This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2018) |
A utility vault is an underground room providing access to subterranean public utility equipment, such as valves for water or natural gas pipes, or switchgear for electrical or telecommunications equipment. A vault is often accessible directly from a street, sidewalk or other outdoor space, thereby distinct from a basement of a building.[1][2]
Utility vaults are commonly constructed out of reinforced concrete boxes, poured concrete or brick. Small ones are usually entered through a manhole or grate on the topside and closed up by a manhole cover. Such vaults are considered confined spaces and can be hazardous to enter. Large utility vaults are similar to mechanical or electrical rooms in design and content.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ City of Sacramento, California. Sacramento City Code. "12.12.010 Definitions." "'Utility vault' means any underground room providing access to subterranean utility equipment." Accessed 2018-04-09.
- ^ City of New York, New York. 2014 Construction Codes. Building Code, Chapter 32. "Section 3201.8. Definitions." "Vault: Any space below the surface of a street, that is covered over, except those openings that are used exclusively as places for descending, by means of steps, to the cellar or basement of any building." Accessed 2018-04-09.
External links
edit- Underground Utility Vaults - National Precast Concrete Association
 | This article related to a type of room in a building is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |