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Understanding BS EN 124 groups and classes

Choosing the right product

The applicable British Standard in the UK for access covers and gully grates is BS EN 124:2015. This standard divides access covers and gully grates into a number of classes by static test load. It also categorises the various places where they may be installed from Group 1, the least demanding environment, through to Group 6, the most demanding environment. It provides guidance on the minimum class to be used against each installation group.

Group Minimum class Description Solution
1 A15 Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 1.5-tonne test load. For use in areas which can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists. A15 Solutions
2 B125 Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 12.5-tonne test load. For use in footways, pedestrian areas and comparable areas such as car parks or car decks. B125 Solutions
3 C250 Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 25-tonne test load. For installation no more than 500mm from the kerb face into the carriageway. C250 Solutions
4 D400 Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 40-tonne test load. For use in areas where pneumatic-tyred cars and lorries have access, including carriageways, hard shoulders and pedestrian areas. All units are to be either non-rock or have quietness in use. D400 Solutions
5 E600 Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 60-tonne test load. For use in areas where heavy wheel or high point loads from pneumatic and non-pneumatic-tyred vehicles are imposed, such as loading areas or docks. All units are to be either non-rock or have quietness in use. E600 Solutions
6 F900 Access covers and gratings capable of withstanding a 90-tonne test load. For use in areas where very heavy wheel or high point loads from pneumatic and non-pneumatic-tyred vehicles are imposed, such as aircraft pavements. All units are to be either non-rock or have quietness in use.  

 

Load class diagram

Standard classification BS EN 124 illustration

Test loads

Diagram is taken from BS EN 124-1:2015 and illustrates the minimum class of products that can be installed for a particular location.

Loading BS EN 124
Grade Test Load
Areas imposing particularly high wheel loads - Group 6 F900 900kN
Areas imposing high wheel loads - Group 5 E600 600kN
Carriageways of roads (heavy duty) - Group 4 D400 400kN
Gully tops in kerbside channels of roads - Group 3 C250 250kN
Footways, pedestrian areas etc. - Group 2 B125 125kN
Areas inaccessible to motor vehicles - Group 1 A15 15kN

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