What is the primary function of manholes in electric utility installations?

The primary function of manholes in electric utility installations is to serve as cable junction points. Manholes provide a critical access point for utility workers to reach and connect various underground electrical cables, allowing for maintenance, inspections, and installations without needing to dig up extensive sections of the infrastructure. By facilitating this connectivity and access, manholes significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of managing electrical systems underground.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not accurately encapsulate the essential role of a manhole. For instance, while manholes can indirectly help prevent water accumulation through their covers and proper drainage, that is not their primary function. Additionally, although they may support structural loads to an extent, their design and primary usage focus mostly on providing a junction for cable systems. Similarly, while they could house some equipment, this is secondary to their critical purpose of facilitating cable connections and maintenance.