The insulated bucket is a specialized attachment for excavators designed for earthwork in areas with buried cables and overhead power lines. The bucket is fully electrically insulated and protects the machine operator from electric shock in case of accidental contact with live conductors.
Construction and material differ significantly from standard buckets: the insulated bucket is made of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) or features an insulating interlayer between the bucket body and excavator arm. Typical insulation ratings range from 1,000 V to 36,000 V depending on the design.
Use is mandatory for utility companies, cable installation contractors, and decommissioning work at substations when minimum clearance distances from live components cannot be maintained. Manufacturers such as Dappen, Lehnhoff, and Reschke offer appropriate solutions.