Cable reels and site power supply for tough construction site use
by A. Bergmeier - 2024-02-13Cable reels have been part of the basic equipment on construction sites for decades. What at first glance appears to be an unremarkable piece of equipment is, in practice, a safety-critical component.
Damaged cables, high mechanical stress, moisture and changing weather conditions place high demands on the power supply at the construction site. At the bauma in Munich, As Schwabe is therefore showcasing solutions designed to meet current safety requirements whilst also making the day-to-day work of tradespeople and construction companies easier. The focus is on two different concepts: a specially protected metal cable reel for professional use, and a mobile power station that combines several functions of a construction site power distributor in a single unit.
Iron Coat cable drum complies with current safety regulations
The so-called Iron Coat cable drum is based on a classic metal construction. Metal drums have always been regarded in the trades as particularly robust, durable and resistant to cold, impacts and harsh operating conditions. At the same time, legal requirements have changed significantly in recent years. According to As Schwabe, following a change to the statutory accident insurance regulations, metal cable reels for use on construction sites may now only be used with special protective insulation. The background to this is a conceivable accident scenario on a construction site: if a cable is damaged and a live wire is exposed, voltage can, under unfavourable circumstances, be transmitted to the metal parts of the reel when the cable is being wound up.
The Iron Coat cable drum is designed to prevent precisely this risk. A special protective insulation separates the conductive components from the accessible outer surfaces. In addition, the entire insulation core is made of plastic. Even if cables were to become loose in the area of sockets or connections due to tensile forces, they remain protected and do not come into contact with the metal housing. The design thus combines the advantages of a metal drum with the safety standards required today for professional construction site operations.
Certification to BGI 608 for construction site use
Certification is of particular importance. According to the manufacturer, the cable drum presented has been tested by the employers’ liability insurance association and complies with the requirements of BGI 608. This regulation defines the requirements for the operation of cable reels on construction sites. In Germany in particular, safety standards are considered particularly stringent by European standards. For manufacturers, this entails significant technical effort; for users, however, it means additional safety in daily use. Such protective measures are becoming increasingly important, particularly on large construction projects where numerous electrical devices are operated simultaneously. Nowadays, power supply is no longer viewed solely from the perspective of functionality, but equally from the perspective of occupational safety.
Key features of the solutions presented:
Mammut cable reel becomes a mobile power station
In addition to the classic cable reel, As Schwabe presents the Mammut cable reel – a system that goes far beyond a simple cable extension. The unit functions as a complete mobile power supply for individual work areas on the construction site. Equipped with a 30- or 40-metre-long 5G6 cable and a 32-amp connection, the unit is connected directly to a site power distribution board. The power supply can then be flexibly moved to the desired location.
The user has several connection options available there simultaneously. In addition to three RCD sockets, two 16-amp connections and an additional 32-amp socket are available. This allows different machines, tools and electrical loads to be operated in parallel. This concept is particularly useful on sprawling construction sites where work areas change regularly or where significant distances between the distribution box and the point of use need to be bridged.
RCDs enhance safety in the workplace
Another key feature is the integrated protection. The Mammut cable reel is equipped with RCDs and circuit breakers that are directly integrated into the system. This creates an independent, protected power supply at the respective workplace. Users do not need to rely on additional distribution boards or protective components, but can connect electrical devices directly. This ensures greater flexibility, particularly when using high-powered tools, welding equipment or larger machines. At the same time, it reduces the organisational effort on site, as fewer separate components need to be transported and set up.
Mobile power supply is gaining importance on construction sites
The demands on electrical infrastructure on construction sites are constantly increasing. Modern tools, digital measurement technology, chargers for battery systems and increasingly electrified machinery require reliable power sources directly at the point of use. Against this backdrop, cable reels are increasingly evolving from simple extension solutions into multifunctional power supply platforms. Safety, flexibility and ease of use are the key priorities. The systems on display at bauma illustrate this shift. Whilst the Iron Coat cable drum meets current safety requirements for metal drums, the Mammut cable drum creates a mobile infrastructure for power supply on the construction site. Both solutions pursue the same goal: to provide electrical power where it is needed – safely, robustly and under the demanding conditions of daily construction site operations.
Trade fair reporting Germany - Trade fair knowledge, dates & events
