CNIguard SentirSentir logo

Reducing the risk of manhole incidents

Sentir logo

Sentir is our unique manhole monitoring system that comprises ultra-ruggedized hardware and purpose-built software that radically:

  • Improves network reliability
  • Enhances grid safety
  • Optimizes utility inspection

The Problem

Degraded power lines are a major cause of exploding manholes and stray voltage. In New York City alone hundreds of manholes explode each year. In addition, stray voltage electrifies manhole covers and other street furniture – traffic signals, bus shelters, mail boxes – that can cause injury and death.

Other problems include hard-to-locate cable failures, gas and water intrusion, physical failures, corrosion and oil leakage, and damaged structures.

Monitoring Methods

There are a number of methods that can be used to monitor the grid. These methods include:

  • Visual inspection: This involves physically inspecting the grid for signs of damage, such as cracks, corrosion, and vegetation growth
  • Remote monitoring: This involves using sensors to collect data on the condition of the grid, such as temperature, vibration, and electrical current.
  • Analytical modelling: This involves using computer models to predict the condition of the grid over time.

By using a combination of these methods, grid operators can get a comprehensive picture of the condition of the grid and identify any potential problems before they cause outages.

The Sentir Solution

The Sentir product line from CNIguard actively addresses these methods, providing a rugged, utility-grade device that hosts a number of robust sensors to deliver low-latency intelligence directly into the hands of those who need it most.

  • Visual cameras monitor the location, feeding images directly to our image processing algorithms to detect structural changes.
  • Thermal cameras monitor the structure for temperature anomalies, calling attention to potential fire and explosion hazards.
  • Current transformers monitor electrical cables for faults, allowing outage causes to be found and fixed quicker and more accurately.
  • Additional available sensor arrays detect combustible gases, water depth and salinity, temperature and atmospheric pressure, vibration, stray voltage, and a host of other monitoring options.

The Benefits

Sentir modular sensor arrays all feed data back to CNIguard’s advanced AI engine that integrates data from structures with open-source intelligence such as weather conditions and traffic patterns to determine not only the likelihood of an event, but the potential risk to nearby people and infrastructure. Signals are transmitted securely from the embedded device to our SensorView dashboard on a phone, laptop or other platform. Over-the-Air updates ensure the firmware is current as well as enabling customization of the devices.

A complete end-to-end solution

Sentir IR camera detecting hot spot

Sentir’s IR camera detects hot spots with a significant high/low temperature difference.

Monitoring screen

An alert is sent to the SensorView dashboard which, in turn, notifies the customer of the fault.

Repairing damaged cable

A field crew is sent to rectify the problem.

Sentir in action.

Jonathan Taylor
VP Customer Delivery

Jonathan is an engineer and project executive with a combined 15 years of experience in utility, manufacturing, deploying, and implementing solutions utility and heavy industrial sectors. He was previously with Osmose Utility Services and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, after starting his career within Aerospace and Pulp and Paper. Jonathan holds an Executive Leadership Certification and a BSME from the Georgia Tech, as well as an active Project Management Professional license from PMI.


Jens Sterum

VP Business Development

Jens has over three decades of experience in international business development, specializing in complex technology sales. Spanning FMCG, logistics, security and utilities, his experience traverses EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. Prior to joining CNIguard in the USA, he served as MD for a specialized company in industrial automation, having secured and managed a highly successful telemetry framework for the largest water utility in the UK . Jens has a BS in International Economics from Duke University and MS in Management and Organizational Development from University of Aalborg, Denmark.

Jim Darroch
Chief Technology Officer

Jim is a software development executive with 30 years’ experience in designing software and data solutions for Data/Telecoms, Industrial and IoT markets – with an emphasis on reliability, high availability, safety, and security. He has experience in building and leading software teams on a global scale for multiple large corporations (notably HP, Emerson and Honeywell) as well as several small/start-ups; establishing teams to quickly deliver innovative Software solutions. Jim holds a B.Sc. with First Class Honours in Computer Science from Strathclyde University.

Stephen Rose
Chief Financial Officer

30 years qualified accountant with industry based board level experience in the UK, Europe and China. Stephen is a commercially focused accountant having been group financial director for Eaglemoss Publications, an international publishing group for over 20 years. Other roles include management accountant for Porcelanosa and a consultancy role for fashion group, Jumper Retail.

Chris Quire
Chief Executive Officer

Chris is an engineer and technology executive with over 30 years of global experience in designing, manufacturing, deploying, and supporting wireless solutions in the utility and consumer electronics sectors. He was previously with Landis+Gyr and Comverge, after starting his career with Panasonic. Chris holds a MBA from Georgia State and a BEE from the Georgia Tech, as well as two patents.

Jason Wilson
Chief Commercial Officer

Jason is a seasoned sales and business development leader with over 30 years of global experience in high tech and wireless industrial internet of things with a focus on Smart Grid and Digital Oilfield solutions. He was previously with On-Ramp Wireless after starting his career in the United States Air Force. Jason has a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors in Astronautical Engineering from the US Air Force Academy.