The Arctic Hayes Lightweight Plastic Access Panel range provides a clean, low-profile solution for accessing hidden building services — including pipes, cables, stopcocks, isolation valves and junction boxes — through plastered walls and ceilings. Injection-moulded from UV-stable ABS plastic, each panel is lightweight yet rigid, with a snap friction catch for one-handed opening without tools. A hinge mechanism with door lift-out facility means the door can be removed entirely when full access is needed. Panels can be over-painted to match the surrounding surface and fixed in place with a suitable adhesive — no screws required. Available in five sizes from APS100 (100×150mm) to APS350 (350×350mm).
5 Sizes
APS100–APS350
UV-Stable ABS
Material
Snap Catch
Tool-free opening
Over-paintable
Matches décor
Glue Fix
No screws needed
Over-Paintable & Tool-Free: Once fitted, Arctic Hayes access panels can be painted over with emulsion or eggshell paint to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall or ceiling finish. To open, simply press the snap catch — no handle, no screwdriver, no key required. This makes them ideal for finished rooms where frequent access is not expected but occasional inspection may be needed.
Size Selection: Select the panel whose opening size matches or slightly exceeds the access hole cut in the wall or ceiling. The panel frame overlaps the aperture edges. Measure the cut opening carefully — the panel must not be smaller than the cut hole. For pipe or stopcock access, the APS100 or APS150 is usually sufficient; for boiler servicing or larger valve clusters, choose APS200 or larger.
Injection-Moulded ABS Construction
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the same material used in electrical back-boxes and plumbing fittings — it is dimensionally stable, impact-resistant and will not warp in damp wall cavities. The UV stabilisation prevents yellowing and embrittlement when exposed to daylight over time.
Slim Profile for Flush Fit
The injection-moulded slim profile frame sits flat against the wall surface, reducing the protrusion to a minimum. This makes Arctic Hayes panels suitable for plastered walls without creating a visible bump under wallpaper or decorated plaster, and for ceiling voids where the panel must not conflict with cornice or coving.
Hinge with Lift-Out Door
The panel door is hinged for everyday opening but can also be fully lifted off the hinge when wide-open access is needed — for example during boiler commissioning, pipe installation or cable pulling. The door simply re-hooks onto the hinge when work is complete, with no tools or clips required.
Five Sizes for Every Application
From the compact APS100 (100×150mm) for individual stopcock or cable access to the large APS350 (350×350mm) for full access to manifold systems, pump sets or fan coil units, there is a panel in this range for every typical building services access requirement.
Variant Specifications
| MPN |
Opening Size |
Approx. External Size |
Typical Application |
| APS100 |
100 × 150mm |
~120 × 175mm |
Stopcock, single cable entry, isolation valve |
| APS150 |
150 × 230mm |
~190 × 270mm |
Pipe run access, junction box, meter |
| APS200 |
200 × 200mm |
240 × 240mm |
Boiler connection, valve cluster, small manifold |
| APS300 |
300 × 300mm |
~360 × 360mm |
Manifold, pump set, concealed cistern |
| APS350 |
350 × 350mm |
~410 × 410mm |
Fan coil unit, large valve assembly, MVHR connections |
Common Specifications — All Variants
| Brand |
Arctic Hayes |
| Material |
UV-stable ABS (injection moulded) |
| Colour |
White |
| Closure Mechanism |
Snap friction catch (tool-free) |
| Door Feature |
Hinged with lift-out facility |
| Fixation Method |
Suitable adhesive (glue fix — no screws) |
| Over-Paintable |
Yes |
| Surface Suitability |
Plasterboard, plaster, timber, tile |
| Country of Origin |
United Kingdom |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix the access panel to the wall?
Arctic Hayes access panels are designed for adhesive fixing. Apply a suitable construction adhesive (e.g. CT1, No More Nails or a PVA-based grab adhesive) to the back face of the panel frame, position over the prepared aperture, and press firmly. Hold in position for 30–60 seconds. No drilling or screws are needed, making installation clean and quick on any substrate. For tiled walls, use a tile-compatible adhesive.
Can I paint over the panel to match my wall?
Yes. The ABS surface takes water-based emulsion and eggshell paints well. Apply a thin coat of adhesion primer first (such as a plastic primer), then top coat in the same colour as the wall. The snap catch will still function through a thin paint layer. Avoid painting over the catch mechanism itself to ensure it continues to operate freely.
Which size should I choose for boiler or heating system access?
For access to a single isolation valve or filling loop, the APS150 (150×230mm) is usually sufficient. For access to a central heating pump, pressure gauge, and multiple valves simultaneously, choose the APS200 or APS300. For underfloor heating manifolds or entire MVHR units in a ceiling void, APS300 or APS350 is recommended. If in doubt, opt for one size larger — a bigger panel is always easier to work through than a smaller one.
Are Arctic Hayes access panels suitable for tiled bathroom walls?
Yes, with appropriate adhesive. Use a silicone or ceramic tile adhesive to bond the frame to the surrounding tiles. The white ABS panel complements standard white bathroom tiles. For a recessed tile-faced panel (where the door is tiled to match), consider the Arctic Hayes tile access panel range (which uses a different frame designed to accommodate tile thickness and weight).
