Metal access panel with beaded frame – FlipFix access panel
Product Reference: MD.BF.FF
This FlipFix access panel has a metal door and a beaded frame, for non-fire rated inspection access in jointless plasterboard walls and ceilings where services need regular maintenance. The beaded frame is taped and jointed or skimmed in with the surrounding plaster, so the frame disappears into the finished surface.
Choose the panel size you need from the options. Standard sizes cover small and large openings, and if none of them suits we can manufacture a panel to your own bespoke size. Please contact us if this is something you require. If you need an access panel that is fire rated, see our fire rated access panels.
FlipFix launched in 2015. Its patented fitting system has become a market leader in the UK and can reduce fitting times on site by as much as 80%. FlipFix Access Panels also have a mitreless frame and a flush lock system. Fitting needs no screws or glue and no bracing or supports: just cut, fit and flip. You can read about the benefits of FlipFix Access Panels here.
Access Panels Specifications
Construction
Metal faced door with a 25mm beaded frame for tape and jointing or skim-coat plastering.
Panel depth 54mm, door depth 15mm.
Made from Zintec steel with a 0.9mm thick door and a 0.9mm thick frame.
Powder coated RAL 9010, 30% gloss.
Dual purpose: the same panel can be used on a wall or a ceiling.
The FlipFix mechanism clamps the frame onto the back of the boards, so the opening does not need battening out. It suits boards from 8mm to 32mm thick, or 12.5mm to 32mm on panels over 600 x 600mm.
Locking
Locked using a standard budget lock, supplied with a plastic tee key.
Fire Rating
MD.BF.FF stands for Metal Door, Beaded Frame, FlipFix. This is a non-fire rated access panel.
Seals and Other Ratings
No draught, smoke, air, acoustic or intumescent seals are fitted. The panel is not acoustic rated, not air pressure tested and not smoke tested.
Plastering
Before applying the plaster skim coat, apply joint filler and scrim tape over the junction between the beaded frame and the plasterboard to prevent the skim coat cracking.
Safety
These access panels are suitable for inspection purposes only and are not suitable for personnel access.
Size
150 x 150mm, 200 x 200mm, 300 x 300mm, 350 x 350mm, 400 x 400mm, 450 x 450mm, 500 x 500mm, 550 x 550mm, 600 x 300mm, 600 x 600mm, 900 x 600mm, 1200 x 600mm
Measuring Guide
Sizes and Openings
All measurements are in millimetres. The structural opening needs to be 5mm larger than the listed panel size. Contact our sales team for more information.
Sizes
Structural Opening
Clear Opening
Overall Size Inc Frame
Frame
Depth
Weight
Length
Width
Length
Width
Length
Width
Length
Width
150
150
155
155
125
110
200
200
25
54
0.75 kg
200
200
205
205
175
160
250
250
25
54
1 kg
300
300
305
305
275
260
350
350
25
54
1.6 kg
450
450
455
455
425
400
500
500
25
54
3 kg
550
550
555
555
525
500
600
600
25
54
4.7 kg
600
300
605
305
575
250
650
350
25
54
3 kg
600
600
605
605
575
550
650
650
25
54
5 kg
900
600
905
605
875
550
950
650
25
54
8.6 kg
1200
600
1205
605
1175
550
1250
650
25
54
10.5 kg
Clear opening is with the door open at 90°.
Metal access panel with beaded frame - FlipFix access panel
You can find our products on NBS Source, the specification platform used by UK architects and specifiers. The listings carry technical data and downloadable BIM objects, so our panels can be written into a specification and dropped straight into a model.
Common questions about sizing, fire ratings, frame types and installation. If your question is not covered here, send us the dimensions of your opening and the performance it needs to meet and we will confirm the right specification.
We offer a specific range of riser doors that are fire rated, tested to UK and European standards (BS EN 1634-1). These include options with 90-minute integrity / 60-minute insulation and 2-hour integrity ratings. It’s essential to check the specification of each product to ensure it meets your project’s fire safety requirements and legal compliance needs. Non-fire-rated access panels are also available for other applications.
We’re able to manufacture air tight access panels however, at a higher cost. These access panels have been tested in accordance with EN 1634-3:2004 & BS 5368: Part 1:1976.
