How electric equipment is redefining interior demolition

Robles1 in Texas has grown its niche in interior demolition by switching to emissions-free electric excavators (Image: Volvo CE)

Compared to open-air demolition where excavators have ample room to manoeuvre, indoor demolition work is much more confined, forcing contractors to operate under difficult constraints.

Using traditional diesel equipment for these projects introduces additional safety, regulatory and environmental challenges. Electric heavy equipment can help address many of these associated concerns, including:

1. Space constraints

Machines must be small enough to pass through standard commercial doorways without structural damage, yet robust enough to complete the required tasks for the job. Once inside, standard two-piece booms on compact excavators often lack the vertical articulation or pin height required to easily reach ceilings or overhead mechanical systems.

The Volvo EC18 Electric compact excavator is a sub-2-ton machine suitable for access through low entry points while offering the pin height needed to reach higher points.

2. Fuel emissions

When operating inside closed structures, carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes can accumulate and present a safety hazard. Contractors typically rely on exhaust scrubbers and temporary industrial ventilation systems as a solution. But even with those controls, crews must wear carbon monoxide badges.

When emission levels spike, safety regulations require work stoppages, forcing the crew to evacuate for 30 to 45 minutes until the air clears. This downtime greatly slows project timelines and efficiency. A zero-emission, battery-electric excavator eliminates carbon monoxide hazards and exhaust-related work delays and helps ensure the comfort and safety of workers.

3. Strict regulatory and noise requirements

Indoor demolition projects often happen in active urban areas, historic buildings undergoing renovations or occupied commercial zones where noise must be kept to a minimum. These sites are typically subject to local, regional and national regulatory control.

Diesel engines generate high decibel levels that reverberate off concrete interior walls, presenting challenges for noise regulations and worker safety.

Electric equipment operates much quieter than diesel machines. This provides benefits for noise reduction – especially important for jobsites in residential or busy areas – and it also allows operators to easily communicate with nearby crew members.

4. Structural and weight limitations

Finally, demolition work on multi-story suspended concrete slabs requires a machine lightweight enough to stay within floor load limits but powerful enough to get the job done. Many compact electric machines stay within the weight requirements.

Battery life and charging

Contractors considering electric equipment for interior demolition work may see battery life and charging as potential hurdles. But these machines can perform on one charge for much of the day during a typical application. If they’re used in harsher environments, it may require a quick charge over lunch to ensure they’re ready to go for the afternoon.

Under normal operation of the Volvo EC18 Electric compact excavator, contractors can expect up to six hours of battery life with a full charge. The machine can plug into a standard 120-volt outlet overnight to return to 100% capacity by morning. But for optimal commercial charging, it is recommended to use a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet with an SAE J1772 adapter (standard EV plug) for faster charging.

Diesel-powered machines often stand idle for multiple hours a day, wasting energy and money, while electric equipment shuts off when not in use. Coupled with the fact that electric machines require zero fuel expenses and minimal engine maintenance, this benefit lowers the total cost of ownership.