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ACO Trench Drain Guide: KlassikDrain & PowerDrain | Eastgate
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ACO Trench Drain — KlassikDrain & PowerDrain Guide
By Eastgate Supply • Updated 2026 • 12 min read
Table of Contents
ACO is one of the most recognized names in the drainage industry — and for good reason. With decades of engineering experience and product lines spanning residential patios to airport aprons, ACO trench drain systems set the benchmark for polymer concrete channel drain performance. This guide covers the ACO product lines carried by Eastgate Supply, helps you understand part numbers and load classes, and walks you through the selection process from first measurements to final order.
About ACO
ACO Group is a global manufacturer headquartered in Germany with operations in over 40 countries. Founded in 1946, the company pioneered the use of polymer concrete in drainage channel manufacturing — a material that delivers superior chemical resistance, structural strength, and surface finish compared to standard precast concrete.
Key facts about ACO:
- Over 75 years of drainage engineering experience
- Polymer concrete channels manufactured to EN 1433 load classification standards
- Product lines covering Class A through Class F load ratings
- Grate options in galvanized steel, stainless 304/316, ductile iron, and decorative finishes
- U.S. operations through ACO Inc. (ACO USA), supplying domestic contractors and distributors
Eastgate Supply is an authorized ACO distributor offering the full product range with technical support for project specification.
KlassikDrain K100 — Residential & Light Commercial (Class A–C)
Class A – C | Up to 25 tonnes
KlassikDrain K100
The KlassikDrain K100 is ACO's most popular residential and light commercial channel drain. It is constructed from polymer concrete and features a 100mm (approximately 4-inch) internal channel width, making it ideal for driveways, patios, pool surrounds, and light commercial pavements.
- Internal width: 100 mm (approx. 4")
- Load class: A 15 through C 250
- Channel material: Polymer concrete
- Available lengths: 39-inch (1 meter) sections
- Grate options: Galvanized steel, stainless 304, plastic (pedestrian only)
The K100 installs in a concrete-encased trench with 3-inch minimum concrete on all sides. Its pre-sloped variants (sold separately) allow for built-in gradient without excavating to varying depths. The KlassikDrain range is frequently specified for residential driveways, commercial walkways, garden centers, and outdoor retail environments.
PowerDrain S100K — Heavy Duty (Class D–E)
Class D – E | Up to 60 tonnes
PowerDrain S100K
The PowerDrain S100K is engineered for heavy vehicular environments where Class D (40 tonne) or Class E (60 tonne) load ratings are required. Its reinforced polymer concrete body and robust grate locking system make it the preferred choice for truck courts, loading docks, airport taxiways, industrial yards, and public roadways.
- Internal width: 100 mm (approx. 4")
- Load class: D 400 through E 600
- Channel material: Heavy-duty polymer concrete
- Grate options: Ductile iron, galvanized steel, stainless 304/316
- Grate retention: Locking bolt system, anti-rattle design
PowerDrain channels feature integrated side rails that accept ductile iron or heavy galvanized grates. The locking grate system prevents movement under dynamic loading — critical in fork truck and heavy vehicle environments. PowerDrain is available in standard straight channels, end caps, outlets, and junction boxes for complete system assemblies.
How to Read ACO Part Numbers
ACO part numbers encode key product information. While the full catalog uses a detailed coding system, here are the key elements to understand:
| Segment | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Product family prefix | K = KlassikDrain, S = PowerDrain | S100K |
| Channel width number | Internal width in mm | 100 = 100mm (4") |
| Grate/configuration suffix | Grate type or load designation | K = galvanized steel grate |
| Length code | Channel section length (usually 1m = 39") | 1000 = 1 meter |
Grate Options by Product Line
| Product Line | Available Grate Materials | Max Load Class | ADA Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| KlassikDrain K100 | Galvanized steel, SS 304, plastic | C 250 | Yes (heelguard) |
| PowerDrain S100K | Ductile iron, galvanized steel, SS 304/316 | E 600 | Yes (select styles) |
Installation Overview
All ACO polymer concrete channel systems follow a similar installation process:
- Excavate trench to required depth plus 3 inches on all sides for concrete encasement
- Lay compacted base (gravel or lean concrete bed) to achieve correct invert elevation
- Set channels with alignment guides (included), maintaining 0.5–1% longitudinal slope
- Connect end caps and outlets before placing concrete
- Pour concrete encasement to top of channel flange; vibrate thoroughly to eliminate voids
- Install grates after concrete cure (minimum 24–48 hours)
- Test flow with water before placing final surface material
Pre-sloped channel systems (available in K100 and PowerDrain lines) include channels with factory-built floor slopes, eliminating the need to grade the trench bottom. This simplifies installation and ensures consistent hydraulic gradient throughout the run.
Where to Buy ACO Trench Drains
Eastgate Supply is an authorized ACO dealer carrying KlassikDrain and PowerDrain lines. We can order specialty items including:
- Custom-length channels and radius sections
- Stainless 316 grate upgrades
- End caps, junction boxes, outlet adapters
- Pre-sloped channel systems for gradient-critical installations
Browse ACO Products: Visit the ACO Trench Drain Collection at Eastgate Supply — or use the Trench Drain System Builder to get a complete, project-specific recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ACO KlassikDrain and PowerDrain?
KlassikDrain K100 is designed for residential and light commercial applications with load ratings up to Class C (25 tonnes). PowerDrain S100K is engineered for heavy-duty applications, rated Class D (40 tonnes) and Class E (60 tonnes), making it suitable for truck traffic, loading docks, and industrial facilities.
How do I read ACO part numbers?
ACO part numbers encode product family, channel width, load class, and grate material. For example, in the S100K series, "S" indicates PowerDrain, "100" refers to the 100mm (4-inch) internal width, and "K" typically denotes the grate type. Always cross-reference with the ACO product catalog or contact Eastgate Supply for part number decoding assistance.
What grate materials does ACO offer?
ACO offers grates in galvanized steel, stainless steel 304, stainless steel 316, ductile iron, and polymer/plastic options depending on the product line and load class. Decorative options including heelguard, slotted, and mesh patterns are available for the KlassikDrain series.
Is ACO trench drain suitable for commercial kitchens?
Yes. ACO offers NSF-listed stainless steel trench drain configurations suitable for commercial kitchens and food processing environments. Specify stainless 304 or 316 channels and grates and verify NSF listing with Eastgate Supply for the specific configuration you need.
Where can I buy ACO trench drains?
Eastgate Supply is an authorized ACO dealer carrying KlassikDrain and PowerDrain lines. Browse the ACO collection online or use the Trench Drain System Builder to find the right product for your application.
Does ACO require special installation instructions?
ACO channels should be installed in concrete with a minimum 3-inch encasement on all sides. The channels are typically installed before concrete is poured, with alignment guides and end caps to maintain positioning. ACO provides detailed installation guides for each product line, and Eastgate Supply can provide project-specific guidance.
Find Your ACO Trench Drain System
Use the Eastgate Supply System Builder to get matched to the right ACO product line for your project — KlassikDrain or PowerDrain.
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