Access panel 800×800 mm

The 800×800 mm / 80×80 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 access to server racks, compact air handling units, vertical hot water cylinders.

Access panel 800×800 mm for plasterboard and walls

The plasterboard range in the 800×800 mm (80×80 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.

Models available in 800×800 mm

• 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 80×80 cm for ceilings

Fitted horizontally into a suspended ceiling, the 800×800 mm (80×80 cm) access panel provides entry to building services that are often bulky: a compact AHU, a server rack, a loft hatch opening. 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.

Fire-Rated Access Panel 800×800 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 800×800 mm (80×80 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 Ceiling Fire Rated Access Panel – EI30

Steel access panel 800×800 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 800×800 mm (80×80 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

Made to measure access panels

The 800×800 mm (80×80 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: solid wall, airtight, for tiling, ventilated versions are not part of the standard 800×800 mm (80×80 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 800×800 mm access panel

Is the 800×800 mm format suitable for a standard modular grid ceiling?

For a 600×600 mm modular grid ceiling, a smaller format such as 800×800 mm (80×80 cm) forces a partial cut into the tile; a larger format exceeds the neighbouring module. For this reason 600×600 remains the standard, while 800×800 mm (80×80 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 800×800 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 800×800 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.

Can the 800×800 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 800×800 mm (80×80 cm), see our standard catalogue dimensions.