Are Deadbolts Allowed on Fire Doors in New Zealand?
If you’re designing or specifying fire doors in New Zealand, you might wonder: are deadbolts allowed on fire doors? The short answer is no.
Deadbolts and NZS4520:2010
Under NZS4520:2010, deadbolts are explicitly not permitted on fire doors. The standard defines this restriction as:
“A bolt or function which could in normal usage render a door leaf non self-latching shall not be incorporated.”
This means any bolt that prevents a door from self-closing or latching automatically is prohibited.
Why Deadbolts Are Not Allowed
The main reason for this restriction is safety during a fire. A deadbolt or non-self-latching bolt can:
- Prevent the door from closing if the bolt is left protruding while the door is open
- Compromise the fire door’s ability to contain smoke and fire
- Endanger building occupants during an emergency
Simply put, a fire door that cannot self-latch loses its primary purpose — keeping people safe.
The Importance of Early Hardware Coordination
At Soteria Doors, we encourage early design engagement to ensure fire door hardware is correctly coordinated. This approach helps:
- Avoid specification mistakes
- Ensure all hardware is compliant with NZS4520:2010
- Prevent costly modifications later in the project
Planning ahead means you can select hardware that is both safe and compliant, avoiding potential hazards.
Key Takeaways
- Deadbolts are not allowed on fire doors under NZS4520:2010
- Fire doors must self-latch to ensure occupant safety
- Early design coordination with your manufacturer avoids compliance issues
For more guidance on fire door hardware, contact our team to ensure your project is safe, compliant, and efficient.
Learn More
Want to dive deeper into fire door safety and compliance? Explore more articles from our Learning Centre to help with design, specification, and installation:
Common Fire Door Compliance Issues in New Zealand (and How to Avoid Them)
Check back regularly — we’re adding new resources and guides to help you stay compliant and confident in your fire door projects.