What are fire-resistant access panels-hatches used for?
Fire-resistant access panels-hatches are designed for convenient and safe access to engineering systems concealed behind plasterboard structures — pipework, air ducts, fire dampers, electrical and plumbing equipment. They are installed in suspended ceilings, partition walls, counter-walls on brickwork and vertical shafts, and most importantly, in the event of a fire they maintain the fire integrity of the structure and, for the certified time, prevent fire, hot gases and heat from spreading from one fire compartment to another.
How fire protection works: EI classification
The fire resistance of access panels-hatches is expressed by letters and a number of minutes, for example EI 30. These values mean:
E (integrity) — the ability to prevent flames, hot gases and vapours from passing through to the opposite, unexposed side.
I (thermal insulation) — the ability to limit heat transfer to the opposite side, so that it does not heat up to a dangerous temperature.
The number (15, 30, 45, 60, 90 or 120) — the number of minutes for which these properties are guaranteed under the action of fire. The higher the number, the longer the fire protection provided by the product.
All DORI-FIRE™ fire-resistant access panels-hatches are tested and certified in accordance with the European standards EN 1363-1:2020 and EN 1364-2:2018 at the independent ISTITUTO GIORDANO laboratory.
Panel installation direction: a and b sides
Fire-resistant access panels-hatches are tested and installed with regard to the possible direction of fire, so it matters which way the panel faces:
b side — the panel faces the inside of the room (the door side is oriented towards the room).
a side — the panel faces the cavity or interstitial space (the door side is oriented towards the inside of the structure, e.g. a shaft or the gap behind the ceiling).
Each model specifies a certified installation direction (e.g. b → a), which must be observed to ensure the declared fire resistance.
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Construction and main advantages
Sturdy frame. The fixed perimeter frame and the removable door frame are made of shaped aluminium or steel profiles. Depending on the model and fire resistance class, the corners are joined by V-0 rated (self-extinguishing plastic) corner brackets, die-cast aluminium corner brackets or by welding.
Fire-resistant filling. The door is fitted with fire-resistant „DFI" type plasterboard, and in many models a high-density rock wool or vermiculite panel is additionally applied to the back, improving thermal insulation.
Intumescent graphite seal. When heated, the seal expands and tightly fills the gaps between the door and the frame, thereby blocking the spread of fire and smoke.
Convenient opening. Aluminium models use a clic-clac mechanism — the door is opened and closed with a simple press. Steel EI 90 and EI 120 models are fitted with metal latches and a key, and the package includes screws, L-shaped brackets and an opening key.
Aesthetic surface. The door can be filled and painted together with the surrounding ceiling or wall, so the installed panel becomes almost invisible.
Where fire-resistant access panels-hatches are used
Fire-resistant access panels-hatches are used in suspended plasterboard ceilings, plasterboard partition walls, counter-walls on brickwork and vertical plasterboard shafts, for example lift or utility shafts.
How to choose the right fire-resistant access panels-hatches
The right model is selected according to two main criteria. The first is the type of structure: ceiling, partition wall, counter-wall or shaft. The second is the required fire resistance class from EI 15 to EI 120, which must match the fire requirement of the specific structure. The dimensions are selected according to the exact opening location — from 20×20 cm to 80×80 cm, depending on the chosen series.
