Manhole Covers

Large Range of Manhole Covers & Accessories

Manhole Covers

Manhole covers, also known as inspection chamber covers or drainage covers, play a crucial role in providing access to drains that are situated atop plastic inspection chambers or older brick manholes. These covers vary in shapes, sizes, weights, and materials, including polypropylene, steel, and ductile iron.

The primary function of manhole covers is to safeguard against accidents by preventing people or objects from falling into the drain. They also serve to keep unauthorised access at bay while allowing easy access for inspection and maintenance tasks.

FEATURES OF MANHOLE COVERS

In the past, manhole covers were primarily square or rectangular, requiring a surrounding bed of concrete or tarmac during installation. However, the options have expanded significantly in recent years. There's now a wide array of covers available, including ones designed to blend seamlessly into block paving, patios, or even indoor spaces. Circular covers have also become more prevalent, thanks to the introduction of circular plastic inspection chambers.

When it comes to materials, options include galvanised steel, ductile iron, or polypropylene. Steel and polypropylene are lightweight yet durable, making them ideal for various applications. Cast or ductile iron covers offer a classic look, particularly suited for period properties or tarmac driveways. Regardless of the material chosen, it's essential to ensure that the cover's loading capacity aligns with its intended location.

Our manhole covers are sourced from reputable industry leaders such as Clark-Drain and FloPlast.

LOADING CAPACITY OF MANHOLE COVERS

The loading capacity of a manhole cover depends on its intended use and location. For pedestrian areas like gardens, an A Class cover rated to 1.5 tonnes is sufficient. Domestic driveways typically require a B Class cover capable of supporting up to 12.5 tonnes, suitable for slow-moving wheel loads of around 2.5 tonnes. For driveways accommodating vans or small trucks, a C Class cover with a 25-tonne load capacity is recommended.

For more commercial settings, refer to the following guidelines:

Load Rating	Wheel Load Supported	Recommended For
2.5 Tonne	N/A	Pedestrian Use Only
5 Tonne	1.25 Tonne	Domestic Driveways
10 Tonne	2.5 Tonne	Service Areas / Restricted Access
17 Tonne	4.25 Tonne	As above but will support small commercial vehicles
25 Tonne	6.25 Tonne	Pedestrian Precincts and Commercial Delivery areas
38 Tonne	9.5 Tonne	Petrol Forecourts - special order, please contact us
40 Tonne	10 Tonne	Forklift traffic - special order, please contact us

Compatibility and Installation

It's important to note that most modern covers may not fit into old frames. To ensure compatibility and safety, it's advisable to replace the entire frame along with the cover. Detailed load information is available in the provided table above, and additional guidance can be found in our Guides and Tips section.

When replacing drain covers, it's essential to measure the clear opening size rather than the frame or cover dimensions. This ensures proper access to the drainage system and a comfortable fit on the surrounding material. For covers fitted to plastic inspection chambers, simply measure the chamber's diameter.

Manhole Covers FAQs

We receive more questions about manhole covers than on any other subject, so we've developed an informative infographic packed with essential do's and don'ts, as well as commonly asked questions and answers. You can access the infographic here, and don't miss our article offering expert tips on purchasing replacement manhole covers.

For further assistance with our range of manhole covers, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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