Originally Posted by
Matt Fellman
Do they make access panels that maintain the fire rating?
Yes.
But ...
That wall has no "fire rating", it is not a "fire rated wall", it is simply 1/2" gypsum board "separation".
That said, and based on your statement: "Clarification - It's a fire spinkler... not a lawn system.", that cover should be hinged to allow access. Not that it is code (that I am aware of, because I've looked for a project where ... never mind, it gets complicated) but that it is 'the right thing to do to provide ready access to the fire sprinkler system valves and controls (I am presuming that is what is in there).
Technically, one could install a panel of 1/2" gypsum board as a cover and meet minimum code.
Should the sprinkler equipment be located elsewhere? Outside of the wall rather than inside?
I guess I need to ask for clarification first, before continuing ...
You said: "It's on a shared portion of the wall with a bedroom directly on the other side.", do you mean:
a) a bedroom belonging to the same unit as the garage belongs to, or
b) a bedroom belonging to a different unit than the garage belongs to?
*IF* a), what I've stated above is correct.
*IF* b), what I've stated above is all wrong.
Clarification, please.