Fire doors are a critical part of passive fire protection — but in New Zealand, non-compliance with fire door requirements is more common than you might think. In fact, fire doors are one of the leading causes of Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) inspection failures across the country.
In this blog post, we explore the 7 most common fire door compliance issues in NZ, why they matter, and what you can do to avoid costly penalties and risks.
Why Fire Door Compliance Matters
Under the New Zealand Standard 4520:2010, fire doors are required to:
- Prevent the spread of fire and smoke between fire cells
- Protect exit routes
- Provide structural fire integrity for a minimum rated time
But a door is only compliant if it’s:
- Installed correctly
- Maintained regularly
- Equipped with certified components
- Clearly tagged with its fire rating
Failure to comply can result in:
- BWoF inspection failure
- Fines of up to $20,000
- Council-issued Notices to Fix
- Insurance issues if a fire occurs
7 Common Fire Door Compliance Issues in New Zealand
- Incorrect Installation
Fire doors must be installed exactly as tested. This includes:
- Using the correct frame and fixings
- Sealing the frame with fire-rated materials
- Maintaining compliant clearances
Common issues:
- Installing with expanding foam instead of intumescent sealant
- Incorrect fasteners or fixings
- Modifying door height or width on-site
Tip: Always use certified installers who understand fire door requirements in New Zealand.
- Non-Compliant Hardware
Fire doors are tested as complete systems.
As a result, all hardware — including hinges, closers, latches, locks, and handles — must be included as part of the approved doorset. In other words, each component must be tested and certified to work together to ensure full compliance and safety.
Common mistakes:
- Swapping out locks or closers without approval
- Using uncertified components during retrofits
- Mixing hardware brands that haven’t been tested together
- Doors Not Self-Closing or Latching
Fire doors must automatically close and latch under their own power. Doors that don’t close fully are non-compliant and unsafe.
Common causes:
- Damaged or missing door closers
- Improper adjustment
- Doors propped open
Note: Propping open fire doors is a major hazard and a compliance red flag.
- Incorrect Gaps or Clearances
Clearances are critical for maintaining fire resistance:
- Side/top clearance: typically, 3-4 mm
- Bottom clearance: ≤10 mm (maximum from underside of leaf to FFL)
Compliance risk: Gaps that are too wide allow fire and smoke to bypass the door entirely.
- Missing or Damaged Certification Labels
All certified fire doors must have a visible, permanent label or tag showing:
- Fire rating (e.g., 30, 60, 90 minutes)
- Doorset Manufacturer
- Product code or door set reference
If the tag is missing, painted over, or unreadable, the door may be deemed non-compliant — even if everything else is correct.
- Unauthorized Modifications
Cutting, drilling, or altering a fire door in any way can invalidate its fire rating — unless approved by the manufacturer or tested under AS/NZS standards.
Examples of non-compliant modifications:
- Adding vision panels not tested with the door
- Trimming the door to fit an opening
- Cutting access holes for cables or services
- Lack of Maintenance or Inspection
The Building Act classifies fire doors as Specified Systems, so building owners must include them in the compliance schedule. Regular inspection and maintenance are mandatory under the BWoF process.
Neglected fire doors often show:
- Damaged seals or smoke strips
- Loose hinges or hardware
- Sagging or warped leaves
- Doors that no longer self-close
In Auckland, around 30% of buildings fail BWoF inspections — often because of issues with fire doors or passive fire protection.
How to Avoid Fire Door Compliance Issues
To ensure your fire doors are compliant with NZ standards:
- Use only tested and certified fire door systems
- Install according to the manufacturer’s specifications
- Include fire doors in your regular building maintenance plan
- Don’t modify doors without approval
- Replace damaged or outdated fire doors immediately
- Keep tags visible and records up to date
Need Fire Door Replacements?
If your fire doors are damaged, modified, or missing tags, then they could be non-compliant — even if they appear to be in good condition. However, compliance is critical for both safety and passing inspections. That’s why we manufacture and supply certified fire doors with flexible lead times, so you can stay protected and avoid costly delays. Moreover, our streamlined process ensures you get what you need, when you need it.
Get in touch today to request a quote or discuss your fire door replacement needs.
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