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Trench Covers (Cable and Manhole Covers)

FRP trench covers are solid or grating panels used to cover trenches, pits, or cable vaults. They are engineered to be strong, light, and slip-resistant. Many designs use pultruded plates or molded gratings. FRP covers do not corrode or conduct electricity, making them safe over buried electrical cables or chemical drains. As Redwood notes, similar FRP plates (SAFPLATE®) are “ideal for both wet and dry environments” such as trench or odor control covers.

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Key Features

Recessed or flush covers that sit atop frames; typically reinforced to handle pedestrian or light vehicle loads; optional hinge systems. Incorporate grit or painted slip surfaces.

Benefits

Dramatically lighter than concrete or steel lids (workers can lift them without heavy equipment). Corrosion-proof with long life. No concern about electrical shocks. Tight tolerances for covering uneven frames.

Applications

Utility trenches (water, sewer, electrical), shallow pits at manufacturing lines, oil change pits, and pedestrian walkover areas. Often used in parking structures (to cover cable runs) and industrial floors (to cover drainage trenches).

Technical Specifications

Typical thickness 8–12mm for FRP, designed to support 250–500 psi or specific wheel loads (ASTM F276) for traffic covers. Can be manufactured to meet ADA grate load/width standards. Fire classification can be UL94 V0 if required.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Compared to metal covers, FRP covers do not rust-out welds over time. Compared to steel plate, they provide inherent traction without separate mats. FRP covers also eliminate noise (no clang when walked on).