CE and UKCA marking are often assumed to apply to all construction products, but when it comes to access panels, the position is more specific. At present, neither CE marking nor UKCA marking is a requirement for access panels.

Why CE & UKCA marking don’t apply

Both CE and UKCA marking rely on the existence of a harmonised product standard — an EN standard for CE, or a designated standard for UKCA. These standards define how a product is tested and declared for performance.

For access panels, no such standard currently exists that brings them into scope for either marking.

EN 14351-1 — External doorsets

EN 14351-1 applies to external pedestrian doorsets and windows. Access panels are not classified as external doorsets, so they are outside the scope of this standard.

prEN 14351-2 — Internal doorsets

The draft standard prEN 14351-2 is intended to cover internal pedestrian doorsets. Even when published, it is expected to apply to doorsets rather than access panels, meaning access panels will remain out of scope.

prEN 16034 — Fire resistance

For fire-resistant products, prEN 16034 uses the term “doorset” to cover a wide range of products, including:

• Industrial and commercial doors
• Garage doors
• Roller shutters
• Operable fabric curtains
• Pedestrian doorsets
• Inspection hatches (in certain contexts)

However, this standard is not yet fully harmonised for this application, and until it is, CE or UKCA marking for fire resistance characteristics via this route is not possible.

What this means in practice

Although CE and UKCA marking do not apply, access panels are still expected to meet strict performance requirements. Compliance is typically demonstrated through:

• Fire resistance testing to recognised standards
• Smoke leakage testing where required
• Acoustic performance testing
• Air permeability and airtightness testing

This ensures that products meet the necessary building regulation requirements, even without CE or UKCA marking.

CE vs UKCA — is there a difference here?

In this case, no.

• CE marking (for the EU market), and
• UKCA marking (for Great Britain)

both depend on product standards that do not currently include access panels.

As a result, if CE marking is not applicable, UKCA marking is not applicable either.

Key takeaway

Access panels are not currently subject to CE or UKCA marking because:

• There is no harmonised or designated product standard covering them
• Relevant standards focus on doorsets, not access panels
• Fire-related marking routes are not yet available for this product type

Final thoughts

For specifiers, contractors, and building owners, the priority should be proven performance, not simply product marking.

When selecting access panels, ensure they are supported by:

• Verified test evidence
• Clear performance data
• Compliance with relevant building regulations

This approach ensures the right level of performance is achieved, even in the absence of CE or UKCA marking.

Related reading

• BS EN 1634-1: Fire Resistance Testing Explained — the fire test standard behind the evidence
• Fire Ratings Explained — E and EI ratings explained
• Smoke Tested Access Panels & Riser Doors — smoke leakage performance

Ready to specify?

Rapid Access products are supported by verified fire, smoke, acoustic and airtightness test evidence. Browse the Certifications & Compliance resource page, or contact the Technical Service team for project-specific performance documentation.

Fire performance is one of the most critical considerations in modern construction, particularly when it comes to compartmentation and life safety. BS EN 1634-1 is the primary European test standard used to assess the fire resistance of doorsets, shutters, and openable windows, and it plays a key role in how fire rated access panels and riser doors are evaluated.

What is BS EN 1634-1?

BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 is a fire test standard that measures how long a construction product can withstand fire exposure under controlled conditions.

The test simulates a real fire scenario by placing a doorset or panel into a furnace and exposing it to increasing temperatures, following a standard time-temperature curve.

The aim is to determine how effectively the product maintains its performance over time.

What does the test measure?

BS EN 1634-1 focuses on two key performance criteria.

Integrity (E)

Integrity refers to the ability of the product to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases from one side to the other.

A product achieves integrity if:

• Flames do not pass through
• Gaps or openings do not allow fire to spread
• There is no sustained ignition on the unexposed side

Insulation (I)

Insulation measures how well the product limits the transfer of heat.

A product achieves insulation if:

• The temperature rise on the non-fire side stays within defined limits
• The risk of ignition of nearby materials is reduced

Understanding fire ratings

Fire resistance is expressed using classifications such as:

• E30 — 30 minutes integrity
• EI30 — 30 minutes integrity and insulation
• EI60 — 60 minutes integrity and insulation

The higher the number, the longer the product can withstand fire exposure under test conditions.

How the test works

During testing:

• The product is installed into a representative wall or partition
• It is exposed to fire from one side (or both sides in separate tests)
• Temperatures inside the furnace can exceed 800°C within minutes
• Performance is monitored until failure criteria are reached

Failure can occur if:

• Flames pass through
• Excessive heat transfer is recorded
• Structural collapse or distortion compromises performance

Why BS EN 1634-1 matters for access panels

Although access panels are not always directly covered by product standards for CE or UKCA marking, their fire performance is still assessed using BS EN 1634-1.

This allows manufacturers to:

• Demonstrate fire resistance performance
• Support compliance with Building Regulations Part B
• Provide tested solutions for compartment walls and ceilings
• Ensure consistency and reliability across installations

For specifiers and contractors, it provides a recognised and trusted benchmark when selecting fire-rated access solutions.

