Manhole sensor for covers, doors and gates

Manhole covers at utility facilities are usually completely unsecured. The manhole sensor sits inside the manhole, monitors openings and closures, and reports every opening via NB-IoT.

  • Long-life battery
  • Alert via NB-IoT
  • Expandable with GPS module
Manhole sensor from Infrasolute for monitoring manhole covers and doors, cut out

Why the manhole sensor

Every opening is reported the instant it happens

Scattered manholes cannot be guarded. The sensor takes care of it, needs neither a power connection nor site infrastructure, and only reports when something happens.

Proactive alerting

When the manhole is opened, the notification goes out, whether it is unauthorised access or part of your normal operations.

Mounted inside

The sensor sits inside the manhole and monitors openings and closures from there. Nothing changes on the cover itself.

Power via long-life battery

An energy-efficient battery powers the sensor. No connection is needed on site, so it can also be used at standalone manholes.

Transmission via NB-IoT

The notification runs over Narrowband, meaning the mobile network, with no dedicated network connection at the manhole.

Combinable with other sensors

The sensor is integrated into the gateway. Further sensors can run via the same gateway, such as the crack sensor or the water level sensor.

Expandable with a GPS module

A GPS module can be added on request. This is useful where many similar measuring points are spread across an area.

Technical data

Specifications at a glance

Runtime, ingress protection and range depend on the measuring point. We specify them on a project basis once the installation site is set.

Manhole sensor from Infrasolute for monitoring manhole covers and doors, cut out
Measured quantity
Opening and closing of manhole covers, doors and gates
Mounting location
inside the manhole
Power supply
long-life battery, no connection required on site
Data transmission
NB-IoT (Narrowband)
Alerting
proactive on opening
Gateway
sensor is integrated into the gateway, further sensors can be combined via it
Combinable with
water level monitoring and crack monitoring from Infrasolute
Option
expandable with a GPS module
Open manhole in operation, two sensors with cables on the wall and the evaluation unit

Operating principle

From opening to notification

The sensor is mounted in the manhole and monitors the state of the cover from there. If it leaves the closed position, the notification goes out immediately, without anyone needing to be on site.

  1. 01

    Mounting

    The sensor is fitted inside the manhole, without affecting the cover and without any cabling to the outside.

  2. 02

    Monitoring

    The closed state is the normal case. The sensor reliably detects openings and closures.

  3. 03

    Alerting

    The notification goes via NB-IoT to the platform and from there to the stored recipients.

The difference

Manhole without and with monitoring

Manhole without monitoring

  • The cover is freely accessible
  • An opening only becomes apparent at the next inspection
  • Unauthorised access and a normal operation look the same
  • The time of opening remains unknown

Manhole with manhole sensor

  • Every opening is recorded
  • The notification goes out the instant it happens
  • Every event carries a timestamp
  • Further measured quantities run via the same gateway

Applications

Where the manhole sensor sits

Energy and water utilities
Food industry
Telecommunications facilities
Critical access points
Stadiums, airports and government buildings

Everything from a single source

From the monitoring concept to operation

The manhole sensor is one building block of well-designed monitoring. On request, Infrasolute takes care of concept, installation, operation and ongoing monitoring as a complete solution, a single point of contact for the whole monitoring.

  1. 01

    Concept

    We clarify which manholes and access points need monitoring and who is notified in the event of an alarm.

    Learn more
  2. 02

    Installation

    On request, we fit sensor and gateway and commission the transmission.

    Learn more
  3. 03

    Maintenance and operation

    We keep the sensors operational and monitor the battery charge level.

    Learn more
  4. 04

    Monitoring and alerting

    Every opening runs through the defined alarm chain, around the clock.

    Learn more

Which access points do you want to monitor?

Tell us about the manholes, doors or gates concerned. We will suggest the measuring points and the right combination of sensor and gateway.

Christian Steffes Christian Steffes

Data platform

All readings on one platform

The sensors transmit their readings wirelessly to the data platform, where they are evaluated, documented and continuously checked against your thresholds.

  • AI-assisted data analysis
  • User-focused reporting
  • Continuous evaluation
  • Warning and alarm thresholds
  • Alerts by email and text message
  • Remote access around the clock
More on monitoring & alerting
Monitoring platform Sample view
Reading history within limits
Warning threshold
  • AI-assisted data analysis Condition within limits
  • User-focused reporting Report ready
  • Alerting Thresholds monitored
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the manhole sensor

Where is the manhole sensor mounted?
Inside the manhole. From there it monitors openings and closures of the cover. Nothing needs to be changed on the cover itself.
Does the sensor need a power connection?
No. The manhole sensor is fitted with an energy-efficient long-life battery and so operates over long periods without a connection on site.
How do the notifications get out of the manhole?
Via NB-IoT, meaning Narrowband over the mobile network. No dedicated network connection is needed at the manhole.
Can the sensor be combined with other measured quantities?
Yes. The manhole sensor is integrated into the gateway, and further sensors can run via the same gateway, for example the crack sensor or the water level sensor. This builds a picture of the structure from several measured quantities.
Is there a way to locate the measuring point?
On request. The sensor can be expanded with a GPS module. This is useful where many similar measuring points are spread across a larger area.
Does the sensor distinguish authorised from unauthorised opening?
It reliably detects that the manhole was opened, whether through unauthorised access or as part of your normal operations. Which case applies emerges from comparison with scheduled works, since every event carries a timestamp.

Project inquiry

Request the manhole sensor

Tell us which manholes or access points should be monitored. We will suggest the measuring points, the transmission method and the right alarm chain.

+49 6742 8599600 DE +41 41 670 00 11 CH [email protected]
Project inquiry