Protecting Your Home With Fire Rated Access Panels

A leading fire protection product, the BEADED FRAME ACCESS PANEL is easy to install and offers a comprehensive solution to fitted fire doors and walls. Designed primarily for use on flat or lintered surfaces, the Fire Rated Access Panels offer high quality, ultra-modern fitted doors and walls which comply with current Part J building legislation. (Class M). Also suitable for internal use, these Panels can be fitted on most windows. The innovative, fully integrated design features a sliding plate mechanism to control the height of the panel and offers maximum security, as well as a high level of visibility.


The BEADED FRAME ACCESS PANEL has been designed with a sliding, double riveted action which minimises the amount of slippage that can occur, both at the opening and closing of the door or the wall. The panels are fitted with a patented locking system, which means that an approved key is required in order to operate the system. These Panels also provide a high degree of safety by being fire rated up to 300mm, making them an ideal choice for domestic application. Fire Rated Access Panels are also suitable for internal applications, offering a high level of security along with a high level of visibility.

The design of the Bearded Frame Access Panel consists of a beaded frame with a primary v-groove sealed between the v-grooves. Two adjacent panels, labelled F and G, are then fitted onto the primary frame. The width of the panel is equivalent to the distance between the side frames of the door or the wall. This creates a highly effective seal, which makes it possible to create an effective seal around the edge of the door or the panel. This combined with the use of a highly effective locking system creates a highly secure element, which complies with the building regulations.

The main features of this moulded beaded frame access panel are its high degree of security and visual appearance. Fire Rated Access Panels are the most suitable choice for applications where visual appeal is of paramount importance. A beaded frame is also used in many domestic buildings, such as cupboards, closets, wardrobes and fitted kitchens. The locking system is very effective, and can be operated either via one of the methods described below.

The first method is known as the budget lock, and uses a simple but effective mechanism to provide maximum security. To use this method, the beaded frame access panel is secured, either manually or automatically, by one of three methods, depending on the availability of the user. The lock can be activated manually with the use of a key; this is achieved by placing the key into a small slot located in the top right hand corner. It can also be automatically activated, using a timer or sensor.

The second method, known as the automatic fire rated access panels, is another very effective method of providing maximum protection. These panels are made from high-quality plastic and are extremely durable. They have an electronic locking mechanism, which is operated either by the user, or by a remote key. They are available in a variety of sizes to suit different requirements and budgets.

The third method is also called concealed flues, and is a much more complicated system, using two sets of fixed ladders, each suspended from a single chain. These ladders are suspended from the chimney systems above, and run through openings in the roofs. One set of ladder will slide up to the roof, while the other set will go through the opening below it. Each of the ladders has a small window, through which the user may get a clear view of the inside of the house.

However, there are several disadvantages associated with concealed flues, the most notable of which is the fact that it is difficult to install. Also, the fire rated access panel is located in a highly vulnerable area, and is easily damaged when an intruder tries to force open the door. Finally, they are very expensive, as the installation requires two sets of fixed ladders and a single chain, both of which cost at least one hundred dollars each. Because of this, most homeowners do not prefer to use this system. However, if the house has an existing electrical system, installing a standard lock may be an easier solution.