Buy Access Panels Online: FlipFix Fire-Rated Panels
An access panel gives you a neat, lockable way into the pipes, valves, cables and ductwork hidden behind a plasterboard wall or ceiling. FlipFix access panels are the ones we stock, and this guide uses FlipFix's published data to explain the two door types, what "1 hour fire rated" actually means, how to pick a size and how to fit one. We sell them online with no minimum order and delivery across England.
What are access panels for?
Once a wall or ceiling is boarded, anything behind it is out of reach. An access panel gives you a door in the board so stopcocks, valves, junction boxes, fans and other services can be inspected and maintained without cutting the plasterboard open. All the FlipFix panels we sell are dual purpose, for walls and ceilings, and have a white RAL 9010 powder coated finish.
Plasterboard faced vs metal faced panels
- Plasterboard faced, beaded frame. The door is filled with 12.5mm plasterboard and sits in a 25mm beaded frame, so it can be taped, plastered in with the surrounding wall or ceiling and decorated. It is the most discreet option. It has a budget lock and comes in sizes from 150 x 150mm to 600 x 600mm, non fire rated or 1 hour fire rated.
- Metal faced, picture frame. A white steel door in a 20mm picture frame, with a spring-loaded flush lock opened with a T key. It goes in after decorating and is the more robust choice for frequent access. It comes non fire rated, 1 hour or 2 hour fire rated, and the non fire rated and 1 hour versions go up to 1200 x 600mm.
What does 1 hour fire rated mean?
Where a wall or ceiling forms part of a fire-resisting construction, cutting a hole in it for a standard panel weakens it. A fire rated panel has been tested so the opening keeps its performance. FlipFix's 1 hour fire rated panels are rated for integrity (E) for 60 minutes, tested to BS EN 1364-2:2018 and BS EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018. Integrity means flames and hot gases are held back. The rating is not a smoke, acoustic or airtightness rating, and FlipFix lists these panels as not rated for those.
The rating only holds when the panel is fitted as tested. FlipFix's datasheets give the tested arrangement: room side, with the door opening towards the fire risk side (down, in a ceiling), a maximum gap of 2.5mm between frame and opening, and a fire tested size of 600 x 600mm. The 1 hour datasheet covers sizes up to 600 x 600mm. FlipFix publishes a separate 1 hour spec sheet for the 900 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm metal panels, so check it before specifying those sizes for fire rated use. The 1 hour wall or ceiling you fit it into must also be a 1 hour construction.
How to choose a size
Measure what you need to reach, then work back to the panel size. FlipFix gives two useful figures:
- Structural opening (the hole you cut): panel size + 5mm each way.
- Clear opening with the door open 90°: panel size less 50mm on both sides for metal faced panels, and less 50mm by 75mm for plasterboard faced panels.
So a 600 x 600mm metal faced panel gives a clear opening of about 550 x 550mm. These are the larger sizes we stock and the 1 hour fire rated price ex VAT at the time of writing:
| Panel size | Metal faced, 1 hour | Plasterboard faced, 1 hour |
|---|---|---|
| 350 x 350mm | £32.28 | £60.50 |
| 400 x 400mm | £38.69 | £64.99 |
| 450 x 450mm | £44.05 | £58.82 |
| 500 x 500mm | £47.67 | £71.78 |
| 550 x 550mm | £50.80 | £65.07 |
| 600 x 300mm | £43.99 | £67.43 |
| 600 x 600mm | £53.49 | £69.98 |
| 900 x 600mm | £116.74 | Not available |
Smaller sizes from 150 x 150mm are also available, and every size comes non fire rated too. Bespoke sizes and other lock options are made to order. Call us for a price.
Fitting tips
- Mark out. Stock sizes of the metal faced panel come with a pop-out template built into the box. Check for cables and pipes before you cut.
- Cut the opening 5mm larger than the panel size. For fire rated panels, keep the gap to the 2.5mm per side that FlipFix allows.
- Fit the frame. Place the frame in the opening with the door left on, then, with your drill on a low torque setting, screw in the FlipFix devices until they grip the back of the board. There is no need to brace the opening, and no screws or glue are needed. The clamps suit boards from 8mm to 32mm for metal faced panels and 12.5mm to 32mm for plasterboard faced panels.
- Finish. For plasterboard faced panels, apply scrim tape and plaster in. For 2 hour metal faced panels, FlipFix says to apply intumescent acrylic mastic to the back of the frame first.
Delivery on access panels
There is no minimum order on access panels, so you can order a single panel. Delivery is £15 + VAT on orders under £300 ex VAT and free on orders of £300 ex VAT or more, with delivery across England. Access panels are delivered separately from insulation and building materials. See our delivery information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order just one access panel?
Yes. There is no minimum order on access panels. Delivery is £15 + VAT under £300 ex VAT.
Can a plasterboard faced panel be painted?
Yes. The door is filled with plasterboard, so it is plastered in and decorated with the rest of the wall or ceiling.
Are FlipFix fire rated panels smoke or acoustic rated?
No. FlipFix lists them as integrity (E) rated, and not smoke, acoustic or airtightness rated.
Can I use a fire rated panel in a ceiling?
Yes. Fit it from the room side with the door opening down towards the fire risk side, as tested.
For more background, read our guide to fire rated insulation and fire-resistant drylining and plasterboard sizes.
Order access panels
Order the FlipFix metal faced 1 hour fire rated panel or the plasterboard faced 1 hour fire rated panel, see the full FlipFix range, or browse all our access panels. Prices are shown ex VAT. Call us on 03330 908479, email sales@insulationwarehousedirect.co.uk, or order online.
Sources: FlipFix downloads: spec sheets and fire test certificates; FlipFix datasheets for FF/000/MD/PF/FL, FF/060/MD/PF/FL, FF/120/MD/PF/FL, FF/000/PD/BF/BL and FF/060/PD/BF/BL; FlipFix fitting instructions. Prices correct at the time of writing.