Access panel 400×400 mm

The 400×400 mm / 40×40 cm format is one of our catalogue sizes for the access panel range, available in several variants depending on the application: integration in a plasterboard wall, installation in a suspended ceiling, damp areas, or rooms with fire-rating requirements. Suitable for broad access to building services, HVAC distribution, MVHR ventilation systems.

Access panel 400×400 mm for plasterboard and walls

The plasterboard range in the 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) format is designed for integration into a plasterboard wall or a standard dry-lining partition. The white powder-coated galvanised steel frame (RAL 9016) is surface-mounted onto the board; the door leaf itself receives a plasterboard insert, which makes the access panel virtually invisible once painted in with the surrounding wall.

Removable Model — Full Access to the Service Void

The Tempo Eco Green Plasterboard Removable Access Panel features a fully removable door leaf: the leaf lifts out completely to expose the entire opening. This is useful for deeper inspection chambers and for projects where total access is required, and forms an alternative to the conventional hinged installation.

Models available in 400×400 mm

• Tempo Eco Green Plasterboard Removable Access Panel
• Eco Star Plasterboard Access Panel – 15mm
• Eco Star Plasterboard Access Panel – 25mm
• Eco Star Plasterboard Access Panel – 18mm
• Tempo Eco Green Plasterboard Access Panel – Push Latch
• Tempo Eco Star Plasterboard Access Panel – Square Key Lock
• Tempo Eco Star Plasterboard Access Panel – Cylinder Lock
• Tempo Eco Star Plasterboard Access Panel – Push Latch

Access Panel for Solid Walls 400×400 mm — Masonry, Concrete, Brickwork

In refurbishment work and traditional construction, the wall to be opened up is not always plasterboard: clay brick, reinforced concrete, blockwork or loadbearing masonry are equally common. The EcoStar for Solid Walls range in 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) is designed for this kind of substrate: a reinforced frame, fixings rated for heavy masonry, and compatibility with one-coat render or wet plaster finishes.

Difference From the Plasterboard Access Panel

The plasterboard access panel uses a lightweight frame intended for integration into 12.5 mm plasterboard. The solid-wall access panel reinforces the frame so it can absorb the fixing loads of heavy substrates, and it minimises hairline cracks around the perimeter of the surrounding plaster or render finish.

Models available in 400×400 mm

• EcoStar Access Panel for Solid Walls

Access panel 40×40 cm for ceilings

Fitted horizontally into a suspended ceiling, the 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) access panel provides entry to building services that are often bulky: a balanced MVHR unit, ducted air conditioning, a horizontal water cylinder. A 90-degree opening stay is supplied as standard with the ceiling-rated ranges.

Hinging, Opening Stay and Orientation

For a horizontal installation, the opening direction (hinge on the top, bottom, left or right edge) must be specified at the time of order. Every ceiling variant is supplied with a stay mechanism that holds the leaf open for the duration of the intervention, so it cannot fall onto the operative.

For regulated suspended ceilings (assembly buildings, high-rise blocks, service shafts passing through a fire-rated soffit), see the fire-rated section below: an EI30 or EI60 version is required by Building Regulations Part B (England & Wales), and it changes the latching and hinge configuration.

Airtight and Acoustic Access Panel 400×400 mm — Damp Areas and Sound-Rated Rooms

The airtight version of the 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) format covers three distinct requirements that often overlap on the same project: airtightness to air and dust, acoustic separation between dwellings (BS 8233), and thermal insulation to preserve the performance of a wall subject to Part L.

Airtight to Air and Dust

The standard airtight variants include a perimeter gasket that blocks airflow, fine dust and water splashes (IP54 rating). They are recommended for bathrooms, utility rooms, damp plantrooms and any space where the wall must remain airtight across the opening. Performance is verified to BS EN 12207 (air permeability of windows and doors).

• Tempo Softline Airtight & Dustproof Access Panel
• Tempo Softline Airtight Insulated Access Panel – Push Latch

Acoustic Insulation (BS 8233)

In flats, hotels, offices and any space subject to the sound insulation guidance of BS 8233 (Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings), the sound-rated variants deliver an attenuation of 28-29 dB and 30.5-34 dB, depending on the reference chosen. Each model includes an acoustic insulation core in the body and a reinforced gasket that dampens sound transmission through the panel itself.

• Airtight & Acoustic Access Panel AluPlana ISO
• Alu Quattro Airtight Dustproof Access Panel – 30.5dB-34dB
• Airtight Acoustic Access Panel – Square Key Lock
• Eco Star Airproof Dust & Airtight Access Panel – 28dB-29dB

Airtight Access Panel and Thermal Performance

On walls subject to the thermal performance requirements of Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) — external walls, loft hatches in unheated roof spaces, floors above unheated voids — a non-insulated access panel introduces a thermal bridge across the opening. The airtight and insulated variants preserve the thermal performance of the surrounding wall, supporting the overall U-value of the building envelope.

Fire-Rated Access Panel 400×400 mm — EI30 and EI60

When an access panel passes through a fire-rated partition (service riser, landing slab, compartment line between fire sectors), it must restore the rating of the surrounding wall. The 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) format is available in EI30 and EI60 ratings, as required by Building Regulations Part B and tested to BS EN 1634-1. Each panel is supplied with the certification labelling needed for Building Control inspection.

