Ground access covers and floor access covers are both used to provide access to installations and spaces below ground or floor level. The main difference is usually where the cover is installed and which requirements it needs to meet.
A ground access cover is often installed outdoors and may therefore need to withstand rain, dirt, temperature changes, corrosion and vehicle traffic. A floor access cover is usually installed indoors and is instead selected according to the floor finish, appearance, load requirements and the building’s technical specifications.
The information in this article is general and should be regarded as guidance. The selection of an access cover must always be assessed based on the specific project conditions, requirements, loads, environment and installation method. Elkington supplies products with specified technical properties and design conditions, but the performance of the completed solution also depends on the product being correctly specified and installed.
The distinction between a ground access cover and a floor access cover is not always clear-cut. Some covers can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is therefore more important to consider the environment, load and required function than to rely solely on the product name.
What Is a Ground Access Cover?
A ground access cover is usually installed in asphalt, concrete, paving or other outdoor surfaces. It provides access to chambers, pumping stations, utilities, services and technical spaces below ground.
Ground access covers are commonly used in:
pedestrian and cycle areas
car parks
roads and loading areas
industrial environments
water and wastewater facilities
airports and ports
parks and public squares
As a ground access cover is often exposed to weather, water, dirt and traffic, the load rating, material, corrosion protection, drainage and installation are particularly important.
What Is a Floor Access Cover?
A floor access cover is usually installed indoors within a finished floor. It provides access to cables, valves, service ducts, pipework and other installations below floor level.
Floor access covers are commonly used in:
offices and commercial buildings
hospitals and healthcare environments
schools and public buildings
shops and shopping centres
industrial facilities
data centres
hotels and residential buildings
Floor access covers can be supplied with a visible surface or as recessed covers designed to receive tiles, stone, timber flooring, vinyl or another floor finish.
The Difference Between a Ground Access Cover and a Floor Access Cover
| Feature | Ground access cover | Floor access cover |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Usually outdoors | Usually indoors |
| Surrounding surface | Asphalt, concrete, paving or another external surface | Tiles, stone, timber, vinyl or concrete flooring |
| Load | May need to withstand pedestrians, cars or heavy traffic | Often designed for pedestrians, trolleys, machinery or lighter vehicles |
| Weather exposure | Often exposed to rain, dirt, frost and temperature changes | Usually protected by the building |
| Sealing and drainage | May include seals or a self-draining frame. Performance also depends on correct installation and the connection to the surrounding concrete | May require odour, air, fire or acoustic performance |
| Design | Visible cover or recessed cover for paving or another surface finish | Often designed to blend into the surrounding floor |
Can the Same Cover Be Used Indoors and Outdoors?
Yes, some access covers can be used both as ground access covers and floor access covers.
Some aluminium covers can, for example, be installed outdoors, provided that the construction, seals, drainage and other components are suitable for the environment and the required load.
The material alone does not determine whether a cover can be used outdoors. The complete construction must be suitable for the location and intended use.
What Load Must the Access Cover Withstand?
Load is one of the most important factors when choosing a ground access cover or floor access cover.
For a ground access cover, it is important to determine whether the area will be used by:
pedestrians and cyclists
passenger cars
delivery vehicles
lorries
forklifts or other heavy vehicles
For a floor access cover, it is necessary to determine whether the cover will only be exposed to pedestrian traffic or whether hospital beds, pallet trucks, cleaning machines, forklifts or vehicles will pass over it.
The cover must always be selected and designed for the actual load and location.
Visible Cover or Recessed Finish?
Both ground access covers and floor access covers can be supplied with either a visible or recessed cover.
A visible cover is often suitable for technical environments where function, slip resistance and durability are the main priorities.
A recessed cover is filled with the same or a similar material as the surrounding surface, such as:
paving
concrete
tiles
natural stone
timber flooring
vinyl
This allows the cover to blend more discreetly into the surrounding floor or external surface.
Which Material Should Be Selected?
The material should be chosen based on the environment, load, weight, handling requirements and risk of corrosion.
| Material | Typical applications |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | Ground and floor access covers where low weight, corrosion resistance and ease of handling are important |
| Galvanised steel | Ground and floor access covers in normal environments |
| Stainless steel | Damp, hygienic or more corrosive environments |
| Cast iron | Trafficked external areas and traditional manhole covers |
Hinges, fittings, gas springs, locks and other components must also be suitable for the intended environment.
Sealing, Drainage and Correct Installation
Ground and floor access covers are rarely completely watertight solely because of the product construction. The ability of the completed solution to resist water also depends on how the cover is installed and connected to the surrounding structure.
During installation, it is often necessary to:
seal between the frame and the surrounding structure
use an appropriate sealing material
protect drainage openings and channels during concreting
select the correct type and quality of concrete
ensure that the concrete is correctly compacted around the frame
follow the product-specific installation instructions
connect any drainage correctly
Some access covers have a self-draining frame. In this case, water entering the frame is directed towards a drainage point instead of the system relying on the cover being completely watertight.
For the self-draining function to work correctly, the drainage channels must remain clear during installation and be connected properly. If the drainage is blocked, or if the connection to the concrete is completed incorrectly, the intended performance may be affected.
Terms such as rain-resistant, watertight and self-draining do not mean the same thing. Where a project has specific requirements relating to water, odour, air or gas, both the product properties and the completed installation must be assessed.
What Information Is Required for an Enquiry?
To select the correct ground access cover or floor access cover, the following information should normally be provided:
| Information | What should be specified |
|---|---|
| Location | Indoors or outdoors |
| Structural opening | Length and width of the opening |
| Load | Pedestrians, passenger cars, lorries or another load |
| Surrounding surface | Concrete, asphalt, paving, tiles, timber or another finish |
| Construction depth | Available depth for the frame and cover |
| Material | Preferred material or details about the environment |
| Sealing and drainage | Requirements relating to water, odour, air, gas or self-drainage |
| Opening method | Manual, gas-spring assisted, electric or hydraulic |
| Special requirements | Fire resistance, acoustic performance, hygiene, slip resistance or a safety grille |
A dimensioned drawing showing the opening, surrounding construction and any restrictions should preferably be included.
Ground Access Cover or Floor Access Cover – Which Should You Choose?
Choose a ground access cover when the cover is to be installed outdoors and exposed to weather, water, dirt or vehicle traffic.
Choose a floor access cover when the cover is to be installed indoors and needs to be coordinated with the floor finish, appearance and the technical requirements of the building.
However, the product name is not the most important factor. The cover must be correctly selected and designed for the location, load, environment, drainage requirements and intended use.
Need Help Choosing the Right Access Cover?
Elkington supplies ground access covers and floor access covers for everything from smaller inspection openings to large, multi-part access solutions.
Send us the structural opening dimensions, a drawing and information about the location, load, surface finish and any drainage or sealing requirements. This will help us identify a solution suited to the project conditions.
