Light Ring’s Illuminated Manhole Protector increases visibility and helps prevent falls, keeping workers and the public safe around open manholes.
We’re excited to announce that CIT Sewer Solutions has been featured in the August 2025 issue of Municipal Sewer & Water magazine. The full-length profile, titled “From the Trenches to the Spotlight,” highlights our evolution from modest beginnings in Iowa to becoming a respected leader in trenchless services across the Midwest.
Founded by Kevin Jacobson, CIT Sewer Solutions started with just one truck and a clear mission: deliver exceptional service in sewer inspection, trenchless rehabilitation, and municipal infrastructure support. Over time, we’ve grown into a multi-state operation known for technical excellence, a dedicated work ethic, and forward-thinking solutions.
One of the standout innovations featured in the article is the light ring, a specialized manhole illumination tool invented by Shane Jacobson. Designed to improve both safety and visibility during fieldwork, the light ring has earned national recognition and reflects our team’s commitment to problem-solving and field innovation.
Our culture is rooted in accountability, communication, and the ongoing pursuit of better trenchless technology. Whether serving communities in Iowa, Missouri, or beyond, CIT Sewer Solutions remains focused on setting new standards in underground infrastructure maintenance.
The Light Ring is a cutting-edge safety toolset purpose-built to transform how crews work in and around manholes. Developed by field professionals, it combines modern engineering with practical innovation to deliver unmatched security, visibility, and efficiency in confined space environments.
Integrated Protection System: More than just a light — the Light Ring is a complete manhole security solution, combining illumination, fall prevention, and aerosol shielding into one device.
Fall Prevention & Public Safety: Acts as a secure physical and visual barrier to protect both workers and bystanders from accidental falls or unauthorized access to open manholes.
Extended Equipment Lifespan: Reduces wear and tear on jetting and televising gear by shielding against corrosive aerosols and debris.
Flip-Up Plexiglass Safety Cover – Manhole Security, Elevated
The latest feature of the Light Ring enhances safety and operational efficiency during manhole work:
Why Choose the Light Ring? Manholes are among the most dangerous access points in public infrastructure. The Light Ring brings modern safety standards to the jobsite, helping prevent accidents, protect crews, and improve workflow efficiency during underground infrastructure maintenance.
Watch as a CIT Sewer Solutions crew deploys the LightRing Manhole Protector during a real mainline video inspection. The footage shows a robotic crawler being carefully lowered into the sewer using a roller, with the LightRing providing bright, even illumination around the manhole opening. This real-world application highlights how the LightRing enhances visibility, supports safer operations, and streamlines confined space entry. Whether for inspections, maintenance, or emergency response, the LightRing proves its value in the field.
Product Features
An illuminated manhole protector is a safety device that combines high-visibility lighting with a physical barrier to help prevent falls and unauthorized access around open manholes. It improves visibility in low-light conditions while clearly marking the opening for both workers and the public.
Unlike cones or barricades, the Light Ring creates a secure, illuminated barrier directly over the manhole opening. This reduces fall risk, improves visibility at night or in confined spaces, and provides a more reliable safety solution during active inspections and maintenance.
OSHA requires employers to protect workers and the public from fall hazards around open access points. While not named specifically, illuminated manhole protectors support alignment with OSHA confined space safety requirements by addressing visibility, fall prevention, and confined space safety best practices on active jobsites.
The Light Ring is designed for municipal crews, utility departments, public works teams, and contractors performing sewer inspection, jetting, maintenance, or emergency response work. Many municipalities may also be eligible for safety grant funding to support investments in improved manhole safety equipment.
An illuminated manhole protector should be used any time a manhole is open during inspections, cleaning, or maintenance, especially in low-light conditions or public areas. It helps protect workers, pedestrians, and equipment throughout the operation.
Yes, the Light Ring’s flip-up plexiglass safety cover helps reduce exposure to aerosols generated during jetting and cleaning operations. This added barrier supports safer working conditions while maintaining visibility for inspections.
The Light Ring fits standard manholes ranging from 22 to 30 inches in diameter and is powered by DeWalt or Milwaukee battery platforms. This allows crews to deploy it quickly without the need for cords or external power sources.
The Light Ring can replace or significantly reduce the need for cones, temporary lighting, and makeshift barriers by combining multiple safety functions into one device. Many crews use it as their primary manhole protection system during active work.
