FW-5050-DW Fire-Rated Insulated Access Door for Drywall

The FW-5050-DW is a fire-rated, insulated access door for drywall walls and ceilings. It gives contractors and building owners a code-compliant, tapeable access opening to plumbing, electrical, or mechanical components in assemblies where temperature rise or heat transmission is a factor.

Its 20-gauge steel door is filled with two inches of fire-rated insulation, and its 16-gauge mounting frame carries a galvanized steel drywall taping bead flange so you can tape and finish the joint on-site like any standard drywall seam. A concealed hinge keeps hardware off the face of the door, and a universal self-latching bolt automatically closes and latches the door on contact.

Why Do Contractors Choose FW-5050-DW Fire Rated Insulated Access Door for Drywall?

• Fire rated for walls and ceilings: Carries a UL 1-1/2 hour "B" and ULC 2-hour "B" label for walls (max size 36" x 48"), and a Warnock Hersey International rating for fire-rated ceilings (max size 24" x 36").
• 2" fire-rated insulation: The 20-gauge steel door is filled with two inches of fire-rated insulation, blocking heat transmission at the access point.
• Tapeable drywall bead flange: The 16-gauge galvanized steel mounting frame has a drywall taping bead flange so you can tape and finish the joint on-site without additional trim.
• Self-closing and self-latching: The door closes on its own after use, maintaining the integrity of the fire-rated assembly. The universal self-latching bolt engages automatically when the door closes, keeping it latched without an additional manual step.

Ready to order? Request a quote for the FW-5050-DW to confirm sizing, material, configuration options, and production lead times based on your project timelines.

Key Product Specifications

• Application: Drywall walls and ceilings
• Material: Steel or stainless steel
• Door: 20-gauge steel, filled with 2" fire-rated insulation
• Mounting frame: 16-gauge steel, galvanized drywall taping bead flange
• Hinge: Concealed
• Fire rating (walls): UL 1-1/2 hour "B" label; ULC 2 hour "B" label; max size 36" x 48"
• Fire rating (ceilings): Warnock Hersey International 3 hour (non-combustible ceiling); 1 hour (combustible ceiling); max size 24" x 36"
• Standard latch: Universal self-latching bolt, operated by knurled knob or flush key
• Lock option: Mortise cylinder lock preparation (Master Keying), must be specified at time of order
• Finish: Baked White Prime Coat (additional finish paint recommended for superior corrosion resistance)
• Wall/ceiling opening: Nominal door size plus 3/8" (9mm) on each dimension
• Standard sizes: 8" x 8" to 36" x 48"

Need a size that isn't on the standard list? Request a custom quote to get the FW-5050-DW manufactured to your exact dimensions.

What Comes Standard and What Can Be Configured?

Every FW-5050-DW ships with the following as standard:

• 20-gauge steel door filled with 2" fire-rated insulation
• 16-gauge galvanized steel mounting frame with drywall taping bead flange
• Concealed hinge
• Universal self-latching bolt, operated by knurled knob or flush key
• Inside latch release
• Self-closing mechanism
• Baked White Prime Coat finish

The following must be specified at the time of order and is not included as standard:

• Stainless steel construction (specify based on your installation environment)
• Mortise cylinder lock preparation (Master Keying)

What Should You Confirm Before Ordering FW-5050-DW?

• Wall or ceiling opening size: The rough opening must be the nominal door size plus 3/8" (9mm) on each dimension. For example, a 24" x 36" door requires a 24-3/8" x 36-3/8" opening.
• Installation type (wall or ceiling): The fire rating, maximum rated size, and spring closing bracket requirements differ between wall and ceiling installations. Confirm which assembly you're installing into before ordering.
• Fire rating and maximum size: For walls, the FW-5050-DW is rated up to 36" x 48". For fire-rated ceilings, the maximum rated size is 24" x 36". Sizes 24" x 48", 30" x 30", 36" x 36", and 36" x 48" are not rated for ceiling installations.
• Material: Choose steel for standard interior environments. Choose stainless steel for installations where corrosion resistance is a high priority.
• Latch count: Doors up to 24" x 24" ship with one self-latching bolt. Doors larger than 24" x 24" ship with two. Confirm your door size so the right latch count ships with your order.
• Lock option: The standard latch operates with a knurled knob or a flush key. If you need a keyed cylinder lock, specify the mortise cylinder lock preparation at the time of order.
• Production lead time: Lead time depends on your size and configuration. Request a quote to confirm production and ship dates.

