Open Display vs Lockable - Which Fire-Rated Noticeboard is Right for You?
Open Display vs Lockable - Which Fire-Rated Noticeboard is Right for You?
A practical guide to choosing between the Aluminium Frame Eco Sound and the Tamperproof Eco Sound for schools, offices and public spaces.
When it comes to fire-rated noticeboards, the Eco Sound range from School Notice Boards sets a high standard. Both the open Aluminium Frame model and the Tamperproof Lockable version share the same premium fire-retardant fabric, the same acoustic performance credentials, and the same commitment to sustainability - but they serve quite different needs.
Whether you're outfitting a busy classroom, a corporate reception, or a communal corridor, this guide will help you pick the right board for the right space.
The Products at a Glance
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OPEN DISPLAY Eco Sound — Aluminium Frame Noticeboard From £48.00 |
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✓ |
Classic aluminium frame in 14 vibrant fabric colours |
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✓ |
Fire rated BS EN ISO 13501-1 Class B |
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✓ |
Acoustic rating BS EN ISO 11654:1997 Class E |
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✓ |
Sizes from 90×60cm up to 240×120cm |
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✓ |
Portrait or landscape mounting |
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✓ |
Free fixing kit included |
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✓ |
Made from 100% recycled materials |
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TAMPERPROOF · LOCKABLE Eco Sound — Tamperproof Lockable Noticeboard From £125.00 |
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Lockable case with tamperproof display security |
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✓ |
Fire rated BS EN ISO 13501-1 Class B |
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✓ |
Acoustic rating BS EN ISO 11654:1997 Class E |
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✓ |
14 fabric colours, same size range |
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✓ |
Portrait or landscape mounting |
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✓ |
Free fixing kit included |
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✓ |
Made from 100% recycled materials |
What Both Boards Have in Common
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Fire Rating |
BS EN ISO 13501-1 Class B |
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Acoustic Rating |
BS EN ISO 11654:1997 Class E |
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Colour Options |
14 fabric colours |
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Sizes Available |
90×60cm to 240×120cm |
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Materials |
100% recycled eco fabric |
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Installation |
Wall-mounted, free fixing kit included |
Where Should Each Board Be Used?
Choosing between open and lockable comes down to who has access to your space - and how much control you need over what's displayed.
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Aluminium Frame - Open Display |
Lockable - Tamperproof |
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Classrooms and staffrooms where a teacher or administrator controls updates daily |
School and college corridors where pupils or visitors pass unsupervised |
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School offices and reception areas with supervised access |
Hospital and healthcare reception areas where official notices must not be altered |
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University common rooms and faculty display areas |
University accommodation blocks and student union halls |
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Private office break rooms and meeting room walls |
Public-facing building lobbies and entrance halls |
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Staff-only back-of-house areas in retail and logistics |
Apartment building communal areas and stairwells |
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Community centre halls used for organised activities |
Retail shop floors displaying health & safety or compliance notices |
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Residential building management offices |
Leisure centre changing areas and public waiting rooms |
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HR departments displaying sensitive staff communications |
Key rule of thumb: if your display is in a fire escape route or public corridor, both boards satisfy UK fire safety requirements - but the lockable version ensures your notices cannot be removed, defaced, or replaced without authorisation.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
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Feature |
Aluminium Frame (Open) |
Tamperproof Lockable |
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Starting price |
£48.00 |
£125.00 |
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Fire rated fabric (Class B) |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
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Acoustic dampening (Class E) |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
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Lockable / tamperproof |
— No |
✓ Yes |
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Suitable for public corridors |
✓ Yes (fire rated) |
✓ Yes (fire rated + secure) |
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Protects notice content |
— Open access |
✓ Secured behind case |
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Ideal for managed spaces |
✓ Best choice |
✓ Also suitable |
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Ideal for unsupervised spaces |
— Less suitable |
✓ Best choice |
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14 fabric colour options |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
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100% recycled materials |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
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Free fixing kit |
✓ Included |
✓ Included |
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Portrait & landscape mounting |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
Our Verdict
Both boards represent excellent value in the fire-rated display market. The right choice really comes down to one question: do you need to control who can change your notices?
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Choose the Aluminium Frame if.. Your noticeboard lives in a managed space - a classroom, staffroom, or private office - where access is supervised and notices are updated regularly by staff. The lower price point makes it an excellent choice for bulk installations across multiple rooms. Starting from just £48, it delivers premium fire safety compliance and sound absorption without the overhead of a locking mechanism. |
Choose the Lockable if.. Your board is going into a corridor, shared communal area, public lobby, or anywhere unsupervised students or members of the public can reach it. The tamperproof case keeps official notices - health & safety information, HR communications, compliance notices - exactly as they were posted. It is the professional choice for high-traffic, low-supervision environments. |
Both products are available from School Notice Boards with fast UK delivery and UK-based customer support.
school-notice-board.co.uk/collections/fire-retardant-noticeboards