Why choose an access panel?

An access panel is a removable hatch built into a plasterboard partition, suspended ceiling or gypsum board ceiling that provides controlled access to concealed building services behind (stopcocks, isolating valves, electrical consumer units, MVHR ducts, fan-coil units, hot water cylinders). Our range covers every common configuration: discreet plasterboard panels finished in line with the wall, fire-rated panels for riser shafts and compartmented ceilings, metal panels in galvanised steel or stainless steel 304 for plant rooms, and powder coated coloured panels for architectural integration. Every model is supplied to UK construction practice and conforms with BS 8212, BS EN 1634-1 and BS EN 12207 depending on the range.

Access panel for which wall type?

An access panel can be installed in three common substrates: dry-lined plasterboard partition (12.5 mm or 15 mm board, the most frequent case — BS 8212), suspended ceiling (horizontal, with a 90° safety stop on the door) or riser shaft wall (vertical access to concealed services). The right model depends on the finish required (paintable, tileable, exposed metal), the regulatory requirement of the partition (fire-rated for compartmented shafts, airtight where draught control is needed) and the opening mechanism (push-to-release for residential lobbies, square key for plant rooms, cylinder lock for switch rooms).

Four ranges for four technical uses

Choose the range that matches your application:

• Fire Rated Access Panels — EI30/EI60 to BS EN 1634-1, riser shafts, escape routes, Building Regulations Part B
• Metal Access Panels — galvanised steel or stainless steel 304, RAL 9016, plant rooms
• Plasterboard Access Panels — 12.5 mm and 15 mm board, paintable, BS 8212
• Coloured Access Panels — powder coated RAL finish, no on-site painting

Popular dimensions in access panels

Our catalogue offers the most frequently specified sizes from stock — quick delivery. Bespoke sizes (other formats, specific frame depths) are available on a lead time of approximately three weeks:

• Access panel 500×500 mm (50×50 cm)
• Access panel 300×300 mm (30×30 cm)
• Access panel 400×400 mm (40×40 cm)
• Access panel 600×600 mm (60×60 cm)
• Access panel 200×200 mm (20×20 cm)
• Access panel 800×800 mm (80×80 cm)
• Access panel 700×700 mm (70×70 cm)
• Access panel 400×600 mm (40×60 cm)
• Access panel 600×800 mm (60×80 cm)

For a size not listed, see all available dimensions or request a quotation for custom manufacture.

Typical applications

• Bathroom — bath trap access, isolating stopcock, concealed water meter, tileable panel for ceramic finishes
• Kitchen — gas isolating valve, mains stopcock, concealed electrical box
• Sub-floor / void — pipework access, water meter, isolating valve
• Suspended ceiling — MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) unit, ducted air conditioning, insulated services passing through
• Plant room — consumer unit, distribution board, main low voltage panel
• Riser shaft wall — vertical access to concealed services, fire compartmentation
• Habitable loft — eaves access, insulated rafter void

Materials and opening mechanisms

Materials

• Galvanised steel powder coated RAL 9016 white — the standard reference, corrosion resistant for dry interior locations
• Stainless steel 304 — wet, coastal, commercial kitchen, hospital and swimming pool environments
• Aluminium — AluPlana and Alu Quattro ranges (lightweight with an airtightness specification)

Opening mechanisms

• Push-to-release — concealed opening on simple pressure, no visible handle (the discreet choice for residential lobbies and flush finishes)
• Square key 8 mm — controlled access for plant rooms and back-of-house service areas
• Cylinder lock — higher security for restricted-access locations (switch rooms, metering cupboards)

Standards and certifications

Every access panel in this range is supplied to applicable UK and European standards:

• BS 8212 — Code of practice for the internal use of plasterboard (primary reference for dry lining)
• BS EN 1634-1 — Fire resistance and smoke control tests (fire-rated EI30/EI60)
• BS EN 13501-1 — European fire classification of construction products
• BS EN 12207 — Air permeability of fenestration (airtight IP54)
• IP54 — protection against dust and splashing water (airtight specification)
• EI30 / EI60 — fire resistance rating (30 or 60 minutes integrity + insulation)

Frequently asked questions — Access Panels

Which size of access panel should I choose?

The right size depends on the service to be inspected and the space available. For a stopcock or electrical box, 200×200 or 300×300 mm is sufficient. For an MVHR unit or a meter cupboard, 400×400 to 600×600 mm. For a hot water cylinder or a server rack, 800×800 to 1200×1200 mm. See our dimensions page for the available format.

Paintable or tileable — what is the difference?

A paintable access panel is designed to integrate into a plasterboard partition: the door receives a plasterboard insert that is painted in line with the wall. A tileable access panel is intended for bathrooms or tiled service areas: the door receives the tile on its outer face, and the panel disappears into the tile grid.

Is an EI30 fire-rated panel required in a block of flats?

Yes, whenever the access panel passes through a fire-resisting partition (compartmented riser shaft, ceiling between dwellings, separation between flats). The minimum EI30 rating applies to general residential compartmentation; EI60 applies to certain higher-risk locations under Approved Document B. Outside a fire-resisting partition, no fire rating is required.

How do I install an access panel into plasterboard?

Installation into 12.5 mm plasterboard uses the template supplied with the product. The frame is fixed in applique on the board, and the door receives a plasterboard insert that is skimmed and painted in continuity with the wall. The installation should follow BS 8212 (Code of practice for the internal use of plasterboard).

Custom access panel — what is the lead time?

Every range can be adapted to bespoke sizes (board thickness, frame depth, specific finish, circular format). The standard lead time for custom manufacture is approximately three weeks. Contact us for a quotation.

Which range for which room?

Bathroom: airtight IP54 panel or tileable. Kitchen: paintable plasterboard panel. Residential corridor: flush plasterboard with push-to-release. Plant room: exposed metal panel. Riser shaft in a block of flats: fire-rated EI30/EI60.