Abstract: An access panel assembly with a door and multi-functional frame which prevents sagging and warping of the door from the frame, and which is more safely and easily installed in both new and existing building structures. Flush mounting of the door to either face of the frame is achieved by a symmetrical mechanism wherein the inner edge of all four sides of the frame opening contains a molded, shallow groove which is equidistantly located from the two faces of the frame. The door contains on its underside a plurality of molded tabs, wherein each edge of the door has one or more tabs located adjacent thereto. The molded tabs are resilient so that they deflect when the door is press-fitted into the frame from either face. The molded tabs slide into the shallow grooves and hold the door firmly in place. Further, the door also contains one or more knockouts on the underside thereof, wherein each knockout is positioned near an edge of the door.

Abstract: An improved access panel assembly including a multi-functional frame which enables the door to be mounted within the frame from either opposing face. Also included is a unique locking mechanism which enables the door to be press-fitted within the frame from either face while firmly retaining the door within the frame. The assembly is fabricated from plastic composition material which is highly resistant to environmental conditions, particularly water and humidity.