EI30 — 30 Minutes of Fire Resistance

The EI30 classification protects integrity (E) and thermal insulation (I) for 30 minutes, tested to BS EN 1634-1 and classified under BS EN 13501-1. This is the minimum level required by Building Regulations Part B for the majority of vertical service shafts in residential buildings and for compartmentation between standard fire sectors.

• Alustar Airtight Ceiling Fire Rated Access Panel – EI30
• Alustar Ceiling Fire Rated Access Panel – EI30
• Fire Star Technical Shaft Access Panel – EI30/EI60 – Square Key Lock

EI60 — 60 Minutes of Fire Resistance

The EI60 classification is required by Building Regulations Part B for compartmented service risers in assembly buildings, high-rise blocks and special-risk plantrooms. The Fire-Star SW range is supplied in both wall and ceiling variants: the installation mode affects the frame profile and the design of the opening stay.

• Fire Star Technical Shaft Access Panel – EI30/EI60 – Square Key Lock
• Fire-Star SW Softline Fire Rated Access Panel – EI 60

UniSpace — 30-Minute and 60/90-Minute Variants

The UniSpace range offers options for projects where fire resistance must exceed the standard 30 or 60 minutes. The 60/90-minute variant addresses the enhanced requirements that apply to certain commercial and industrial service compartments.

• Fire Rated Access Panel 30 Minutes UniSpace
• Fire Rated Access Panel 60/90 Minutes UniSpace

Steel access panel 400×400 mm

Where appearance is secondary (plantroom, basement, car park, building services areas), the bare metal version is faster to install and remains keenly priced. Three families are available in 400×400 mm (40×40 cm):

Made to measure access panels

When the access panel needs to match an already painted wall (anthracite grey, beige RAL 1015, black RAL 9005), the coloured version is supplied pre-painted in the RAL colour of your choice. This avoids an on-site paint stage:

• Tempo Softline Coloured Metal Access Panel – Cylinder Lock
• Tempo Softline Coloured Metal Access Panel – Square Key Lock
• Tempo Softline Coloured Metal Access Panel – Push Latch

Stainless Steel — Damp Areas and Public Spaces

For settings exposed to corrosion (commercial kitchens, swimming pools, hospitals, coastal common areas), the 304 stainless steel version is offered in a polished or brushed finish, with a four-sided square-drive lock for opening:

• Tempo Softline Polished Stainless Steel Access Panel – Square Key Lock
• Tempo Softline Brushed Stainless Steel Access Panel – Square Key Lock

Ventilated Variant — Permanent Airflow

For spaces that need continuous airflow (a boiler cupboard that is not airtight, an MVHR enclosure with no sealing requirement):

• Tempo Softline Metal Ventil Access Panel

Ventilated Variant 400×400 mm — Louvre and Permanent Airflow

The ventilated version allows continuous airflow behind the partition: useful for service cupboards housing a boiler, a hot water cylinder, or for ventilating a closed volume where moisture is present. The perforations are calibrated to maintain a steady airflow rate without compromising the appearance of the access panel.

Models available in 400×400 mm

• Eco Ventil Access Panel with Plastic Grille

Made to measure access panels

The 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) format is part of our standard catalogue sizes. For neighbouring formats, see our other available sizes — every dimension is declined as standard from 200×200 mm up to 1200×1200 mm for the broadest ranges (metal and plasterboard).

Not every variant is held in stock for this format: for tiling versions are not part of the standard 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) offering. If the project requires one of them, please get in touch for a bespoke quotation — most ranges can be adapted to special sizes with an indicative lead time of around three weeks.

Frequently asked questions about the 400×400 mm access panel

Is the 400×400 mm format suitable for a standard modular grid ceiling?

For a 600×600 mm modular grid ceiling, a smaller format such as 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) forces a partial cut into the tile; a larger format exceeds the neighbouring module. For this reason 600×600 remains the standard, while 400×400 mm (40×40 cm) is reserved for narrower or wider grids depending on the situation.

What is the difference between the plasterboard version and the solid-wall version in 400×400 mm?

The plasterboard access panel uses a lightweight frame designed to integrate into 12.5 mm plasterboard. The solid-wall version reinforces the frame to take fixing loads on heavy substrates (brick, concrete, blockwork) and minimises hairline cracking around the perimeter render — it is suited to refurbishment and traditional construction.

Is a fire-rated EI30 or EI60 access panel required in 400×400 mm?

The requirement depends on the fire sector being crossed, not on the format. Any access panel passing through a fire-rated partition (compartmented service riser, slab between fire sectors in assembly buildings under Building Regulations Part B) must restore the rating of the surrounding wall: EI30 minimum in residential blocks, EI60 in assembly and high-rise buildings. Outside regulated partitions, no fire rating is required.

Is an IP54 airtight access panel in 400×400 mm suitable for a bathroom?

Yes — the IP54 rating provides protection against fine dust and water splashes, which is the level required in a residential or commercial bathroom. For direct exposure to water (inside a shower enclosure, exterior rainfall), a higher class would be needed, but this case is rare for a service access panel.

Can the 400×400 mm format be manufactured to a bespoke specification?

Yes — every range can be adapted to specific dimensions (wall thickness, frame depth, special finish, round shape). The typical lead time for bespoke manufacture is around three weeks. For neighbouring sizes of 400×400 mm (40×40 cm), see our standard catalogue dimensions.