Passive Fire Protection

Guide to
Passive Fire Protection

in Buildings
Original manuscript Ed Soja
Technical editor Colleen Wade
Design and layout Koast Graphics Ltd
ISBN 978-1-927258-75-0 (PDF)
978-1-927258-76-7 (epub)
First released March 2017
Copyright BRANZ Ltd, 2017
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BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BRANZ would like to thank the following people and organisations for their time and expertise
in compiling and reviewing this guide:
Aaron Nicholson (Beca)

Ed Claridge (Auckland Council)
Evan Geeves (Kalmar Construction)
Fire Protection Association of New Zealand, Passive Special Interest Group
Hans Gerlich (Winstone Wallboards)
Jeremy Chang (Holmes Fire/Christchurch City Council)
Kevin Frank (BRANZ Ltd)
Michael Belsham (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment)
Peter Reddin and Debbie Scott (OnFire Consulting)

CONTENTS
1. Introduction 1
2. Definitions and abbreviations 3
3. What is passive fire protection? 6
Separation of firecells 8
4. New Zealand Building Code and performance requirements 9
Determining the fire resistance of elements of building construction 10
Classification of fire resistance 12
Achieving approval of a fire-resisting construction 13
Changes to existing buildings 16
5. Participants and roles 17
Designer/architect/engineer 19
Building consent officer/building inspector 20
Project manager/head contractor/installer 20
Independent qualified person 21
Third-party inspector 22
General requirements of participants 22
Training 23
6. On-site installation 24
Consented documents 24
Specialist installation contractors 25
Substitution or hybridisation 25
On-site supervision 26
Documenting the installation 26
Labelling 28
Code Compliance Certificate 28
Verification of performance 29
Retrofit or renovations 29
7. Specific installation requirements 30
Fire protection coatings 30
Sealing penetrations 31
Passive fire protection systems – index 33
Walls – timber-framed (single or multi-layers) 34
Walls – masonry 35

Walls – composite 36
Cavity barriers 37
Doors – doorsets 40
Doors – lifts 44
Shutters 46
Ducts 47
Fire dampers 48
Structural fire protection 51
Intumescent coatings 52
Penetration seals – electrical and information technology 53
Penetration seals – plumbing 61
Penetration seals – linear gaps 64
8. Checklists 65
Checklist 1: Fire and smoke barriers 65
Checklist 2: Fire-resistant doorsets 67
Checklist 3: Shutters 70
Checklist 4: Ducts 72
Checklist 5: Fire dampers 73
Checklist 6: Penetration seals 75
ii

FIGURES
Figure 1. Passive fire protection building components 7
Figure 2. Fire spread control using passive fire protection 7
Figure 3. Firecell separation 8
Figure 4. Typical project process for passive fire protection, showing two paths for
specification and approval 18
Figure 5. Example of plan of penetration seals 27
Figure 6. Typical framed wall features 34
Figure 7. Typical block wall features 35
Figure 8. Typical composite wall features (for example, foamed plastics, cement,
mineral wool sandwich panels) 36
Figure 9. Vertical cavity barrier in ceiling space 37
Figure 10. Cavity barrier – floor edge to curtain wall 38
Figure 11. Cavity barrier in taller wall 39
Figure 12. Typical doorset features – timber-framed wall and steel door frame 40
Figure 13. Typical doorset features – timber-framed wall and timber door frame 41
Figure 14. Typical doorset features – masonry wall 42
Figure 15. Typical doorset features – glazed 43
Figure 16. Typical lift doors – lobby 44
Figure 17. Typical lift doors – inside lift shaft 45
Figure 18. Typical vertical roller shutter features 46
Figure 19. Typical duct features 47
Figure 20. Typical fire damper features – metal 48
Figure 21. Typical fire damper features – metal in framed wall 49
Figure 22. Typical fire damper features – intumescent 50
Figure 23. Structural fire protection – fire-rated boards protecting steel columns 51
Figure 24. Intumescent coatings 52
Figure 25. Penetration seals – single cable 53
Figure 26. Penetration seals – single cable – bundles 54
Figure 27. Penetrations with fire-rated infill 55
Figure 28. Penetration seals – cables 56
Figure 29. Box penetration cable transits 57
Figure 30. Pillows 58
Figure 31. Penetration seals – power outlets 59
Figure 32. Recessed downlight cover 60
Figure 33. Penetration seals – plastic pipes – walls 61
Figure 34. Penetration seals – metal pipes – walls 62
Figure 35. Penetration seals – pipes – floors 63
Figure 36. Penetration seals – linear gap seals – floor or wall 64
iii