Testing vs real-world performance

It’s important to understand that fire testing is carried out under controlled laboratory conditions.

Actual on-site performance depends on:

• Correct installation
• Suitable wall or ceiling construction
• Use of approved components (seals, fixings, boards)

This is why tested details and installation guidance are just as important as the test result itself.

Key takeaway

BS EN 1634-1 is the foundation for fire resistance testing of access panels and doorsets, providing:

• A consistent method of assessing fire performance
• Clear classifications for integrity and insulation
• Confidence for designers, contractors, and building owners

Final thoughts

When specifying fire-rated access panels or riser doors, always look beyond the headline rating.

Ensure the product is backed by:

• Valid test evidence
• Clear installation details

This ensures the product will perform as intended when it matters most.

Related reading

• Fire Ratings Explained — 30/60/90/120 minute ratings in detail
• What Is Fire Compartmentation? — why fire ratings exist
• CE & UKCA Marking on Access Panels — how marking applies to access panels
• Smoke Tested Access Panels — BS EN 1634-3 — the smoke test companion

Ready to specify?

Browse the fire rated access panel ranges, or contact the Technical Service team for BS EN 1634-1 test evidence and installation detail drawings for your project.

When discussing fire safety, flames are often the primary focus. However, in many fire scenarios, smoke presents the greatest risk to life safety. Smoke can spread rapidly through a building, reducing visibility, affecting escape routes, and carrying toxic gases.

This is why smoke performance is an important consideration when specifying access panels and riser doors.

What is a smoke tested access panel?

A smoke tested access panel or riser door is designed to limit the passage of smoke leakage through the door leaf and frame assembly when closed.

This is typically achieved through:

• Smoke seals or gaskets
• Controlled compression between the door and frame
• Precision manufacturing tolerances
• Appropriate locking systems to maintain seal pressure

The aim is to help maintain compartmentation and reduce smoke transfer between areas of a building.

Why smoke leakage matters

Smoke can spread long before structural fire failure occurs.

Controlling smoke leakage helps to:

• Protect escape routes
• Improve visibility during evacuation
• Reduce the spread of toxic gases
• Support compartmentation strategies within the building

Smoke control is particularly important in:

• Corridors and escape routes
• Residential developments
• Healthcare facilities
• Commercial buildings with protected zones

How smoke testing is carried out

Smoke leakage testing is commonly performed in accordance with BS EN 1634-3:2004 — Smoke Control Test for Door and Shutter Assemblies.

This standard measures the amount of smoke leakage passing through a closed doorset or panel under controlled pressure conditions.

During testing:

• The panel assembly is installed into a test rig
• Air pressure is applied to simulate smoke movement
• Leakage rates are measured at different pressures and temperatures

The test assesses how effectively the assembly limits smoke transfer.

Ambient & medium temperature smoke tests

Smoke testing may be carried out at different temperatures depending on the required application.

Ambient smoke testing (Sa)

Ambient smoke testing assesses leakage at room temperature conditions. This is intended to simulate the early stages of a fire before temperatures significantly rise.

Medium temperature smoke testing (S200)

S200 testing is carried out at elevated temperatures, typically around 200°C. This evaluates how the assembly performs when exposed to hotter smoke conditions during a developed fire scenario.

Smoke seals and performance

Smoke performance is heavily influenced by the sealing system used within the panel assembly.

Factors affecting performance include:

• Seal type and quality
• Compression consistency
• Gap tolerances
• Correct installation

Even small gaps can significantly increase smoke leakage, making manufacturing accuracy and installation quality critical.

Smoke testing vs fire resistance

Smoke testing and fire resistance testing are not the same thing.

A product may be:

• Fire rated only
• Smoke tested only
• Or both fire rated and smoke tested

Fire resistance focuses on:

• Integrity (preventing flames and hot gases passing through)
• Insulation (limiting heat transfer)

Smoke testing specifically measures leakage rates through the assembly when closed.

Both characteristics may be required depending on the project specification.

Installation is critical

As with all tested performance, installation plays a major role in real-world results.

To maintain smoke performance:

• Structural openings must be suitable
• Frames must be correctly fixed and sealed
• Approved seals and components must be used
• Installation guidance should always be followed

Key takeaway

Smoke tested access panels help support building safety by:

• Limiting smoke leakage
• Supporting compartmentation
• Protecting escape routes and occupied spaces

Final thoughts

When specifying access panels for fire and smoke applications, it’s important to look beyond headline fire ratings alone.

Ensure products are supported by:

• Recognised smoke leakage testing
• Appropriate seal systems
• Clear installation guidance
• Verified test evidence

This helps ensure the access solution performs correctly when it matters most.

Related reading

• BS EN 1634-1: Fire Resistance Testing Explained — the fire resistance companion test
• Fire Ratings Explained — E and EI ratings explained
• What Is Fire Compartmentation? — why smoke control matters
• Airtight Access Panels — air permeability performance

Ready to specify?

Browse the smoke-rated access panel and riser door ranges, or contact the Technical Service team for BS EN 1634-3 smoke test evidence and installation detail drawings.