Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Rated Access Panels

Fire rated access panels play a crucial role in fire protection and prevention. They are manufactured to withstand normal fires and are a valuable addition to homes and offices.

Here are a few questions answered about fire rated access panels that will help gain an understanding about these access panels:

What is the difference between standard access panels and fire rated access panels? 

A standard access panel will not offer any kind of fire protection. Fire rated access panels have an intumescent strip that is fitted to the frame and also a 3-way locking system that holds the door in position. If a fire occurs, the intumescent strip will expand, and create a protective seal between the frame and the door.

How long are access panels fire rated for? 

Reputed manufacturers of passive fire protection in Sydney offer fire rated access panels with fire ratings ranging from one hour to 4 hours. One hour fire rating is also known as a 60-minute fire rating. You can also opt for fire rated plasterboards and fire rated sealants that have a 2-hour rating.

What does a fire rating “rate”? 

At the time that the access panel receives a fire rating, it refers to the structural integrity of the panel that has aced the fire test. “Integrity” denotes the length of time taken for the fire to break through the panel.

Can I get a fire rated panel for longer duration? 

A 4-hour rating is the highest fire rated access panel that you can have. This is because any higher rating would be expensive to manufacture and is not a viable option as long as economics is concerned. If you really need a higher fire rating, it would entail a bespoke or tailor-made fire access panel for which l and you should speak to the manufacturer regarding this.

Why are ceiling panels rated less than wall panels? 

The answer to this lies in the place where they are kept. A ceiling fire rated access panel is subject to a lot more intense heat than a wall access panel. This is why the ceiling access panel is rated lower than the wall access panel.

If you want your home or business to be truly safe, you should consider passive fire systems such as fire rated access panels and fire rated plasterboards.