Access Panels - Finding the Most Suitable Product for Your Access Needs
What is an access panel? An access panel is a hinged door with frame, or a removable plate, for which a person requires access to a void behind it.
It forms part of the finished wall or ceiling, yet allows authorised users to access that void behind it.
What are they used for? They provide access to the void behind it and allow for a neat and uniform finish within it's surrounds, whilst providing the required point of access.
In the majority of cases access to the void is to be restricted therefore various lock options are generally available.
Where are they normally installed and used? Access doors can be installed in a variety of places but they are usually found where there are some kind of services such as pipework, cabling or ducting running behind or above a wall or ceiling, and access to these services are needed.
What kind of materials are access doors made from? Most of them are manufactured from sheet metal such as zintec steel or stainless steel, and then powder coated usually to a RAL white finish.
There is also a large demand for plastic panels and also for hidden panels.
A hidden access panel is usually manufactured from zintec steel but with a plasterboard door and beaded frame to allow it to be skimmed as you would a wall.
What is the typical size of a panel? The size of the panel is dependent upon what kind of access is required to the void behind it.
In most cases access is for inspection or maintenance purposes, and thus in order to establish adequate access typical sizes are 300x300mm, 450x450mm and 600x600mm.
These sizes allow enough access for operatives to carry out their duties.
Are access doors and panels easy to install? They are easy to fit for people with a basic DIY skills and come supplied with fitting instructions relevant to the type of panel supplied.
Some companies have a video of how to complete the fitting etc.
However the main points to remember are the frame has to be square and if using a plaster board door with a beaded frame there should be no fixing through the beaded frame just through the fixing frame itself.
Can access panels be used externally? You will find that the majority of manufacturers advise against using an access panel for external use, on the basis that an access panel is generally showerproof and not waterproof.
Why are there so many types of access panels available on the market? Quite simply because there are so many different types of walls, ceilings and access requirements.
An end user may want their panel to have the same finish as the wall and so would require a plasterboard door type, with a beaded frame.
Or building regulations may dictate that an area contain a fire and prevent it from spreading for a period of 2 hours, and so a 120 minute fire rated access panel would be required.
What is the difference between a ceiling panel and a loft panel? The difference between a ceiling panel and a loft panel is that a loft panel is manufactured with the relevant insulation installed as standard.
Ceiling panels are fire rated and insulated to order - this should be discussed with your supplier before placing an order with them.
Are all access panels rectangular or square in shape? Not all, but most access panels on the market are rectangular or square, as this is the easiest and most typical aperture to create.
Most access panel manufacturers will also offer circular panels.
Occasionally you will find a specialist manufacturer who can produce an access panel to a client's specific design - however, be sure to discuss your requirements with them as bespoke panels cannot usually be returned if they are found to be unsuitable.
I hope the above advice answers any questions or concerns you have regarding the many types of access doors available today, but don't hesitate to ask your supplier for any help or clarification should you need further assistance.
It forms part of the finished wall or ceiling, yet allows authorised users to access that void behind it.
What are they used for? They provide access to the void behind it and allow for a neat and uniform finish within it's surrounds, whilst providing the required point of access.
In the majority of cases access to the void is to be restricted therefore various lock options are generally available.
Where are they normally installed and used? Access doors can be installed in a variety of places but they are usually found where there are some kind of services such as pipework, cabling or ducting running behind or above a wall or ceiling, and access to these services are needed.
What kind of materials are access doors made from? Most of them are manufactured from sheet metal such as zintec steel or stainless steel, and then powder coated usually to a RAL white finish.
There is also a large demand for plastic panels and also for hidden panels.
A hidden access panel is usually manufactured from zintec steel but with a plasterboard door and beaded frame to allow it to be skimmed as you would a wall.
What is the typical size of a panel? The size of the panel is dependent upon what kind of access is required to the void behind it.
In most cases access is for inspection or maintenance purposes, and thus in order to establish adequate access typical sizes are 300x300mm, 450x450mm and 600x600mm.
These sizes allow enough access for operatives to carry out their duties.
Are access doors and panels easy to install? They are easy to fit for people with a basic DIY skills and come supplied with fitting instructions relevant to the type of panel supplied.
Some companies have a video of how to complete the fitting etc.
However the main points to remember are the frame has to be square and if using a plaster board door with a beaded frame there should be no fixing through the beaded frame just through the fixing frame itself.
Can access panels be used externally? You will find that the majority of manufacturers advise against using an access panel for external use, on the basis that an access panel is generally showerproof and not waterproof.
Why are there so many types of access panels available on the market? Quite simply because there are so many different types of walls, ceilings and access requirements.
An end user may want their panel to have the same finish as the wall and so would require a plasterboard door type, with a beaded frame.
Or building regulations may dictate that an area contain a fire and prevent it from spreading for a period of 2 hours, and so a 120 minute fire rated access panel would be required.
What is the difference between a ceiling panel and a loft panel? The difference between a ceiling panel and a loft panel is that a loft panel is manufactured with the relevant insulation installed as standard.
Ceiling panels are fire rated and insulated to order - this should be discussed with your supplier before placing an order with them.
Are all access panels rectangular or square in shape? Not all, but most access panels on the market are rectangular or square, as this is the easiest and most typical aperture to create.
Most access panel manufacturers will also offer circular panels.
Occasionally you will find a specialist manufacturer who can produce an access panel to a client's specific design - however, be sure to discuss your requirements with them as bespoke panels cannot usually be returned if they are found to be unsuitable.
I hope the above advice answers any questions or concerns you have regarding the many types of access doors available today, but don't hesitate to ask your supplier for any help or clarification should you need further assistance.