EN 124 load class states what traffic load a manhole cover or grating can carry: A15 for pedestrian areas, B125 for footpaths, C250 for kerbside, D400 for carriageways, E600 and F900 for ports and airports. Pick the class from the heaviest vehicle that can pass over — the number is the test load in kN (D400 = 400 kN ≈ 40 tonnes).
Six Classes in One Table
| Class | Test load | Where | Typical product |
|---|---|---|---|
| A15 | 15 kN | Pedestrian/cycle areas | Plastic channel, garden cover |
| B125 | 125 kN | Footpaths, car parks | Composite/cast covers |
| C250 | 250 kN | Kerbside strips | Gutter and gully gratings |
| D400 | 400 kN | Carriageways | Ø600 cast cover, channel grating |
| E600 | 600 kN | Ports, logistics | Heavy cast cover |
| F900 | 900 kN | Airport aprons | Special cast cover |
Three Steps to the Right Class
- Can a vehicle physically pass over it? A van parking on the kerb counts — on the boundary, go one class up.
- Consider the heaviest vehicle: refuse trucks and cranes demand D400; forklift yards need E600.
- Check the authority's spec — many utilities mandate D400 for any trafficked point.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
An under-classed cover fails by fatigue within months, bringing vehicle damage and injury risk. The upcharge for a higher class is negligible next to a single claim.
How to Verify
EN 124 products carry the class cast into the surface with the standard number and maker's mark. An unmarked cover is an unclassified cover. All our manhole covers and gratings are class-marked, with tables on every product page.
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Should I choose D400 or C250?
If a vehicle can actually cross the cover, choose D400. C250 is only for the kerbside strip where a wheel can bear partially. When in doubt, go up a class.
How many tonnes does a D400 cover carry?
It is tested at 400 kN — about 40 tonnes of press load — safely covering all standard road vehicles.
Does the class depend on the cover's weight?
No. Class comes from design, material and testing: a 40 kg composite D400 carries the same load as a 110 kg cast D400.
What if an A15/B125 cover is installed in a road?
It collapses by fatigue within a short time. Use at least D400 at any trafficked point.
Do the same classes apply to gratings?
Yes — EN 124 covers both. Select grating classes by traffic exactly as for covers.
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