What is the purpose of a manhole in underground systems?

The purpose of a manhole in underground systems is primarily for pulling and splicing cables. Manholes provide a safe and accessible point in the underground infrastructure where linemen can perform necessary maintenance tasks such as installing, splicing, or repairing electrical cables. They are designed to be large enough to comfortably accommodate workers and their tools, which facilitates the labor-intensive work of managing electrical systems.

While moisture protection is important for underground cables, that is typically achieved through the design and materials used in the cables themselves, rather than the manhole structure. Housing transformer equipment usually requires specialized enclosures designed to provide insulation and cooling, which manholes are not specifically intended for. Storing excess cables could take place in a manhole, but that's not its primary purpose, and such storage could complicate access for necessary maintenance work. In summary, manholes serve mainly as access points for effective cable management and maintenance tasks.