CableGuardian Rapid Fault Finding on West Coast Main Line
September 1, 2020
CableGuardian fault finding on the West Coast Main Line enabled Network Rail to quickly locate a critical insulation resistance (IR) issue at Euxton ASC, preventing costly train delays. Within 6 hours from arrival, the fault area was narrowed from 11 miles across 6 feeders to just 1 mile on 1 feeder—a 90% reduction—allowing rapid, targeted repair and reliable rail operations.
The Challenge: Low Insulation Resistance Threatens West Coast Main Line Operations
On 7th August 2019, Network Rail London North Western detected a sudden drop in insulation resistance across the West Coast Main Line at Euxton ASC, covering 6 feeders and 11 miles of signalling network.Low IR levels placed the signalling system at risk of failure, threatening train operations and potentially causing costly delays. Existing fault detection methods had been ineffective, even pointing engineers toward the wrong feeder sections, wasting valuable time and increasing operational risk.
The Viper Solution: CableGuardian Rapid Fault Detection and Tiered Monitoring
Viper Innovations mobilised rapidly on 10th August 2019, deploying CableGuardian fault finding in a temporary Tier 2 configuration connected to the 650V Signalling Power System (SPS).
- 1.5 hours: Two suspect feeders were identified.
- +3 hours: Tier 1 testing refined the fault location to a 1-mile section of a single feeder—a 90% reduction in search area.
- Follow-up Megger testing: Network Rail confirmed 3 faults within this 1-mile section, including two cable insulation issues and one transformer location case.
This approach allowed engineers to focus their efforts precisely where needed, avoiding unnecessary disruption across the network.
Results & Benefits: Swift Repair and Reduced Operational Disruption
- Fault location reduced from 11 miles to 1 mile across 6 feeders (~90% reduction)
- Faults identified and confirmed within 6 hours from arrival
- 3 confirmed faults repaired in a single, focused intervention
- Costly train delays avoided, maintaining West Coast Main Line operations
- Safe, efficient, and easy-to-deploy solution praised by Network Rail engineers
CableGuardian provided not only a fast reactive solution but also reinforced the benefits of proactive monitoring for future operations.
Intelligence installed in Action
By deploying CableGuardian fault finding, Network Rail transformed a potentially disruptive fault scenario into a controlled, precise operation. With intelligence installed, engineers were able to move from uncertainty to clarity—quickly identifying the problem, focusing resources where they were needed, and restoring signalling reliability on the West Coast Main Line.