Telecom hand holes are typically rated by load capacity from Tier 8 through Tier 22 (sometimes up to Tier 35+ depending on jurisdiction). These ratings follow SCTE 77 (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers) standards widely used in fiber-optic, telecom, CATV, and utility construction.
Tier 5–8 (Light Duty — Pedestrian-Only)
Rating: ~5,000–8,000 lbs. test load
Use Cases:
- Residential yards
- Greenbelts
- Side of buildings
- Non-traffic areas
Notes:
Light duty vaults, not suitable for areas where vehicles, forklifts, or service trucks may drive over.
Tier 15 (Medium Duty — Non-Deliberate Traffic)
Rating: ~15,000 lbs test load
Use Cases:
- Outdoor telecom campuses
- Sidewalk edges
- Ares where light vehicles might accidentally cross
Notes:
Handholes that provide more protection in case of occasional light vehicle contact.
Tier 22 (Heavy Duty — Occasional Vehicle Traffic)
Rating: ~22,000 lbs test load
Use Cases:
- Parking lot shoulders
- Driveway edges
- Light-duty vehicle access areas
Notes:
Handholes not meant for sustained or intentional traffic by heavy trucks.
Tier 35 (Roadway Duty — Full Vehicular Traffic)
Rating: ~35,000 lbs test load
Use Cases:
- Roads, alleys, driveways
- Commercial facilities
- Utility corridors that support service vehicles
Notes:
Often reinforced polymer concrete or steel-reinforced composites hand holes.
Tier 45 / Tier 48 (Heavy Roadway / Industrial Duty)
Rating: ~45,000–48,000 lbs
Use Cases:
- Truck lanes
- Distribution centers
- Utility access within port or industrial zones
Notes:
Common for electric utility or multi-service vaults than telecom, but used where loading is extreme.
Tier 65+ (Specialty Heavy Load — Airport/Logistics)
Rating: 65,000 lbs or higher
Use Cases:
- Airports
- Heavy logistics yards
- Military facilities
Notes:
Ratings not normally needed for standard telecom infrastructure.
Quick Reference Table
| Tier | Load Rating | Typical Use Location |
| Tier 5–8 | Light (pedestrian) | Lawns, easements |
| Tier 15 | Medium (light accidental traffic) | Sidewalks, campus grounds |
| Tier 22 | Heavy (occasional vehicle) | Driveway edges, parking lots |
| Tier 35 | Roadway-rated | Streets, commercial access |
| Tier 45/48 | Industrial | Truck lanes, logistics yards |
| Tier 65+ | Extreme duty | Airports, military |
Why Telecom Hand Holes Tier Ratings Matter
- Safety: Prevent collapse under unexpected load
- Compliance: Many municipalities require minimum tiers
- Longevity: Higher tiers resist cracking and soil shift
- Fiber protection: Prevents micro-bending or cable damage from deformation