Viper Wins IET Innovation Award for Rail Electrical Fault Detection Technology CableGuardian

Viper Innovations has been named winner of the 2018 Intelligent Systems Innovation Award by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), recognising the development of its CableGuardian rail electrical fault detection technology.

The award was presented on 14 November in London at the annual IET Innovation Awards ceremony, which celebrates leading engineering and technology innovation from organisations around the world.

Recognition for innovation in rail electrical fault detection and monitoring systems

Viper received the award for CableGuardian, a rail-focused electrical fault detection and condition monitoring system designed to improve the reliability and safety of critical infrastructure.

The technology uses intelligent algorithms and Internet of Things (IoT) architecture to deliver real-time electrical system fault information across rail signalling power networks.

By providing early visibility of electrical degradation and faults, CableGuardian supports improved maintenance planning and helps reduce the risk of service-affecting failures across rail infrastructure.

CableGuardian improves rail signalling reliability and reduces maintenance costs

CableGuardian is designed for use in rail electrical infrastructure, including signalling power supply systems where continuous operation is essential.

The system helps rail operators:

• Detect electrical faults in real time
• Reduce reliance on manual testing processes
• Improve system availability and operational reliability
• Lower maintenance costs through earlier intervention
• Reduce personnel exposure to electrical hazards

By automating fault detection and improving visibility of cable condition, CableGuardian enables more proactive and efficient maintenance strategies across rail networks.

Supporting safer and more resilient UK rail infrastructure

A typical application of CableGuardian is within rail signalling power supply systems, where electrical reliability is critical to safe and uninterrupted train operations.

The technology supports improved resilience across rail infrastructure by identifying emerging issues before they escalate into failures that could impact service delivery.

Industry recognition for engineering innovation

The IET Innovation Awards are one of Europe’s leading engineering and technology awards programmes, recognising outstanding innovation across science, engineering and industry.

The Intelligent Systems category was sponsored by global engineering consultancy Altran – a Capgemini owned company.

The 2018 ceremony was attended by more than 350 finalists, engineering professionals and industry leaders, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of the awards.

About the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is Europe’s largest professional engineering institution, with over 169,000 members worldwide.

The IET Innovation Awards celebrate excellence in engineering and technology innovation, recognising organisations that are advancing the future of industry through technical development and applied engineering.