Specifying a Fire Door in New Zealand: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Specifying the correct fire door can feel like a minefield.
Where do you begin?
Will the door be compliant?
What standards apply?
Will it perform as intended?
These are common and important questions. This guide breaks down the key considerations so you can confidently specify a compliant fire door that meets New Zealand standards.
1. Determine the Required Fire Rating (Integrity Rating)
Your first step is identifying the fire resistance rating needed for the door.
This is typically set by the fire engineer based on the building code, occupancy type, whether the building is sprinklered, and other safety factors.
Fire door integrity ratings in NZ commonly include:
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30 minutes
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60 minutes
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90 minutes
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120 minutes
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240 minutes
These must comply with AS1530.4 and NZS4520:2010.
2. Determine the Required Insulation Rating
The insulation rating specifies how long it takes for heat to transfer through the entire door set – including any glazing – to the maximum safe level.
This is also determined by the fire engineer and varies depending on:
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building type
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wall construction
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sprinkler protection
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required fire compartmentation
Always confirm the insulation rating early, as it affects door configuration, glazing, materials, and hardware.
3. Select the Door Leaf Requirements
Fire doors come in several finish options depending on project aesthetic and functional needs.
Common finishes include:
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Paint-quality (most cost-effective)
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Natural timber veneers
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Laminate finishes
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Decorative grooves or raised panels
Important:
The finish must be part of a tested and approved fire door system. If unsure, always check with the manufacturer.
Door Sizes and Configurations
Door size limitations vary depending on:
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fire rating
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insulation rating
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configuration (single, double, or double action)
Always verify maximum allowable sizes using manufacturer specifications.
4. Determine Glazing or Vision Panel Requirements
If your fire door design includes glazing, you must check:
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maximum approved glass sizes
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glass location limitations
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distance from hardware
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fire rating and insulation rating of the glass system
All glazing must come from the manufacturer’s tested and approved configurations.
5. Specify the Correct Door Seals
All fire doors require a standard smoke seal around the head and vertical edges.
If enhanced acoustics are needed, additional seals can be included – but they must be:
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from the approved seal list
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compatible with the tested door system
Drop seals at the bottom are optional but must also be manufacturer-approved.
6. Choose the Correct Frame Type: Timber or Steel
The door frame is a critical component of the fire door system.
Timber Frames
Used for paint-quality or custom veneer requirements.
Ensure the timber species meets the density requirements for the fire rating.
Steel Frames
Specify whether you require:
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paint-grade steel jambs, or
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factory powder-coated finishes
This prevents delays and miscommunication later.
7. Confirm Wall Type and Connection Details
A fire door must be installed in a tested wall system to be compliant.
Check that the fire door has been tested in the correct:
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timber stud wall
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steel stud wall
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masonry wall
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specialised wall system
Connection and finishing details such as architraves or negative details must also be tested and documented.
If unclear, contact the manufacturer early. This helps avoid compliance issues onsite.
8. Select Tested & Approved Hardware
Hardware must be fire tested with the door set.
Use the manufacturer’s approved hardware list for:
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hinges
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locks
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closers
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handles
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glazing beads
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seals
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drop seals
Using unapproved hardware will invalidate compliance.
9. Use MasterSpec for Accurate Fire Door Specifications
Once you’ve established all requirements, Soteria Doors, as a MasterSpec partner, provides a robust platform for accurate, fully compliant fire door specifications.
Our team can help you:
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prepare complete project documentation
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verify compliance with NZ regulations
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select correct hardware, seals, and glazing
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avoid redesigns and RFIs
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achieve full peace of mind
Final Thoughts: Fire Door Specification Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
Fire door specification can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward process.
By confirming fire ratings, insulation requirements, finishes, glazing, seals, hardware, frames, and wall compatibility early, you set your project up for success.
The team at Soteria Doors brings extensive experience, technical knowledge, and compliance expertise to support your project from concept to completion.
Let us help you specify a compliant, high-quality fire door solution – designed for performance, longevity, and peace of mind.
