Fire doors are essential life safety systems in buildings across New Zealand. They help prevent the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and are a specified system under the NZ Building Code (NZBC). Ensuring your fire doors are compliant is not just best practice — it’s the law.
Follow this step-by-step process to ensure your fire doors meet legal and safety standards in New Zealand:
Step 1 – Identify Fire Resistance Rating (FRR)
The first step is determining the correct Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) required for your building. This depends on:
- Building type and use (residential, commercial, industrial)
- Layout and fire cell separation
- Escape route protection
📘 Reference: NZ Building Code Clause C – Protection from Fire
Step 2 – Select a Tested & Certified Fire Door System
Fire doors in NZ must be:
- Tested to regulations of NZ Building Code.
- Installed as part of a complete system (including frame, seals, hardware)
- Compliant and tested by the manufacturer to meet the specified FRR and the requirements of AS 1530.4:2014 and NZS 4520.
You can use:
- Acceptable Solutions (e.g. C/AS2–C/AS7)
- Alternative Solutions (with a fire engineering report)
Step 3 – Apply for Building Consent
When installing a fire door in a new build or an alteration, you will need building consent. Your documentation must include:
- Fire door specifications
- Installation drawings
- Test certificates or compliance statements
Check with your local council for specific requirements.
Step 4 – Professional Installation
Correct installation is critical. Fire doors must be installed:
- Exactly as tested
- With specified gaps, seals, and certified hardware
- By experienced or certified installers
Improper installation can void the compliance of the entire system.
Step 5 – Inspection and CCC
After installation, the door must pass an inspection before a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued. This confirms that the fire door meets the approved building consent and performance requirements.
Step 6 – Add to Compliance Schedule (for Specified Systems)
In commercial buildings, fire doors are considered Specified Systems (SS15/1). This means:
- They must be included in the Compliance Schedule
- Regular inspections and maintenance are required
- Annual Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) must be submitted
Why Fire Door Compliance Matters
- Legal requirement under the Building Act 2004
- Essential for occupant safety and property protection
- Prevents costly rework or project delays
- Ensures smooth CCC and BWOF approvals
Who Needs to Know This?
This information is essential for:
- Architects and designers
- Builders and developers
- Property and facility managers
- Compliance officers and fire engineers
Helpful Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do all fire doors need building consent in New Zealand?
Most installations, especially in commercial or multi-unit buildings, require building consent. Always check with your local council.
Can I use any door for a fire-rated installation?
No. Only doors tested and certified to the appropriate standard (e.g. AS 1530.4) and installed as part of a tested system are compliant.
What’s included in a fire door system?
A fire door system includes the door leaf, frame, seals, hinges, hardware, and installation method — all tested together.
Need Help With Fire Door Compliance?
Make sure your fire doors are fully compliant from day one.
- Contact a certified fire door supplier or installer near you
- Talk to your council or a fire compliance consultant
- Use building.govt.nz for official guidance
Learn more in our related articles:
What is the cost of getting fire test reports or primary data?
What documentation does council require for fire door certification?
Common Fire Door Compliance Issues in New Zealand (and How to Avoid Them)
