Access Covers- What Is It & Top 5 Uses

Industrial and commercial spaces have the requirement for several casting solutions. From airports, ports to municipalities, operations often depend on numerous casting tools & equipment. Among the many functional operations, drainage and sewerage are among the most crucial, to run a smooth-functioning ecosystem. Access covers, manhole covers and trench gratings are some of the most essential components of a drainage system in commercial and municipal operations. A leading access cover manufacturer is characterised by the quality of the covers as well as the value-added services that they deliver. In this blog, we highlight the top 5 functionality aspects of access covers. 

What are ‘access covers’?

While it’s easy to categorise manhole covers and access covers together, in actuality, these are quite different in terms of build and function. Although access covers are of similar functional lines, they are not typically designed to serve drainage and sewerage systems. Usually shaped in rectangles and squares, these access covers are designed for internal and external usage. These covers also get manufactured in varying sizes and design patterns.  

Top Uses of Access Covers

Used for Checks and Maintenance Purposes

Access covers in industrial or commercial spaces cover electric wires, cables or signalling. As the name suggests, the covers and the frames together, provide access to the joints of electrical wires and cables. Multiple-flap covers provide particular access to certain portions of the components inside, unlike the single flap covers, which provide direct access to the objects inside. This is particularly used during times of maintenance of an electrical circuit or wiring system in commercial properties or industries. 

Boosts Efficiency & Accessibility in Servicing 

Access hatch covers significantly boost the efficiency during servicing. Easy to access, the leaf covers can be opened with slight pull, after unlocking the system.  When on one hand, manhole covers can be difficult to open in an instant, access covers serve the purpose of easy accessibility in times of emergency situations. Additionally, access panels make areas which would be generally unreachable or inaccessible, easier to reach to. 

Acts as a Security feature for the components inside

The access covers not only provide maintenance support but also keeps the components inside secure and safe. These ductile iron hatches are manufactured with hinges that specifically allow the collapse of the access doors to safely conceal the interiors. In addition, any access cover manufacturer today offers covers that are integrated with locking systems. This, in turn, ensures that the versatility of the access covers used is much more than that of simple access doors. Fire-resistant access doors are a huge boon for applications in industrial or commercial uses.  In commercial spaces, access covers are often used for storage utilities.

Saves Space 

In industrial spaces, components when left in the open can can get significantly damaged. When secured inside an enclosure, not only the components are less prone to damage, but also will save space. For instance, imagine a car parking space’s floor has a bunch of cables and wires exposed.  Not only are the cables hazardous to life and property, but they also take up space that can be used for other purposes. An access cover in such cases gives access to an enclosed space that is not only designated but also is secure and safe to use.  

Increases the Aesthetics of the Industrial & Commercial spaces

Access covers today are well designed coverings that close a particular space or components. Unlike the earlier times, metal coverings today are safe, lightweight and also visually pleasing. A latest access cover is well designed to suit the aesthetics of the area of application. Leading access cover suppliers in India not only offer quality material like ductile iron but also variations in the leaf cover openings and designs. 

Among such manufacturers, Crescent Foundry stands out with their range of access hole covers, with recessed designs that seamlessly fit to the look and feel of the environment they are installed in. Besides bespoke access hatch solutions, the manufacturers also offer the option of unhinging the covers from the frame completely, when required. In addition, the company manufactures covers that can handle heavy loading of D400, E600 and F900 ratings. 

Recommended Reading: Manhole Covers Industry Strengthens To Grow At Faster Pace By 2028

The market for Iron and Steel casting stood at USD 145.97 billion in the year 2020 and is expected to grow exponentially in the period between 2021 to 2027. As the casting industry grows, access covers have become one of the most sought-after products. With several manufacturers trying to fill in the gap, making the right purchase can be tricky. Hence, choosing the right manufacturer becomes extremely important while buying access covers.