What is the primary function of a manhole in a utility system?

The primary function of a manhole in a utility system is to provide access to underground utilities. Manholes are typically designed as openings that allow workers to reach and maintain infrastructure such as electrical cables, water lines, sewage pipes, and telecommunications systems. This accessibility is crucial for repairs, inspections, and routine maintenance, ensuring that utility services can be efficiently managed without extensive excavation or disruption to the surface above.

While measuring voltage, providing a splice point, or storing equipment may happen in specific contexts involving some types of manholes or utility setups, these are not the essential functions of a manhole. The core purpose lies in facilitating access to the complex network of utilities that lie beneath the surface, demonstrating the importance of manholes in ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of utility systems.