Yes, we offer specific riser door models that have been acoustically tested (to BS EN ISO 10140-2) and provide certified levels of sound reduction, ranging from 30dB up to 48dB. Check the product specification for the exact acoustic rating if sound insulation is a key requirement for your wall installation.
As standard, our access panels come with a tee-key, we do offer different locking options if required. Please contact us or choose these at checkout.
The most concealed access panel we have for sale is the plasterboard beaded frame.
Can’t find the size you require on our website? Contact us, we guarantee we can manufacture an access panel to suit your project requirements.
General
Our website lists standard sizes and our standard finish is RAL 9010 30% Gloss. However, we understand that projects often have unique needs. We also offer bespoke riser doors and custom manufacturing services. Please contact our sales team directly on 01922 313518 or email sales@accesspanelsdirect.net to discuss your specific size, finish, or feature requirements.
Unfortunately we do not manufacture waterproof access panels.
Unfortunately we do not sell Access Panels that can be used on the floor. However, we do sell Floor Access Covers.
We can custom manufacture tiled access panels to suit your project requirements, please contact us for a quotation.
If you order a stocked size online, there is no manufacturing involved and you will receive your access panel within 1 to 2 working days. Made to order products show their own despatch time on the product page.
We offer free next day delivery if you order before 2:30pm (12pm on Friday). If not next day, we aim to deliver within 48 hours.
Firstly, sorry your access panel has arrived damaged, this is uncommon. Please contact us immediately with photographic evidence and we will gladly get a replacement to you.
The choice depends on your project requirements:
Metal Riser Doors: Offer superior durability and security, making them ideal for commercial or high-traffic areas. They typically have a powder-coated finish.
Plasterboard Riser Doors: Are designed to be integrated seamlessly into a plaster wall, offering a discreet, almost invisible finish once decorated. They are perfect for high-end residential or design-led commercial spaces where access is required without compromising aesthetics.
We offer multiple Access Panel types. Our FlipFix easy installation range are the most popular due to their revolutionary and unique FlipFix mechanism.
The standard colour of our access panels is RAL9010 white however, we can powder coat the access panel in almost any RAL colour required. An alternative option is for us to dust prime the access panel which allows the consumer to paint the panel themselves.
Beaded frames are frames which can be plastered over, whereas picture frames is retrofit and no plastering will be required.
A dual purpose access panel is an access panel that can be installed in both a wall or ceiling. Most of our stock panels are dual purpose however, we don’t recommend installing the plastic access panel in a ceiling.
Plasterboard doors with beaded frames are used when you need to plaster over the door and the frame, so all you will see is the outline of the panel in the wall or ceiling. This looks very neat and tidy.
Picture frames are 25mm frames around an access panel and the frame will be visible when installed therefore, you don’t have to worry about how neat the hole is. The beaded frame allows you to plaster over it, so all you see is the white door and no frame.
A riser door is designed to safely conceal vertical service shafts (risers) in a building, housing things like electrical wiring, plumbing, and data cables, while providing secure and easy access for essential maintenance, inspection, and repair work. They also play a crucial role in maintaining fire safety compartmentation and acoustic performance within the wall system.
Installation
You’re able to use glue to secure the plastic access panel in place.
The time to install our access panels is dependant on which access panel you’re referring to. Our FlipFix range can take approximately 10-15 minutes, whereas standard access panels can take up to 30-45 minutes.
Structural opening is the size of the hole in your wall / ceiling.
Maintenance
The best example would be if you’re ordering a 600 x 600mm Access Panel, then you will need to make the hole in the wall or ceiling (the structural opening) 605 x 605mm. (5mm larger than the panel size).
Similar products
Other panels from the same range, with different frame types, fire ratings or sizes.
Enjoy the assurance of top quality with every purchase at Access Panels Direct. Our products, including a wide range of access panels available, offer numerous advantages.
Ian Smith
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Encore Plumbing
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“Every time I order from yourselves it is so quick and efficient, always contact and never an issue, always well stocked and delivery when stated. A pleasure doing business with you”.
ACS Electrical
“Liked the company. called initially and found them extremely helpful. Ordered panels delivered quickly and good product. Will use again”.
David
“Excellent choice of access panels all at a great price, easy to use ordering system and speedy delivery, an excellent service”.
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