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The Challenge
Palco designed, manufactured, tested and delivered a bespoke ceiling access panel for a suite of data centres in Gävle, Sweden, working alongside specialist contractor DVS Development Ltd.
Panels were needed in high-traffic corridors where safe, easy access was essential. Conventional downward-opening panels reduce headroom and can take considerable effort to operate, and the solution still had to meet strict air pressure and security requirements.
Our Solution
Working directly with the project architects, we engineered an upward-opening, Class 2 airtight, insulated ceiling access panel featuring:
- Telescopic friction stays and a pull handle for low-effort opening
- A Rockwool-insulated door for thermal and acoustic performance
- A neoprene seal for airtight efficiency
- A Euro Profile 3-point locking system for high security
Made in the UK, Independently Tested
Each panel was CNC punched, welded, powder coated (RAL 9010 as standard) and assembled at our two Midlands factories, where we can manufacture bespoke panels within days.
The panel was Class 2 air pressure tested at 300Pa to BS EN 1026:2016 at Chiltern International Fire, and reaction to fire tested to EN 13823:2020+A1:2022 at Warrington Fire.
From Nuneaton to Gävle
The panels were securely palletised and shipped from Nuneaton to Gävle, arriving on time and without damage. The result is a complete bespoke access solution tailored to a high-performance data centre environment.
“We had the privilege of working closely with the Palco team on access hatches. Their dedication to ensuring the approval of their product by the design team was evident, as they went above and beyond by conducting additional testing.”
DVS Development Ltd, specialist data centre contractor
Access Solutions for Data Centres
Alongside our upward opening panel, our data centre range includes metal ceiling panels, stock access panels, circular access panels, metal and plasterboard riser doors, metal slim doors and lift out tile doors. Options include fire certification of up to 4 hours, acoustic performance of up to 48dB, air pressure performance of up to Class 4 and any RAL colour finish, or primed for site decoration. Bespoke sizes are available on request.
We offer full bespoke design engineered from your drawings or specification, multi-door units (up to 8), anti-bacterial and anti-ligature options, and multiple lock and frame types, all securely palletised and delivered UK-wide and internationally.
About Palco
Founded in 1990, Palco (Panel & Louvre Company) has supplied access panels and riser doors to the UK construction industry for over 35 years, on projects including The Shard, The Whiteley and The BoTree in London, and the Grosvenor Hotel, Edinburgh. BIM objects are available on Bimobject and NBS Source.
Visit our website for more information.
Call us on 024 7518 7518 or email sales@palcouk.com to discuss your next project.