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Inspection Chambers and Channel Drain FAQs

Which inspection chamber covers may be used on a driveway?

Driveways can be classified as Group 2 installations according to BS EN 124 and inspection chamber covers therefore should be rated B125. For 460mm Inspection Chambers the round UDC750 or UG513 or square UG520 or the 600mm x 600mm square UDC600 are appropriate and for 320mm inspection chambers, the round UDC700 or square UDC702. Any cover and frame installed in a driveway should be properly bedded on a 300mm wide x 225mm deep concrete surround supporting the frame. 

 

The Polypipe covers and frames code UG510 and UG511 are rated are rated A35 (35kN) to BS ISO 15398, the code UG419 is tested to 50kN. The UG510, UG511 and UG419 covers and frames are suitable for use in applications where they are subject to slow moving light vehicular traffic, such as on private single household driveways not part of the Public Highway, when installed in accordance with our recommendations. The correct installation in private single household driveways not part of the Public Highway is to install on a concrete surround at least 300mm wide x 225mm deep. On slopes, or where vehicles may turn causing tarmac around the frame to scuff or crack, a 300mm wide x 225mm deep concrete surround should extend upwards to surround the frame and no tarmac should be put on top of the concrete. If the frame is not supported correctly on concrete, then the cover and frame will not perform as required.

 

Delivery vehicles, refuse lorries and building site trucks can generate a wheel loading greater than 35kN, particularly if the wheels have turned or braked on the cover, as this may exert forces in excess of the design loading. If there is any possibility of heavier traffic using the drive, we always recommend that a minimum B125 cover should be used, bedded correctly on a 300mm wide x 225mm deep concrete surround. 

 

Shared driveways are not suitable locations for the installation of the UG510, UG511 (35kN) or UG419 (50kN) cover and frame, as they are likely to be accessed by vehicles generating a wheel loading greater than the design load, which will lead to damage or collapse. Shared driveways should have a minimum B125 cover bedded correctly on a 300mm wide x 225mm deep concrete surround or a D400 cover (supplied by others) installed to the manufacturer's recommendations.

 

How are frames secured to side risers

It is good practice to secure frames to side risers, this can help to avoid issues on site with loose covers & frames. 

Frame to riser fixing kits are available for all covers & Frames:

 

 

Can the MCD1000 channel drain be used on a driveway?

The MCD1000 is CE & UKCA marked and rated to A15 (15kN) load category of BS EN 1433:2002 (areas which can only be used by pedestrians and pedal cyclists.), however it has been tested (Load Testing: UKCA: BRE Test No. 289 099 CE: KIWA Test No. 21DE-01886OR01) to withstand a 50kN test load.

 

The MCD1000 can be used on a domestic drives or garage threshold which are only subject to light vehicular traffic, as long as correctly bedded and installed line with Polypipe recommendations. Entrances to car parking areas and the top of domestic drives are not suitable locations for A15 rated products, in these areas B125 (Footways, pedestrian areas and comparable areas, private car parks or car parking decks) or higher rated products should be used. 

 

Which inspection chamber covers are sealed?

The UG551 for use with the UG550 200mm Access Chamber is sealed. UG436, UG501 and UG502 for use with 320mm inspection chambers and the UG510 for 460mm inspection chambers are also sealed, so can be used internally.

 

Do you produce any double-sealed inspection chamber covers?

We do not produce any double-sealed inspection chamber covers. Single-sealed covers may be used internally under the current edition of Building Regulations.

 

Do you produce any risers for the UG616?

We do not produce any risers for the UG616 750mm inspection chamber base. Concrete rings (available from others) should be used with this product.

 

How deep can your inspection chambers be used?

320mm inspection chambers may be installed up to 0.6m deep. BBA approved 460mm chambers may be  installed up to 1.0m deep. 460mm ICD non-man-entry chambers may be used between 1.0 and 4.0m deep. SFA, SFAR and IC600 chambers may be used up to 3.0m deep. Any chamber installed over 1.2m must have a reduced access opening, using either the UG510 or UG520 cover or UG513 cover and UG514 reducer.

 

What is the difference between the standard BBA approved or ICD Deep inspection chambers and the SFA - SFAR - IC600 inspection chambers?

The standard BBA and ICD inspection chamber ranges are suitable for private or public drainage which is not being adopted by a Sewerage Undertaker. The SFA, SFAR and IC600 inspection chambers are suitable for private or public drainage and adoptable applications as they are fully compliant with Sewerage Sector Guidance for England, Sewers for Scotland and The Welsh Minister Standards for Sewers.

 

Updated: Oct 2024