TABLES
Table 1. Examples of FRR specifications 12
Table 2. Summary of roles 22
Table 3. Example of a passive fire protection schedule 28
iv

KEY TO DRAWINGS
fire-rated plasterboard (applies to multi-layer and single layer walls; note that each
manufacturer may colour their product differently)
metal (includes steel and copper)
PVC
concrete
timber framing
timber

electrical cables
fire-rated sealant
(note that each manufacturer may colour their product differently)
fire-rated mineral wool, slab board and blankets

fire-rated PU foam sheet

fire-rated pillows
intumescent material
Notes
• Colours in the drawings are not representative of actual colours.
• Insulation has been omitted for clarity.
vi

INTRODUCTION
1
Considerable evidence exists to show that, in a large proportion of buildings, passive
fire protection is not being effectively designed, specified and delivered.1 This
potentially poses a serious life safety risk for building occupants and firefighters in
the event of fire occurring, as well as increasing risk of fire spread and subsequent
property damage. There is an overwhelming need for comprehensive guidance on how
to design, specify, install, inspect, certify and maintain effective and resilient passive
fire protection in New Zealand buildings.
The purpose of the guide is to enable the effective use of passive fire protection
including providing the right product and installing it correctly in the right situation.
It describes good practice for the specification, approval, installation and verification
of passive fire protection. Specific processes may vary between jurisdictions and
the professional people involved, but in all cases, the appropriate product must be
correctly installed.
This guide introduces the principles of passive fire protection. It identifies the
requirements of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC), explains the terminology
commonly used and identifies the main building components that have a passive fire
protection role.
1
FPANZ Research Report, Determining Barriers to Industry Delivery of Fire-Safe Buildings in New Zealand. FPANZ 2008.

This guide provides guidance on issues and good practice, including:
◼◼ specification
◼◼ installation
◼◼ verification/inspection
◼◼ record keeping.
The guide describes the process of verifying on-site installation and post-building
consent procedures.
It is primarily intended for those involved in designing, specifying and installing

passive fire protection but also provides sources of information for the certifier of
passive fire protection and anyone involved with construction works in buildings.
The guide does not give information on how to determine the actual value of a fire
resistance rating (FRR) for passive fire protection or how to assess the FRR of existing
passive fire protection. This guide assumes that the required FRR to be achieved is
known and gives information and advice on how to proceed.

DEFINITIONS AND
2
ABBREVIATIONS
access panel A removable component protecting an opening in a fire-resistant vertical or
horizontal separating element used to access services and the like and may be
either fixed or hinged. A horizontal access panel is often referred to as a hatch.
Alternative Solution All or part of a building design that demonstrates compliance with the NZBC
but differs completely or partially from the Acceptable Solutions or Verification
Methods.
ANARP As near as reasonably practicable.
annular Ring shaped.
annular gap A ring-shaped gap, such as between a pipe and the wall it penetrates.
AS (as in C/AS1–7) Acceptable Solution of the NZBC clauses 1–6 Protection from fire.
BCA Building consent authority, as defined in section 7 of the Building Act 2004. Most city
and district councils are building consent authorities.
BOINZ Building Officials Institute of New Zealand
Building Act 2004 The principal legislation dealing with building controls in New Zealand.
(the Building Act)
building consent Consent to carry out building work granted by a BCA under section 49 of the
Building Act 2004.
building element Any structural or non-structural component or assembly incorporated into or
associated with a building. Included are fixtures, services, drains, permanent
mechanical installations for access, glazing, partitions, ceilings and temporary
supports.
BWOF Building warrant of fitness.
cavity barrier A construction provided to close openings within a concealed space against the
passage of fire or to restrict the spread of fire within such spaces.
CM Construction monitoring. Refers to procedures for observing construction work.
collar – fire (or pipe) Device used where a plastic pipe penetrates a fire-rated wall of floor/ceiling.
Usually contains intumescent material within a steel tube that expands to seal
the opening in a fire.

