customers.To locate some faults, operatives may need to access linkboxes. These linkboxes are often installed under pavements and roads and are protected by linkbox lids, which can be problematic to remove because:
• Some lids exceed the safe lifting weight for a single operative
• In urban areas, high vehicle/foot traffic can cause lids to become compressed
• Cold weather can cause lids to become iced over.


Difficulty removing linkbox lids can cause:
• Injuries to operational staff
• Damage to the lid or its frame, requiring excavation to install a replacement
• Prolonged outage times as faults cannot be quickly located.


The lifting handle currently used by SP Energy Networks (SPEN) isn’t suitable in all cases. Alternative solutions have been previously investigated, but these were unsuitable as they were either too heavy or too large for storage in operatives’ vans. This therefore remains an ongoing challenge.

Preferred Output 

SPEN are looking for a market-ready solution to enable operational staff to safely and effectively remove linkbox lids without risking injury or asset damage.
The ideal solution will:
• Be light, maneuverable and suitable for use by a single person
• Be modular to enable operational staff to lift all types of linkbox lids
• Be sufficiently compact to be stored and transported in operatives’ vans
• Enable operational staff to lift lids that are iced over
• Allow a controlled descent when putting lids back into their frame.