INFRASTRUCTURE

Rat protection for critical systems

Rats in the sewer are not just a nuisance; they are a risk to socially important infrastructure.

Critical infrastructure depends on stability. Whether it’s data centres, transport networks, wastewater facilities or utility systems, every part of society relies on continuous, reliable operation.

Rat intrusion, particularly through the sewer system, can compromise these essential functions, creating failures that impact thousands of people. Preventive protection is therefore not only a maintenance priority, but a matter of public safety.

Securing Continuous Operation in Critical Infrastructure

Utilities, data centres, and transportation networks rely on stable operations. Rats damaging cables and installations can lead to breakdowns with major consequences. With Nordisk Innovation, you get a solution that protects your facilities and society.

Rats entering underground installations can damage control units, cables, drainage systems, pumps and communication lines. Even small disruptions may have cascading effects throughout the infrastructure grid.

Nordisk Innovation’s rat blockers provide a high-reliability physical barrier inside the sewer system, stopping rats before they reach critical installations.

PROBLEMS

Typical rat problems in critical infrastructure

Rats threaten the stability of the system, especially by:

  • Damage to cables, wires and control units
  • Breakdowns and interruptions in supply
  • Non-compliance with operational safety requirements

Increasing national focus on health, safety and hazard prevention

Legislation such as the Social Housing Act 2023, including Awaab’s Law, reflects a growing national emphasis on identifying and addressing health-related hazards quickly and proactively. From October 2026, this will also include pests. Although aimed primarily at residential environments, this regulatory shift highlights a broader expectation for public operators and infrastructure managers to minimise risks linked to pests, electrical hazards and system failures. By securing the sewer network with rat blockers, infrastructure operators strengthen safety, reduce operational risk and align with this wider preventive approach.

 

Understanding Rat Intrusion in Infrastructure Networks

Rats often enter infrastructure systems through:

  • Sewer lines and stormwater drain
  • Technical chambers and manholes
  • Cable ducts and utility tunnels
  • Underground ventilation routes
  • Moist, waste-rich or hard-to-access areas

Because these networks are interconnected, rats can travel long distances unless a physical barrier is installed at key points.

 

Fire risk and damage to critical infrastructure wiring

Rats frequently gnaw on electrical cables, sensors and control components found in underground installations. This can disrupt traffic systems, disable pumping stations, interfere with signal control and compromise fire-protection equipment. In severe cases, damaged wiring may lead to short circuits or fire hazards within technical chambers.

By securing sewer access with rat blockers, operators can significantly reduce these high-impact risks.

 

Why Preventive Sewer Protection Matters

Infrastructure systems require high reliability. Traditional pest control does not stop rats from moving through underground networks; they must be blocked at the source.

A rat blocker ensures:

  • Protection of sensitive systems
  • Fewer emergency disruptions
  • Reduced maintenance and repair costs
  • Extended lifespan of cables and components
  • Documented preventive action for audits

A toxin-free and environmentally responsible solution

5 KEY STEPS

A proven method for securing critical infrastructure

1

Document the condition of the sewer with a TV inspection
CCTV inspections reveal cracks, infiltration points and defects that allow rats to enter underground infrastructure such as cable ducts, manholes and pump stations.
2

Rectify faults and leaks documented by the inspection
Repairing sewer lines ensures rats cannot move between infrastructure nodes beneath the surface.
3

Install rat blockers as close to the utility’s system as possible
Strategically placed rat blockers secure access points into tunnels, technical chambers, cable ducts and wastewater installations.
4

Empty the area of rats with electronic traps and non-toxic methods
Non-toxic traps ensure compliance with environmental and utility-sector requirements.
5

Secure the site against surface rats through technical inspections
Inspect manholes, vent openings, culverts, cable chambers and exterior access points to prevent above-ground intrusion.

Engineered for Demanding Environments

Nordisk Innovation’s rat blockers are made from acid-resistant stainless steel (AISI 316) and built for:

  • High-flow sewer environments
  • Wastewater chemicals
  • Harsh technical conditions
  • Manholes from 315 mm and larger
  • Long-term durability and minimal maintenance

 

Supporting All Types of Infrastructure Operators

This strategy strengthens operational stability for:

  • Municipal wastewater utilities
  • Data centres and server facilities
  • Transport authorities
  • Rail and road infrastructure
  • Tunnel operators
  • Utility and power companies
  • Engineering and maintenance contractors

By stopping rats where they enter the system, operators protect both critical installations and the society relying on them.

SOLUTION

Benefits of Nordisk Innovation’s rat blockers

With our solutions, you get:

  • Effective protection of sewer penetration
  • Increased reliability and reduced risk
  • Installation without disruption to operation

Why choose Nordisk Innovation?

We provide solutions that are:

  • VA and WRC approved
  • Made in the EU and proven through 300,000+ installations
  • Easy to service and integrate into existing systems
  • Specially developed for complex plants and technical environments

Do you need to secure your infrastructure against rats?

Contact us and get a solution with a focus on uptime and quality.

Find an installer for the job now

If you already know what you need, you can also simply make use of our installer overview and find a NI certified installer close by.