"Manhole/Duct Access Accessories" are crucial for safe and efficient cable laying in urban underground environments, which often involve confined spaces and high pedestrian/vehicle traffic:

• Manhole Rollers:

  • Friction Reduction: These robust rollers are specifically designed to fit within manholes or vault entries. They elevate the cable off the rough edges or floor of the manhole, providing a smooth, low-friction path for the cable as it enters or exits the conduit, preventing costly jacket abrasion or kinking.

  • Guiding Through Bends: Many manhole rollers feature multiple sheaves or an articulated design to guide the cable smoothly through sharp turns within the manhole structure, accommodating the cable's minimum bend radius.

  • Heavy-Duty Construction: Built to withstand significant cable weight and pulling forces, often with sealed bearings for longevity in dirty environments.

• Manhole Guards/Barriers:

  • Worker Safety: These foldable or portable barriers are erected around open manholes, clearly marking a hazardous area and preventing accidental falls by workers or the public. They are often bright, high-visibility colors with reflective strips.

  • Public Safety: They create a physical perimeter, keeping pedestrians and vehicles away from the open manhole and the moving cable, thus reducing the risk of injuries.

  • Security: They help deter unauthorized access to the underground network during construction.

  • Visibility: Many are equipped with flag holders or light attachments to enhance visibility, especially at night.

• Manhole Covers and Lifters: Specialized tools like hydraulic manhole cover lifters make the safe and ergonomic removal and replacement of heavy manhole covers much easier, reducing the risk of back injuries to workers.

• Duct Cones/Bellmouths: These accessories attach to the conduit opening within the manhole, providing a smooth, flared entry point for the cable. This prevents the cable from chafing against sharp conduit edges as it enters, particularly critical for large or stiff cables.

These accessories are indispensable for transforming potentially dangerous and inefficient urban underground cable installations into safe, controlled, and productive operations.