Installation Notes

• Cut the wall or ceiling opening to the nominal door size plus 3/8" (9mm) on each dimension before installation.
• The drywall taping bead flange finishes on-site the same way as a standard drywall joint. Tape and apply joint compound directly to the flange.
• For ceiling installations on doors larger than 18" x 18", door closing spring brackets are supplied with the door and must be installed to ensure the door closes and latches properly.
• For steel units, additional finish paint is recommended after installation for superior corrosion resistance.

Who Installs FW-5050-DW and Where Is It Used?

The FW-5050-DW is specified by architects, contractors, and facility managers who need a fire-rated access point in drywall assemblies where heat transmission must be controlled, and the surface finish must blend with the surrounding wall or ceiling.

Common applications include:

• Commercial buildings: Fire-rated access to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components in offices, retail spaces, and common areas where drywall is the finish surface.
• Healthcare facilities: Code-compliant access in fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
• Institutional buildings: Fire-rated access points in schools, government buildings, and other occupancies with strict fire code requirements.
• Multifamily and residential buildings: Fire-rated plumbing and electrical access in finished drywall in corridors, utility areas, and shared spaces.
• Renovation and retrofit projects: Fire-rated access added to existing drywall assemblies, since the taping bead flange integrates with the finished wall surface on-site.

Looking for other fire-rated options? Browse our fire-rated access doors to compare the FW-5050-DW against similar products.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I calculate the wall or ceiling opening for FW-5050-DW?

Add 3/8" (9mm) to each dimension of the nominal door size. For instance, a 24" x 36" door requires a 24-3/8" x 36-3/8" opening. This applies to all standard sizes.

2. What is the fire rating for wall installations?

For walls, the FW-5050-DW carries a UL 1-1/2 hour "B" label and a ULC 2-hour "B" label, with a maximum temperature rise of 250 degrees after 30 minutes. The maximum rated wall size is 36" x 48".

3. What is the fire rating for ceiling installations?

For fire-rated ceilings, the FW-5050-DW holds a Warnock Hersey International 3-hour rating in non-combustible ceilings and a 1-hour rating in combustible ceilings. The maximum rated ceiling size is 24" x 36". Sizes 24" x 48", 30" x 30", 36" x 36", and 36" x 48" are not rated for ceiling installations.

4. Does the door latch automatically?

Yes. The universal self-latching bolt engages when the door closes, so no separate manual latching step is required. The latch operates by a knurled knob or flush key and releases from inside the cavity.

5. Can I get FW-5050-DW with a keyed cylinder lock?

Yes. Doors can be prepared for mortise cylinder locks with Master Keying capability. This must be specified at the time of order and cannot be added after production.

6. Do I need spring closing brackets for ceiling installations?

For ceiling installations on doors larger than 18" x 18", door closing spring brackets are supplied with the door. These are required to ensure the door closes and latches properly in a ceiling application.

Why Buy FW-5050-DW From Acudor Access Panels?

Acudor Access Panels is an authorized Acudor distributor. Every FW-5050-DW we supply is manufactured to Acudor's published specifications, and our team confirms the sizing, material selection, fire-rating requirements, latch configurations, and production lead times for your exact order before you commit.

Have any questions? Contact our team or call +1-888-327-5471 to confirm specifications, compare sizes, and get guidance from our specialists.