Access Covers Technical Data :: Wall and Floor Covers Technical Information

ACCESS COVERS TECHNICAL DATA

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In researching and developing access covers, SMITH design engineers recognized that modern buildings require access through walls, floors and ceilings in order to inspect and maintain concealed items such as valves, cleanout plugs, controls and other equipment. To meet the demands and requirements of this construction necessity, the designers have gone the "extra mile" to produce access covers, which include the following design features:

• A specific design for each requirement

• Accessibility

• Strength and appearance

• Safety

WALL ACCESS COVERS

FLOOR ACCESS COVERS

Wall Access Covers - Cleanout plugs are installed in many concealed vertical stacks, and access to these plugs can be provided by wall access covers. Wall access covers do not have frames and are installed in a "face-of- wall" type application. After the finished wall is completed, selection of proper size is determined by the amount of area to be covered. Covers are secured by means of a center screw which is threaded into a tapping in the head of the plug. Shallow covers are suitable for most installations (Fig. 1). Wall access covers can be used for any type of wall, but should never be used on floors.

Wall and Ceiling Access Covers with Frames - Frame selection is determined first by the type of wall or ceiling construction and secondly by the wall surface. Tile, brick, block or wallboard require a face flange to hide the rough wall opening. This is known as the "Face-of-Wall" type (Fig. 2). Wet walls such as terrazzo and concrete require a plaster ground flange to hold the frame solidly in the wall. A face flange is undesirable for this application since it would create a roughing problem. This type is called the "Flush with- Wall" design (Fig. 3). Wall covers with frames can be used to gain access to concealed cleanout closures, valves, controls or special devices.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3

Selection of Materials - Most Smith wall access covers with frames are regularly furnished in chrome plated bronze because highly finished walls such as tile and terrazzo are esthetically improved by the appearance of this finish. This finish is also highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion and requires little attention to maintain its appearance. Polished bronze and polished nickel bronze are also available to match the decor of other architectural trim. Selected access covers and boxes are available in prime coated steel for painted walls so that these may be painted the same color as the surrounding wall, presenting an unobtrusive appearance.

When selecting floor access covers, the following points must be considered:

• Selection of Top Shape

• Selection of Top Type

• Selection for Traffic Load

• Selection of Material

Selection of Top Shape - The top shape selected, either round, square or rectangular, is determined by the floor pattern surrounding the frame. In general, round scoriated covers will blend with most poured floors. Square and rectangular tops should be used where the floor pattern is a straight line design such as tile.

Selection of Top Type - For general use the floor access covers are secured with countersunk screws. Where required, these screws may be of the vandal proof variety and should be specified by using the suffix -U. Some floor access covers are available with recess for either floor tile or terrazzo. These covers should be used when it is desired to show a minimum of metal in the finished floor.

Selection for Traffic Load - All floor access covers are subject to some sort of traffic. For most indoor areas which are subject to foot and light traffic, the regular scoriated nickel bronze top is recommended.

Selection of Material - Since most floor areas are of the finished type, polished scoriated nickel bronze tops are recommended. In areas where blending with surrounding architectural trim is a requirement, polished bronze is available. CHROME PLATED BRONZE ACCESS COVERS AND FRAMES ARE NEVER RECOMMENDED FOR FLOOR APPLICATIONS. For unfinished areas, heavy duty cast iron tops are recommended.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5

Particular attention should be given to the Smith 4910 Series of square and rectangular frames with secured covers (Fig. 4). These are cast in aluminum. The great variety of shapes and sizes available in these covers makes them particularly suitable for all sorts of access applications in both finished and unfinished areas.

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