combustible As deemed combustible when tested to AS 1530.1-1994 Methods for fire tests on
building materials, components and structures – Combustibility test for materials.
competent authority A person or entity that has relevant knowledge and experience of fire testing.
(for the purposes of this It may include those involved in fire testing and assessment such as an IANZ
document) signatory, a manufacturer’s representative or other IANZ-accredited entities.
control joint A joint between or within discrete elements of construction, which allows for
relative movement of the elements.
C/VM2 Verification Method: Framework for Fire Safety Design for New Zealand Building
Code clauses C1–C6 Protection from fire.
damper assembly A movable closure in a duct or opening for the passage of air, which operates
automatically to restrict the passage of fire or products of combustion past the
damper.
damper – insulated A damper that satisfies the integrity, leakage and insulation (temperature rise)
requirements of AS 1530.4-2005 Methods for fire tests on building materials,
components and structures – Fire-resistance test of elements of construction.
damper – intumescent A closure that operates by intumescing (swelling on application of heat) and is
fire designed to prevent the passage of fire through a duct.
damper – mechanical fire A mechanical closure operated automatically or manually and designed to
prevent the passage of fire through a duct.
damper – smoke A closure designed to prevent the passage of smoke through a duct.
damper – uninsulated A damper that satisfies the integrity and leakage requirements of AS 1530.4-2005.
doorset The complete assembly comprising a door leaf or leaves, including any glazed or
solid panels adjacent to or over the leaves within the door frame, and hardware
or other inbuilt features. Also includes a door frame, if any, with its fixings to the
wall and, for a sliding or tilting door, all guides and their respective fixings to the
lintel, wall or sill.
expanding PU foam Polyurethane foam created when ejected from a cartridge. May be single
component or two-pack. This is not an intumescent material.
firecell Any space, including a group of contiguous spaces on the same or different levels
within a building, which is enclosed by any combination of fire separations,
external walls, roofs and floors.
fire damper A device with a specified fire resistance rating complete with fixings and
operating mechanism for automatically closing off an airway where it passes
through a fire separation.
See also damper assembly.
fire door A doorset, single or multi-leaf, having a specified fire resistance rating and,
in certain situations, a smoke control capability and forming part of a fire
separation. The door, in the event of fire, if not already closed, will close
automatically and be self-latching.
fire resistance rating The term used to describe the minimum fire resistance required of primary and
(FRR) secondary elements as determined in the standard test for fire resistance or in
accordance with a specific calculation method verified by experimental data
from standard fire resistance tests. It comprises three numbers giving the time
in minutes for which each of the criteria (structural adequacy, integrity and
insulation) are satisfied. It is always presented in that order, expressed as xx/yy/zz
fire-resistant air transfer A closure device (mechanical or intumescent) that is located within a
grille assembly separating element and has no reticulating ductwork on one or both sides of the
penetration.
fire separation Any building element that separates firecells or firecells and safe paths and
provides a specified fire resistance rating.
fire shutter A fire-rated device, complete with fixings and operating mechanism, for
automatically closing off an opening in a fire separation or protected shaft.
fire stopping A material or method of construction used to restrict the spread of fire within or
through fire separations and having an FRR no less than that of the fire separation.

IANZ International Accreditation New Zealand. Agency responsible for accrediting
organisations and people to carry out tests and inspections in accordance with
specific standards.
intumescent A substance that swells as a result of heat exposure. Thin-film intumescents may
be used as coatings to protect structural steel. High-expansion intumescents may
be used in pipe collars.
IPENZ Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand Inc. IPENZ is New Zealand's
professional body for engineers.
IQP Independent qualified person. A person accepted by a local BCA or council as
qualified to inspect, test, maintain and report on specified systems.
LBP Licensed Building Practitioner
multiple penetration Systems where large service openings are provided in a fire-separating element
systems and are filled with infill material through which the services penetrate and are
sealed individually or in groups to the infill material rather than to the parent
element.
non-combustible As deemed non-combustible when tested to AS 1530.1-1994.
NZBC New Zealand Building Code – the regulations made under section 400 of the
Building Act 2004.
PE rod Polyethylene backing rod used to control the depth of sealant applied within a
joint/gap.
PN22 IPENZ Practice Note 22: Guidelines for Documenting Fire Safety designs.
https://www.ipenz.nz/home/news-and-publications/news-article/2015/09/07/
practice-note-guidelines-for-documenting-fire-safety-designs-2011
penetration An aperture through a fire-separating element for the passage of a service or
services (as defined in AS 4072.1-2005 Components for the protection of openings
in fire-resistant separating elements – Service penetrations and control joints).
penetration seal The system used to maintain the fire resistance of a fire-separating element at
the position where there is provision for services to pass through the element (as
defined in AS 4072.1-2005).
penetration system The assembly for test consisting of the penetrating service or services and
the penetration seal, media or devices, together with any service-supporting
construction (as defined in AS 4072.1-2005).
PS Producer statement. A document from an engineer stating their professional opinion
that parts of a building's design comply with the NZBC or that specific construction
work has been completed in accordance with the building consent.
PU foam sheet Polyurethane foam in the form of remanufactured sheets – similar to furniture
foam.
service A system or element used for the functioning of a building, for example, a cable,
conduit, pipe, duct or flue.
smoke control door A doorset that complies with Appendix C, C6.1.2 of C/AS1–7. A smoke control
door will be self-closing, self-latching and fitted with smoke seals. It is required
to have marking and labels complying with the relevant parts of NZS 4520:2010
Fire-resistant doorsets.
smoke separation Under NZBC clause C Protection from fire Acceptable Solutions, “Any building
element able to prevent the passage of smoke between two spaces. Smoke
separations shall:
a) Be a smoke barrier complying with BS EN 12101 Part 1, or
b) Consist of rigid building elements capable of resisting without collapse:
i) a pressure of 0.1 kPa applied from either side, and
ii) self weight plus the intended vertically applied live loads, and
c) Form an imperforate barrier to the spread of smoke, and
d) Be of non-combustible construction, or achieve a FRR of 10/10/-, except that non-
fire resisting glazing may be used if it is toughened or laminated safety glass.”

