Certifying fire doors correctly can feel complex – while the regulatory standard is consistent across New Zealand, local councils may request different supporting documents. In this article we will walk you through the key documents one by one, explaining why each matter for compliance, traceability and building safety.
Producer Statement – Design (PS1)
A PS1 (Producer Statement – Design) is a document provided by a qualified design professional, confirming that a particular part of a building’s design complies with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). It gives the building consent authority basis to grant a building consent or issue a code compliance certificate.
Sites such as Building Performance outline how PS1 documents support applications for building consent.
Using a PS1 helps clarify that your design, including fire-door sets and their installation context, aligns with the regulations.
Specification/Data Sheets
This document originates from the door manufacturer (or supplier) and contains vital information such as:
- Fire Resistance Rating (FRR): The benchmark of performance (e.g., “-/60/30”, where “-” means no stability requirement, then Integrity = 60min, Insulation = 30min).
- Manufacturer Details: The legal and trading name of the manufacturer, plus a unique product code or identifier.
- Materials & Construction: List all components, including the door leaf core, facings, frame type (timber or steel), vision panel glazing (if any), intumescent and smoke seals, and the wall system approved for the door set (timber-stud, steel-stud, masonry, etc.).
- Approved Hardware: Provide a list of hinges, latches, door closers, handles, and other hardware that the manufacturer has fire-tested with this specific door set. Ensure all hardware allows self-closing and self-latching as required.
- Installation Method: Specific instructions and parameters, including maximum permissible gaps between leaf and frame (often ~3 mm mean), fixings, anchor details, and how the door set connects to the supporting wall structure.
- Test Evidence: Reference to independent certification or fire test reports (e.g., tested to AS 1530.4:2014 methodology, as referenced by NZS 4520:2010) confirming the door-set assembly (leaf + frame + hardware) meets the stated FRR.
Having this specification/data sheet is essential for the designer, installer and building consent process to ensure the fire door set is correctly identified and traceable.
Installation Drawings – Method & Clearances
Once the correct product is specified, the next step involves showing exactly how it is installed in the building context. The installation drawings should include:
- Fixings: Type, size, spacing and location of frame fixings into the wall or structure.
- Gaps / Clearances: Permissible clearances between the door leaf and frame, and between the frame and wall opening. These are critical to maintain the tested performance of the door-set. For example, correct clearances help ensure integrity and insulation performance under fire conditions.
- Fire-stopping & Wall Interface: Details of how gaps between the frame and wall are filled with approved fire-rated materials, how the frame links to the wall system, and other junctions.
These drawings help ensure the installed door set matches the conditions under which it was tested (as required by NZS 4520). Without them, the fire rating may not be transferable to site installation.
Fire Test Reports / Certificates
Fire test reports (or certificates) provide the proof behind the fire-rating claim. Key elements to look for:
- The fire resistance rating (e.g., “-/30/30” or “-/60/30”) and the standard the test was done to (e.g., NZS 4520:2010).
- Manufacturer details and the product unique identifier for traceability.
- Clear listing of all tested components: door leaf, frame, glazing (if fitted), seals, hardware, and confirmation that the test configuration matches the product supplied and the installation instructions.
- A statement that the supplied door set is “exactly as tested” and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Without this traceability and matching installation conditions, the test report may not substantiate site compliance.
Installer’s Declaration – Door Set
After supply and installation, a door-set installer’s declaration forms a key piece of the compliance puzzle. The installer completes and signs this document to confirm that the door set meets NZS 4520 and follows the manufacturer’s instructions. Typical checklist items include:
- The installer followed the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clearances meet NZS 4520.
- Hinges or pivots align correctly.
- Seals align and operate properly.
- Door-opening and closing forces meet installation requirements.
- The installer records the wall type or specification.
- The form includes the installer’s name, date, signature, building name and address, and the building owner’s details.
Completing this form creates a documented link between product, installation and compliance.
Installer’s Declaration – Hardware
The hardware installer completes a separate declaration to confirm that the fitted hardware functions correctly and complies with fire-door requirements. Typical checklist items include:
- The door latches properly from all positions.
- The door closer operates as required, including any cushioned back-checking.
- The installer fits only hardware approved and tested for the specific door set.
- The installer verifies that door-opening and closing forces meet the standard.
This declaration ensures the door set maintains its fire rating and prevents compliance issues from incorrect or untested hardware.
Door-Set Register
Maintaining a door-set register often gets overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in traceability and future inspections. The manufacturer or supplier keeps a register of all dispatched door sets and provides it to the building owner or agent when required. The register records:
- Building identification and address
- Fire-resistance rating of each door set
- Installing company name and address
- Dispatch date of the door set
- Date the declarations were received
- Details of fitted hardware
- Installed door clearances
Keeping this register allows you to trace each door set back to its test evidence, installation declarations, and manufacturer records.
Why All These Documents Matter
- Regulatory Compliance: The NZBC’s Acceptable Solutions (e.g., C/AS2) require door-sets to comply with NZS 4520:2010.
- Traceability & Accountability: Each door-set must be traceable from test report → specification → installation → declaration. Without the chain, compliance may be questionable.
- Installation Integrity: Even a test‐certified door can lose its fire-rating if installed incorrectly (wrong wall type, gaps too large, hardware mismatch). The installation drawings and declarations help guard against this.
- Building Consent & Certification: Councils and building consent authorities often require evidence of compliance before issuing code compliance certificates or approving compliance schedules.
- Risk Management: Fire doors are a critical life-safety component. Having robust documentation reduces liability and improves confidence in the building’s protective systems.
Summary Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist of the documents you should aim to have for each fire-door set:
- PS1 (Producer Statement – Design)
- Specification/Data Sheet from manufacturer
- Installation drawings showing method & clearances
- Fire test report/certificate matching the door-set
- Door-set Installer’s Declaration (signed)
- Hardware Installer’s Declaration (signed)
- Door-Set Register kept by manufacturer/supplier
When you compile these documents, you can clearly demonstrate compliance through every stage — design, supply, installation, and handover.
Next Steps: Read our other articles on NZ building standards, fire door installation, and hardware compliance to ensure your doors perform safely.
What Is Fire Door Compliance in New Zealand? Step-by-Step Guide