Solid Top Multi Part Covers & Frames

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An extensive range of ductile iron multi-part covers and frames, combining ductile iron covers with structural steel removable beams. Available lift out or slide out, and sealed where required to prevent ingress of water, dirt and debris. Ideal for data centres, ports, airports and large-scale infrastructure projects where full access to the chamber is needed.

For large D400 openings, see our D400 multi-part covers and frames: 34 standard sizes up to 5820 x 2400 mm, including the 1800 x 1800, 2000 x 2000 and 3000 x 3000 mm sizes commonly specified for data centres, with units over 30,000 mm long and up to 3900 mm wide made to order. For help choosing a configuration, see our guide to specifying access covers for large openings.

When to specify a multi-part cover

A multi-part cover and frame is specified where a single cover will not do the job. Beyond a certain span a one-piece ductile iron cover becomes too heavy to handle safely, so the opening is divided into several covers.

The more important reason is full chamber access. Because the beams are removable, every cover and every beam can be taken out to leave a completely unobstructed opening — which matters when plant, pumps or switchgear have to be lifted in or out.

Slide out, lift out and machine seated

• Lift out — covers lift vertically clear of the frame. The simplest arrangement where there is headroom above the chamber.
• Slide out — covers slide horizontally across the frame seating, for locations with restricted overhead clearance.
• Machine seated — seating faces machined to a precise fit, giving a water-tight closure and even load transfer across the frame.

Removable beams

Covers seat on hot dip galvanised structural steel I-beams, which drop into ductile iron beam holders built into the frame. Sections range from 305 x 165 x 54kg/m up to 533 x 210 x 122kg/m, with two or more beams on larger openings.

Loading classes and sizes

Manufactured to BS EN 124-2:2015 in D400, E600 and F900. If you are unsure which applies, see our guide to BS EN 124 loading classes.

We publish 61 standard sizes, from 600 x 600mm to 5820 x 2400mm, in configurations from single covers to 24-part assemblies. Full clear opening, over base, frame height and beam section data is listed on each product page below.

Every Kitemarked product is load tested to 10% above the BS EN 124 requirement, under BSI Kitemark licence KM 789143. Standard sizes are held in Telford for nationwide delivery, and any size combination can be manufactured to order.