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Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/mementosis

Your exploding manhole FAQ

Written by
Dana Varinsky
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As if we didn’t have enough anxiety already, our manhole covers have been exploding around the city. Unfortunately, this is one of the many winter hazards of living in NYC (along with train delays and sad, abandoned umbrellas). And it happens every year—another reason we’re happy spring is almost here. But everything’s a little less terrifying when we understand it, right? Here’s all the stuff you might want to know about the city’s random explosions.

Why is this happening?
Basically, because all the salt that we put on the ground during snowy days seeps under the covers. Many of the electrical cables underground are old and frayed, so when the salty water drips down, it erodes the insulation on the wires, and conduct electricity. This can cause them to spark and create little fires, which release combustible gas and build pressure inside the hole. When the sparks ignite the gasses, you get an exploding manhole (and yes, we know the phrase is a little funny, despite how dangerous this can actually be).

How many covers have exploded so far this year?
Con Ed has counted about 600 manhole incidents this year, according to Reuters, and the Brian Lehrer Show reported that there have been over 1000 so far this year. Most of those aren't explosions, though—some just smoke or catch fire. Last week, three firefighters were injured by an explosion, and a 71-year-old man was hurt near Prospect Park last month.

Why does it seem like so many explosions have happened in Greenpoint and Park Slope?
Most likely, the wiring in those neighborhoods are old and more degraded, which allows the salt to get in. It's a complicated process, though, and the explosions can be random, so it's hard to say for sure. 

How high can the covers fly?
Anywhere from 1 to 50 feet. And those things can weigh up to 300 pounds. Enjoy your walk home!

Is anything being done to fix this?
Yes. Con Ed began switching to vented covers a few years ago, so that pressure can’t build up from the gasses. And they upgrade parts of the underground electrical infrastructure each year to replace old wires, which should help, too.

But exploding manhole season is almost over, right?
Hopefully! If this warmer weather continues, we won’t need any more salt and those gross slushy piles will melt. But there’s still plenty of salt and snow on the ground, so be careful. The countdown is on, though: spring is only ten days away.

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