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Why do manholes explode?
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by ryan | July 18, 2007 at 03:52 pm
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Breaking news, manhole cover explodes in Mid-Town Manhattan. Here is an explanation from How Things Work as to what causes these events.
- Underground cables become frayed from aging, corrosive chemicals, overload or rats biting them. These cables carry on the order of 13,000 volts of electricity.-These electrical wires heat up the paper, lead and rubber insulation.
- The insulation smolders and catches on fire, releasing gases.
- The pressure from the gas builds up inside the manhole.
- The electrical wires arc like a bolt of lightning and ignite the gases, causing a powerful explosion.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (2)
at 08:44 on July 19th, 2007
This is quite helpful. I often couldn't figure out why somethng as heavy as a manhole cover would explode, but this piece and diagram make it a quite clear. Great addition to the NY story.
at 10:53 on July 15th, 2008
Nice to know.