Network Rail Improves Signalling Power System Monitoring with CableGuardian
March 19, 2024
When Network Rail Wales & Western Region needed greater visibility into low insulation resistance across its Signalling Power System, Viper Innovations deployed CableGuardian with intelligence installed. By moving to a Tier 2 configuration, engineers gained real-time, feeder-level insights—eliminating guesswork and enabling faster, more targeted decision-making.
The Challenge: Limited Visibility of Insulation Resistance in Signalling Power Systems
Network Rail’s Signalling Power System (SPS) at Yatton consisted of two feeders totalling approximately 13km, along with a relay room near the Principal Supply Point. The system was monitored using a single Insulation Monitoring Device in a Tier 3 configuration, providing only one overall insulation resistance (IR) value within the Intelligent Infrastructure system.
This limited visibility made it difficult to identify the root cause of low IR readings. Traditional fault-finding required disconnecting and testing individual cable sections—an approach that is time-consuming, disruptive, and resource-intensive, often requiring track access and on-site intervention.
The Viper Solution: CableGuardian Tier 2 Configuration for Feeder-Level Monitoring
To improve visibility and efficiency, Network Rail deployed CableGuardian in a Tier 2 configuration—bringing intelligence installed to the SPS:
- Individual CableGuardian units were installed to monitor each feeder separately.
- Real-time insulation resistance data was made available through the CableGuardian portal.
- Engineers gained remote access to asset condition data, removing the need for manual testing.
Instead of relying on a single network-wide IR value, engineers could now see:
- Feeder 1 (2.75km): >500kΩ
- Feeder 2 (10.3km): >500kΩ
- Relay room cable (20m): 50kΩ
Using CableGuardian’s colour-coded interface and Normalised IR (IR/km) feature, the system quickly identified the relay room—not the feeders—as the source of the issue. This avoided unnecessary testing and operational disruption.
Results & Benefits: Improved Asset Insight and Condition-Based Maintenance
- Clear identification of the root cause of low insulation resistance.
- Elimination of unnecessary manual testing and track access (“boots on ballast”).
- Remote, real-time monitoring of signalling power system assets.
- Improved decision-making through detailed, feeder-level data.
- Enables transition from periodic testing to condition-based maintenance.
CableGuardian also provides a technological alternative to the 5-yearly manual testing requirement, supporting a more efficient and modern asset management approach.
Intelligence installed in Action
With CableGuardian, Network Rail moved from limited visibility and reactive testing to a proactive, data-driven approach to asset management. By embedding intelligence installed into the signalling power system, engineers now have the clarity and confidence to act quickly, reduce disruption, and maintain system reliability—demonstrating the value of real-time insight in modern rail infrastructure.