Access panels are small doors that give access to utilities and internal building systems located behind walls or ceilings, such as plumbing, HVAC, fire-safety and electrical systems. Unauthorized access to the space behind an access panel can create a serious security risk. Security access panels provide multiple layers of protection from vandalism, sabotage, and unintended contact, making them crucial infrastructure for secure environments.
What Makes Security Access Panels Different from Standard Access Panels?
Material: A standard access panel’s door is typically made from lighter-gauge material, leaving it more susceptible to being damaged or defeated. Security access panels feature doors, frames, hinges, and other components which can be made from heavier-gauge materials, protecting them from break-ins.
Latching: A standard access panel can be opened with any flathead screwdriver, whereas a security access panel features a latch that requires a special tool or key to open. This limits access to authorized personnel only.
What Are Common Applications for Security Access Panels?
Common applications for security access panels are any buildings that need to prevent unauthorized access to utilities and internal building systems, whether through deliberate tampering or through unintended, incidental contact that can damage a lighter-construction access panel.
Secure facilities such as behavioral health facilities, correctional facilities, and military installations.
Airports, bus stations, and other high-occupancy buildings where incidental contact may overpower a standard access panel.
Schools, to protect children gaining unwanted access to unsafe areas.
Banks, courthouses, government buildings, and other facilities where security is a priority.
What Are Latching Options for Security Access Panels?
Security access panels improve safety over standard access panels by being latched with locks that require a dedicated key or tool to open. They can be built with a choice of latching options to suit the level of security appropriate for an installation, from least to most secure:
Center pin allen key/pinned allen head: A d-shaped ring catch unlocked by a special allen head key.
Cylinder lock: A key-operated lock that operates a flanged metal catch.
Deadbolt lock: A cylinder lock with a sliding deadbolt.
Detention lock: A maximum-security lock akin to those used for jail cells, openable with an extra-long, specially made key.
Manufacturers may offer the option to prep for lock by others, where they will produce an access panel with space to install a lock by a locksmith, specialty contractor, etc.
How To Specify a Security Access Panel
Materials:
Painted Steel: A commonly used, cost effective material.
Stainless Steel: A heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant material ideal for harsh environments.
Gauge Heaviness:
12-gauge (Standard)
10-gauge (High Security)
7-gauge (Maximum Security)
Mounting Options: Due to increased security levels, not all mounting options are available on all models.
Drywall Bead: The access panel is mounted in the wall, then its frame is mudded over with sheetrock compound, hiding it from view.
Mounting Holes in Frame: The opening behind the access panel is framed, then screws are inserted through the sides of the frame into framing material.
Factory Installed Masonry Anchors: Metal rods are welded onto the sides of the access panel’s frame, then concrete is poured over the frame, setting the bolts in place.
Why KEES
Standard configuration doesn’t mean the only configuration at KEES. Thanks to our flexible production environment and decades of experience, we’re able to accommodate individual design specs to create custom security access panels—all at our high level of safety and quality.
Customizability: Need multiple latches, a specific door swing direction, or risk-resistant construction? Tap into KEES’s expertise for custom solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.
Sizes: Choose from a wide range of standard sizes, as well as custom sizing produced with the fastest lead times in the industry.
