CableGuardian | Viper Innovations | Insulation Monitoring Device

CableGuardian Rail Signal Power Protection

The power to predict, detect, and prevent electrical faults across your signalling power network with intelligent, connected monitoring.

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CableGuardian – Keeping the Trains Running on Time

Monitoring over a million metres of network cables

We developed CableGuardian in collaboration with Network Rail to improve the reliability, safety, and maintainability of signalling power systems. It delivers continuous, real-time cable condition monitoring and fault location, enabling predictive maintenance, reducing on-track testing, and improving the operational performance of the railway.

Delivering efficient asset renewals

Make data-driven investment decisions through live condition assessment and targeted asset replacement.

Reduce manual faulting & periodic testing

Move from scheduled inspection to real-time, automated monitoring.

Improve train performance, avoid delays

Detect degradation before faults occur to prevent service disruption.

Enhanced network performance

Predict issues before they cause failure with real-time insulation and fault detection.

Improved safety

Reduce workforce exposure to high-risk environments by minimising unnecessary trackside access.

Lower operating costs

Transition to predictive maintenance to reduce emergency repairs, material use, and downtime.

Insightful reporting

Visual diagnostics, trend data, and alerts support confident, data-led decision-making.

Combining Two Advanced Technologies

System overview

We continuously measure insulation resistance, capacitance, voltage, and current across signalling power networks to detect degradation and impedance changes as they develop.

Using Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR), we locate faults in live systems without interrupting train operations or disconnecting power.

Data from field units is transmitted securely to the CableGuardian Web Portal, giving us a complete view of network health. The intuitive dashboard provides:

Real-time asset condition, live alarms, and network-wide status
Historical trend graphs showing insulation resistance changes over time
Visual degradation maps pinpointing the affected cable section
Configurable alarm thresholds that deliver advanced warnings well before network-level alerts trigger

Fully compatible with Network Rail’s Intelligent Infrastructure and ready for future RADAR Cloud integration, the platform turns complex electrical data into clear, actionable insight. This enables maintenance teams to plan efficiently, prevent disruption, and enhance overall network performance.

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Built for Harsh Environments

System architecture

A complete CableGuardian system consists of:

Sensor Units (SUs):
We install compact sensor modules in location cases along the railway, each capable of monitoring multiple cable segments. These units continuously collect insulation resistance and voltage data, even while circuits remain energised.

CableGuardian Web Platform:
We process measurement data through our cloud-based analytics platform, presenting results via intuitive dashboards, graphical trend analysis, and alarm notifications. Alarm thresholds can be set for individual feeders, circuits, or sub-network sections, enabling early identification of long-term degradation before it becomes critical.

The system complies with NR/L2/SIGELP/50000 and NR/L2/SIGELP/27725 standards, providing full visibility of insulation resistance and circuit performance across the entire rail power network.

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CableGuardian is available as both a permanent monitoring system and a temporary diagnostic service to suit varying operational needs:

Service options

Asset Condition Assessment (Temporary System)

Ideal for short-term investigations, this service enables rail operators to deploy CableGuardian units temporarily across specific routes or assets to gain a snapshot of insulation health and identify high-risk areas before faults occur. them and the general public.

Tier 2 with Roaming Tier 1 Units

Provides permanent feeder-level (Tier 2) monitoring to track long-term trends and minimise weather-related fluctuations. Optional roaming units can be deployed trackside for temporary enhanced (Tier 1) monitoring when system conditions or operational needs demand, delivering flexibility and reduced upfront CAPEX.

Tier 1 Monitoring

Delivers permanent, high-resolution cable-section (sub-network) monitoring using fixed trackside units for real-time fault location and continuous visibility. This approach eliminates the need for roaming devices, minimises boots-on-ballast activity, and shortens delay-per-incident across critical power systems.

Flexible Service Packages

These flexible service packages enable rail operators to implement CableGuardian at their own pace — from targeted network sections to full route-wide rollouts.

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Resources

Find answers to common questions about CableGuardian technology:

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Brochures & Datasheets

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Other

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FAQs

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Rail Case Studies

Euxton ASC Fault Finding with CableGuardian

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Designed for Minimal Disruption

Ease of installation

CableGuardian is designed for fast, safe installation with minimal disruption. Units fit directly into existing location cases using standard tools and pre-fitted connectors. Once installed, configuration downloads automatically via the cloud, allowing systems to go live quickly without specialist training or bespoke hardware.

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Case Study

Condition-based monitoring – Network Rail route

We deployed CableGuardian to support the transition from periodic manual cable testing to continuous, condition-based monitoring. This delivered a measurable reduction in service delays, maintenance costs, and safety risks, providing a proven model for predictive rail asset management.

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Rail industry

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Access Product Resources Including Datasheets via our Product Pages.

Technologies supporting rail

Visit our product pages to discover more about CableGuardian, which combines our V-LIM and SSTDR technologies into one unique system.

CableGuardian

Condition monitoring with live fault detection and location, delivering insights to ensure electrical networks are safe, reliable and fully operational.