Why choose a plasterboard access panel?

Plasterboard access panels install in a dry-lined partition (12.5 mm board, the UK standard, or 15 mm board) and receive a plasterboard insert on the door so the finished panel is paintable in line with the surrounding wall. Designed and supplied in accordance with BS 8212 (Code of practice for the internal use of plasterboard). Available in several frame depths (15 mm, 18 mm and 25 mm) to suit single board, double board or specialist linings (acoustic, moisture resistant, fire resistant). The Tempo Eco Star and Tempo Eco Green ranges cover the everyday requirement up to the premium flush finish with a fully removable door.

When to install a plasterboard access panel?

The plasterboard range installs in a dry-lined partition with 12.5 mm board (the UK standard) or a 15 mm board partition. The frame is fixed in applique on the plasterboard, and the door receives a plasterboard insert that is skimmed and painted in line with the wall. For a double board or specialist lining (acoustic, moisture resistant, fire resistant) select the 25 mm frame depth, which avoids any visible upstand. The 15 mm depth is sufficient for a single board partition. The fully removable door model allows complete access for deep inspection points.

Technical features of the plasterboard access panel

Frame depth — 15 mm, 18 mm or 25 mm

The frame is selected to match the plasterboard thickness: 15 mm for a single 12.5 mm board partition, 18 mm for a double board or specialist lining (acoustic, moisture resistant, fire resistant), 25 mm for thicker multi-layer linings — avoids any visible upstand and delivers a flush finish. Supplied in accordance with BS 8212.

Removable door model — full access

The door lifts out completely and frees the whole opening (rather than pivoting on a hinge). Useful for deep inspection points and projects where complete access is required, as an alternative to the standard hinged configuration.

Tempo Eco Star range

The cost-effective reference for standard plasterboard — three opening mechanisms (push-to-release, square key, cylinder lock).

Tempo Eco Green range

The premium variant with a flush finish and a fully removable door — paintable in continuity with the wall.

See also our other ranges

• Fire Rated Access Panels — EI30/EI60 to BS EN 1634-1, riser shafts, escape routes
• Metal Access Panels — galvanised steel or stainless steel 304, RAL 9016
• Coloured Access Panels — powder coated RAL finish, no on-site painting
• Access Panels — the full access panel range overview

Popular dimensions in plasterboard 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 520 — Plasterboard for construction

Frequently asked questions — Plasterboard Access Panels

Which frame depth for which plasterboard?

For a single 12.5 mm board partition, choose the 15 mm depth. For a double board or a specialist lining (acoustic, moisture resistant, fire resistant), choose 18 mm or 25 mm to avoid any visible upstand.

Tempo Eco Star or Tempo Eco Green — what is the difference?

Tempo Eco Star is the cost-effective range for standard plasterboard with three opening mechanisms (push-to-release, square key, cylinder lock). Tempo Eco Green is the premium variant with a flush finish and a fully removable door for complete access.

What is the removable door model and when is it useful?

The door lifts out completely and frees the whole opening (rather than pivoting on a hinge). Useful for deep inspection points and projects where complete access is required, as an alternative to the standard hinged configuration.

How do I install a plasterboard access panel to BS 8212?

BS 8212 (Code of practice for the internal use of plasterboard) sets out an applique installation on the dry-lined partition: template supplied, precise cut-out in the board, fixing into studs or noggins. The door receives a plasterboard insert that is skimmed and painted in line with the wall.

Plasterboard panel in a double-board partition — which depth?

For a double 12.5 mm + 12.5 mm board partition (25 mm total), choose the 25 mm depth. For a specialist acoustic or moisture-resistant lining with a double board, check the total thickness and select the matching frame depth.

What is the lead time for a custom plasterboard access panel?

The standard depths (15, 18, 25 mm) are held in stock — delivery within 5 working days. Specific sizes or a particular lining type: approximately three weeks.