There’s a lot of critical infrastructure sitting below street level, such as fiber lines, power cables, and water mains. Often, a cast iron lid is the only thing standing between it and whoever wants in. The rapid expansion of electrical networks and higher populated areas which need more underground utility access, is colliding with aging electrical vaults that are causing safety and security problems. Lockable and pressure-relieving manhole covers are how utilities, data centers, and public works teams are dealing with both.
Why Manhole Security Has Become a Bigger Deal
Underground vaults have always attracted thieves and vandals. However, the consequences of a breach are much bigger now. This is a result of a few things that are happening:
- Data centers need secure vaults: Big data center campuses run fiber and power lines through manholes on and around their property. If someone gets into one of those vaults, the incident can knock a facility offline, expose live network connections, or trigger penalty clauses with customers who paid for guaranteed uptime.
- Metal theft: Copper and fiber optics get stolen from electrical utility and telecom infrastructure regularly. An unlocked cover is an open invitation.
- Regulators are paying closer attention: Federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), have issued physical security guidance for critical infrastructure. Having your equipment “locked” is now an expectation.
- Insurance and legal exposure: If a cover is tampered with and something goes wrong, liability could fall on whoever owns the infrastructure. Insurers could start to ask harder questions about physical access controls.
For data centers, your security doesn’t stop at your facility’s door. If you run infrastructure underground, your entire perimeter needs to be secure. If the utility vaults outside the fence aren’t secure, your entire foundation for your uptime guarantee is weakened.
What Is InfraLOCK TM, Neenah Foundry’s Lockable Manhole Cover?
InfraLOCKTM is Neenah Foundry’s locking manhole cover system. It’s built in partnership with ALCEA, the critical infrastructure security brand under ASSA ABLOY. This system is for electrical and communications vaults, water access points, and anywhere else that you don’t want unauthorized entry.
The system strengthens your existing security without major renovations of your existing infrastructure using:
- A ductile iron lock bar secures the lid and it’s held in place by the ABLOY padlock
- ABLOY PLM340 padlock resists picking and drilling and holds up to weather changes
- The same load requirements defined by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
- Mechanical, electromechanical, and Bluetooth lock, so you can go from a simple key to a full digital access log, depending on your needs
It also fits most existing frames. You won’t need to remove existing concrete or replace your current manhole frame.
Many utility and data center operators want to know who opened a manhole cover, when, and why. Electromechanical locks and managed key systems make that possible across dozens or hundreds of locations.
Pressure Release for Electrical Vaults
Locking a manhole cover solves the security problem. But there’s another problem that electrical vaults must contend with. Underground pressure is something all aging electrical infrastructure must combat.
Old underground electrical cables degrade over time, insulation breaks down, water and road salt get in, and arc faults happen. All of this causes gas and heat to build up inside the vault. If that pressure has nowhere to go, the manhole cover can be blown off the ground like a projectile. This explosion can injure people nearby and damage whatever is around it.
Neenah Foundry’s Controlled Pressure Release (CPR II) covers offer a solution. When pressure builds up below, the cover lifts to four inches to let it out, but it stays connected to the frame and doesn’t fly off. We supply these to the largest electrical utilities in the country.
InfraLOCK ReleaseTM combines the locking system with this pressure-release feature in one cover. Day to day, it works like a locked cover. If there’s a pressure event underground, it vents safely without coming loose. For electrical vaults and data centers, it’s the answer for both problems at once.
How to Specify Secure Manhole Covers for Public and Critical Infrastructure
The right cover depends on where it’s going and what it’s protecting. If you need a manhole cover for your project, ask yourself these questions:
- What’s the threat? If you’re worried about vandalism, theft, or sabotage, you need a locking cover. If you’re worried about an explosion, you also need one with pressure release.
- What type of vault is it? Electrical, telecom, fiber, water, and sewer vaults each have different access needs and risk levels.
- What load rating is required? Make sure the locked cover still meets H-20 or HS-25. InfraLOCKTM does.
- Is this a retrofit or a new installation? InfraLOCKTM fits most standard frames, so existing infrastructure doesn’t need to be dug up.
- Does the vault need pressure release? Electrical vaults need pressure release. Telecom and water vaults typically don’t require pressure release, but it may be appropriate depending on the application.
- Who manages access? Figure out who can open the cover, who tracks it, and whether you need a log of every entry for compliance or incident review.
- Is this a federally funded project? If so, Buy America, Build America (BABA) rules apply. At Neenah Foundry, all our products are made in the United States.
- What documentation do you need? Have a keying schedule, submittal data, and a maintenance access plan ready before installation.
InfraLOCKTM and InfraLOCK ReleaseTM from Neenah Foundry are built for the security and safety demands that come with today’s data centers, electrical utilities, and public infrastructure. Browse our manhole safety and security products online or contact us today to talk through your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lockable Manhole Covers
What is a lockable manhole cover and how does InfraLOCKTM work?
A lockable manhole cover has a locking mechanism built into it to stop unauthorized people from opening it. InfraLOCK hides the lock behind a brass plug, so it’s not obvious from the surface. This lock is resistant to picking and drilling, and you can choose from a mechanical lock, an electromechanical lock, or a Bluetooth option.
What’s the difference between InfraLOCKTM and InfraLOCK ReleaseTM?
InfraLOCKTM locks the cover to keep people out. InfraLOCK Release does that plus lifts to let out underground pressure without flying off the frame.
Can existing manhole frames be retrofitted with InfraLOCKTM?
Yes. InfraLOCKTM fits most standard frames that are already in the ground. You don’t need to dig anywhere or replace the frame; just swap the cover.