| 1 | Compact pedestrian-area cover and frame | A15
15 kN test load | Pedestrian and cyclist areas where vehicle access is excluded | Often available in small circular or square formats; confirm clear opening, frame outside dimensions, and seating depth. | Stable frame seating and a non-slip top surface; choose only where the installation area is appropriate for A15. | Low | Usually economical where the light-duty class is permitted; replacement costs can rise if vehicles enter the area. |
| 2 | Footway and parking-area cover | B125
125 kN test load | Footways, pedestrian areas, and car parks for cars | Commonly offered with circular or square openings; match the frame to the existing chamber and paving build-up. | Check the complete cover-and-frame assembly rating, secure seating, and resistance to rocking under traffic. | Low to medium | Balance purchase price against the cost of disturbance to paving and traffic management during replacement. |
| 3 | Kerbside channel cover or gully grating | C250
250 kN test load | Kerbside channels and areas near the kerb where this class is suitable | Confirm grating or cover dimensions, flow requirements, frame orientation, and the exact position relative to the kerb. | For gratings, check slot layout and drainage needs; ensure the selected assembly is rated for its actual installation zone. | Medium | Drainage access and debris management can affect cleaning frequency and ongoing maintenance costs. |
| 4 | Standard circular roadway cover | D400
400 kN test load | Carriageways and other areas used by road vehicles, where D400 is specified | A 600 mm nominal clear opening is common in some markets, but is not universal; verify clear opening, frame dimensions, and cover depth. | Specify a tested cover-and-frame set, secure seating, and a top surface appropriate to the road; consider a locking feature where needed. | Medium | Assess service life, inspection access, noise or movement complaints, and the cost of road closures for repairs. |
| 5 | Square roadway cover and frame | D400
400 kN test load | Roadways and paved areas where a square opening suits the chamber layout | Check clear opening separately from outside frame dimensions; confirm corner geometry and bearing support in the chamber. | Ensure the complete assembly is rated for the location and that the frame is installed on an adequately prepared support. | Medium | May simplify access to square chambers; correct frame alignment and bedding help reduce movement and repeat repairs. |
| 6 | Large-opening roadway cover | D400
400 kN test load | Roadway access points that need a larger clear opening | Opening sizes vary by design; check lifting access, cover segmentation, frame footprint, and compatibility with the chamber. | Confirm the rating applies to the specified size and configuration; larger covers may need safe lifting arrangements. | Medium to high | Consider handling equipment, inspection access, and whether segmented covers reduce maintenance downtime. |
| 7 | Gasketed roadway cover | Typically D400
400 kN test load | Roadways or paved areas where limiting odor, water ingress, or rattling is a project requirement | Check gasket profile, frame groove, seating surfaces, and whether the specified seal performance is supported by test documentation. | A gasket can support sealing and reduce movement noise when correctly designed and maintained; do not assume it makes the assembly watertight. | Medium to high | Include gasket inspection and replacement in maintenance planning; potential savings depend on the actual sealing requirement. |
| 8 | Industrial-area cover and frame | E600
600 kN test load | Industrial areas subject to particularly high wheel loads, where E600 is required | Confirm opening size, frame bearing area, installation detail, and the actual vehicle or equipment loading conditions. | Use an assembly tested for the required class and size; installation quality and support conditions remain critical. | High | Higher upfront cost may be appropriate where heavy loading makes premature failure and operational disruption costly. |
| 9 | Very-heavy-duty cover and frame | F900
900 kN test load | Areas subject to exceptionally high wheel loads, such as certain aircraft operating areas | Match the opening and frame footprint to approved project drawings; verify the intended load class for the exact installation. | Require documentation for the complete assembly and installation requirements; do not substitute a lower class based on appearance alone. | Very high | Specify only where the loading conditions call for it; over-specification can increase procurement and installation costs without benefit. |
| 10 | Recessed or infill roadway cover | Class as tested
Often specified for D400 locations | Paved public areas where the cover is intended to receive a compatible surface finish | Check recess depth, finished-level allowance, infill material, cover weight, and the complete assembly’s tested configuration. | The class must apply to the finished cover-and-frame assembly, including the specified infill arrangement; verify installation instructions. | High | Can help coordinate with surrounding paving, but infill, finishing, and replacement work may add to lifecycle costs. |
