Just a year ago, at the Crane Association of New Zealand’s (CANZ) annual conference, Protective Engineered Safety was demonstrating an earlier version of its powerline proximity warning system (GoUpSafely V2) while hinting at big improvements on the horizon.
Fast forward to today, and the new GoUpSafely (GUS) V3 safety system is not only fully launched, but is generating significant buzz – especially among crane operators and owners in New Zealand.
“Last year we were still running GoUpSafely V2 and working hard on developing V3,” said Jason Jordan, Business Development Manager, Protective Engineered Safety. “Now, just a year later, we’ve launched V3 and the response has been fantastic, even from our New Zealand audience.” This leap in one year marks a major milestone for the company, as it continues to refine the product attracting industry attention.
How GoUpSafely V3 works
At its core, GoUpSafely V3 is all about keeping cranes and people safe from live power lines. The system uses small wireless sensors mounted on the crane to detect the electric fields of nearby high-voltage lines. If a crane boom or load gets too close to a live power line, GoUpSafely will alert the operator with alarms and lights – and even automatically halt movement toward the line. Importantly, it’s smart enough to let the operator move the crane away from danger even after an automatic stop, so the machine isn’t stuck in a bad spot. In other words, the system can detect power, warn the operator, stop motion toward the power line, and still allow the machine to back off safely. All of this happens in real-time without the operator needing to press any special buttons.
What’s new with V3?
One of the big improvements with V3 is the introduction of an app-based interface. The GUS V3 system connects via Bluetooth to a mobile app, so operators or site managers can see live data and system status on a smartphone or tablet. Through the app, they can review logged events (like past alerts) and adjust certain settings if needed. For example, if the site has unusually high-voltage lines, the sensitivity can be factory-set accordingly, and any alarm events are recorded for later review. This app makes using GUS V3 more user-friendly – essentially giving the crane operator a “dashboard” for powerline safety. The sensors and control unit are designed to be retrofitted onto all kinds of machines (from mobile cranes to excavators and concrete pumps), so it’s a flexible add-on rather than something that only comes with brand-new cranes.
Crucially, GUS V3’s technology is both reliable and precise. It uses a patented high-voltage detection system that filters out false signals, so it won’t cry wolf every time a two-way radio or phone is used nearby. Karl Rosewarne, Managing Director at GoUpSafely said, “GUS V3 is the only system in the world able to prevent machines from being able to contact power lines, while still allowing the machine to move safely away after detection.”
Interest in New Zealand
At the CANZ conference in 2024, Protective Engineered Safety gave Kiwi operators a first-hand look at GoUpSafely tech. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees stopped by the booth out of curiosity, then stayed as they realised how the system could directly benefit their daily work. “The interest from New Zealand has been huge now that GUS V3 is out,” Jason said.
Protective has fielded multiple inquiries from Kiwi crane companies wanting to know how soon they can get their hands on the GUS V3 system.
It’s a marked change from a year ago, when New Zealanders had only heard about V3 in theory (back when V3 was still in development). Now they can actually see it and try it, which makes a world of difference. “It’s one thing to talk about what the system does, but seeing it in action makes it real,” Jason said. Protective’s journey from talking about ideas (last year) to showcasing a finished product (this year) has clearly paid off in growing New Zealand’s enthusiasm for the technology.
Real-world success stories
Nothing builds confidence in a new safety system like real-world success stories. Protective Engineered Safety may be an Australian company, but it has been proving GoUpSafely’s value across the region. In Australia, heavy equipment and crane specialist TRT has been working with Protective to introduce GoUpSafely to more crane fleets. TRT’s involvement is a strong endorsement – it’s a well-respected name in lifting gear across Australia and New Zealand, and its interest suggests that GUS V3 fills a genuine need in the market.
Protective is also making waves further afield. In Indonesia, PT Berlian Cranserco – a major crane and equipment dealer in the region – has partnered with Protective to bring GoUpSafely to Indonesian worksites.
This partnership has led to demonstrations at big industry expos (like mining and construction shows) where the technology’s ability to detect power, warn the operator, stop motion toward power, and allow the machine to move away has been on full display.
Thanks to GUS V3, Protective Engineered Safety’s reputation has grown from innovative newcomer to industry leader in a short span. Being the developer of a system that can literally save lives has opened new doors.
Within New Zealand, Protective is quickly becoming a familiar name in crane and construction circles. For Protective Engineered Safety establishing a local presence or partnerships in New Zealand is clearly on the horizon, as the company wants to ensure Kiwi customers have easy access to installations, training, and service.
“New Zealand is important to us – the industry here is proactive on safety,” Karl emphasised. “We’re committed to being here for the long run, not just dropping in to sell a product. We want to support it and see it genuinely make a difference in reducing power line incidents.”