Size explanation
All covers and frames are manufactured to clear opening sizes; put simply, this is the size of the hole that the cover and frame are to span. The clear opening size of the cover is the inside frame dimension and consequently, the cover & frame will then rest on the surrounding chamber.
It is vitally important to establish a clear opening of the chamber, as a cover that is too small will have an unsupported frame and will fail. A cover which is too large in some instances may be acceptable; however, if the cover has underbracing to the lid (often the case on larger, heavier units), this may clash with the chamber and will not fit correctly.
Explanation of seals
Covers and frames are available unsealed, single sealed, and double sealed. D 400 iron covers & frames are unsealed as
they are double triangular, and each lid only sits on the frame in three places. Slide-out products are also unsealed.
Most access covers are single-sealed as standard. A single seal cover can help prevent the egress of odours and ingress of
water when the sealing groove is filled with grease. There is a small number of covers that are available single rubber
sealed; these usually feature a single ‘O’ ring seal. Double seal covers feature two rubber seals, the two rubber seals
prevents odours from escaping from the chamber when not under pressure
Load capacity of steel products
The steel products covered in this brochure fall into two different classifications: domestic and FACTA loads.
The domestic vehicle load classification indicates the gross vehicle weight (GVW) likely to be carried by the vehicle, for example, a 5-tonne full-load vehicle. Domestic products are intended for pedestrian and frequent domestic use only.
Products manufactured to FACTA load classifications are designed to industry-standard load specifications, from pedestrian applications to applications where slow-moving trucks may access.
Please also note that the steel covers and frames are intended for slow traffic access* only and not for main roads – main roads require the extra strength D400 ductile iron covers.
| Domestic Loading (GLVW) | Domestic Application |
|---|---|
|
Pedestrian |
For pedestrians only |
|
5 Tons |
For the garden, landscaped area |
|
10 Tons |
Rare household use |
|
17 Tons |
Moderate household use |
|
25 Tons |
Frequent household use |
| FACTA Class | Wheel Load (Slow Moving Pneumatic) | Wheel Load (Slow Moving Continuous) | Installation area |
|---|---|---|---|
AA |
1.5 Tons |
Not available |
For pedestrians only |
AAA |
2.5 Tons |
0.5 Tons |
Sometimes slow
driving
cars |
B |
5 Tons |
0.75 Tons |
Slow-moving cars |
C |
6.5 Tons |
1 Tons |
Slow-moving heavy vehicles |
D |
11 Tons |
3 Tons |
Slow-moving trucks |
*Slow-moving wheel loads are considered speeds not exceeding 20 mph (32 km/h) in areas with low traffic volumes. In areas where higher traffic volumes are expected, a higher pavement load class is recommended.
Why choose our manhole covers?
We represent industry leaders in the production of recessed manhole covers. These solutions not only guarantee safe access to technical areas, but also visually integrate into any surface – paving, lawn or asphalt. Made of high-quality materials, the covers are distinguished by their long service life and are suitable for both intensive use and aesthetically demanding areas.
Main benefits
- Seamless integration – disappears into the pavement, maintaining a unified design
- Safe even with heavy loads – load capacity up to 40 t
- Suitable for both urban and private areas
- High-quality materials – resistant to corrosion, weather conditions and deformation
- Stainless steel (AISI 304, AISI 316), galvanized steel
- Water and air sealed recessed manhole covers are available
- Wide range of sizes and shapes – easy to find the most suitable solution