I always hear of manhole explosions. How the hell do they explode? They're friggin covers for the potholes! JEEZ!
2007-04-11 13:08:41 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
There are underground vaults for all types of utilities: sewer, telephone, storm drains electric, water, etc.
A layperson often refers to the cast iron cover as a "manhole" when actually the vault itself is a manhole, and the cover is just a cover.
There are two primary causes of explosions in these structures:
1.) Many electric manholes have transformers in them. Transformers can malfunction and overheat to the explosion point.
2.) Gas from a leaking gas main will follow the path of least resistance and can end up in any manhole. A source of ignition can cause an explosion the manhole.
2007-04-11 16:02:24 · answer #1 · answered by Davo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The manhole is the hole in the ground. The manhole cover is the cover to cover the manhole with.
The gasses in the manhole or sewer explode and the manhole acts as a vent, or even a barrel. It's exactly like a popgun (with the cover as the cork).
2007-04-12 17:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually it is the grids on sidewalks that go, and that is a massive electrical explosion. It is rare. If is is a manhole in the street that goes, it can be because of a gas leak into the storm drain.
2007-04-11 21:35:30 · answer #3 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
manhole covers don't cover potholes. they cover manholes, the areas that utility workers go into to do maintenance.
2007-04-11 22:48:39 · answer #4 · answered by Kyle H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is methane gas inside the sewer lines, and if the concentration is strong enough and there is a source of ignition they will explode.
2007-04-11 20:12:39 · answer #5 · answered by Fordman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they explode wen lame-o puts dynamite stix in the sewers.
2007-04-12 14:49:33 · answer #6 · answered by Danielle A. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