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Autility vault is an underground room providing access to subterraneanpublic utility equipment, such asvalves for water or natural gas pipes, or switchgear forelectrical ortelecommunications equipment. A vault is often accessible directly from a street, sidewalk or other outdoor space, thereby distinct from abasement of a building.[1][2]
Utility vaults are commonly constructed out ofreinforced concrete boxes, poured concrete or brick. Small ones are usually entered through amanhole orgrate on the topside and closed up by amanhole cover. Such vaults are consideredconfined spaces and can be hazardous to enter. Large utility vaults are similar tomechanical orelectrical rooms in design and content.