WHAT IS PASSIVE FIRE
3
PROTECTION?
Passive fire protection refers to the use of construction elements within a building that
are designed to prevent or delay the spread of fire and/or smoke to different parts of
the building. Passive fire protection is one of the methods used to protect buildings and
people from fire. Other methods that may also be used include active fire protection
such as fire sprinklers and alarms. This is supported by good fire safety management to
ensure that fire protection is available at all times, facilitating escape in the event of fire
and preventing damage to adjacent buildings.
Figure 1 illustrates the various forms of passive fire protection (adapted from AS 1851-
2012 Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment). Each may also provide
smoke separation as well as fire resistance.
The purpose of passive fire protection is to limit the effects of fire within a building by
acting as a barrier to fire and smoke (Figure 2) or protecting structural components from
fire that may cause early collapse. This is achieved by installing fire resistance rated
elements of construction and controlling the flammability of construction materials.
These materials are part of the building fabric and do not include building contents.
Two key aspects of passive fire protection are:

◼◼ resistance to fire – mainly concerned with the ability of a fire-separating element
(such as a wall or floor/ceiling) to limit fire spread, including passage of fire

products through the element, or to prevent collapse in the case of a loadbearing
element (such as a column)
◼◼ reaction to fire – mainly concerned with the surface burning behaviour of an
element or material (for example, Material Group Numbers) and the extent to
which it promotes rapid flame spread or smoke production.

smoke and fire barriers
fire-rated structural elements,
beams, columns etc
fire collars around
penetrations
access panels
penetration seals
dampers
within ducts fire collars around
penetrations
fire windows
air transfer smoke and fire barriers
grille/shutters (walls/floors)
penetration or junction smoke/fire doors

seals (thin line of sealant)
Figure 1. Passive fire protection building components
fire-rated walls
fire-rated air transfer grille
fire-resistant door
penetrations
sealed
Figure 2. Fire spread control using passive fire protection
This guide deals exclusively with resistance to fire and smoke of construction elements
in buildings.
The effects of fire include heat, flames, hot gases and smoke. Acceptable Solutions
have prescriptive requirements for smoke separations, specifying the construction
rather than a performance specification (such as maximum smoke leakage rate). This
guide mainly applies to those aspects of C/AS1–7 relating to the passage of heat, flames
and hot gases through fire separations. This guide can also be used to assist with the
detailing of fire (and smoke) resistance of building elements for C/VM2 design and
construction or in the case of Alternative Solutions.
Passive fire protection provides protection simply by being there. It has an established
performance, verified by test data. It must be correctly specified, installed and maintained.
Passive fire protection is an important part of the fire safety features in a building
and should ideally be subjected to the same rigorous installation documentation,
7

inspection and sign-off as active fire protection. For example, fire sprinkler
systems complying with NZS 4541:2013 Automatic fire sprinkler systems are subject
to an integrated set of rules covering their design, performance, installation and
maintenance. These require regular tests, inspections and sign-offs using listed
contractors and independently accredited certifiers.
Passive fire protection systems should be installed in strict accordance with the
consented plans (if specifically identified in them) or the manufacturer’s specifications.
Any variations should be referred back to the designer or manufacturer and, if
appropriate, submitted to the BCA for approval as an amendment to the consent.
Separation of firecells
Buildings may be subdivided into firecells designed to contain the fire and prevent
its spread for a specified period of time. Firecells are separated using construction
elements that are fire resistance rated for at least the specified period of time required
for the firecell. Fire-resistant construction must be located to completely separate
the intended firecell from the rest of the building. Where the fire separation meets
unrated construction, such as a suspended ceiling, it should be continued and extend
to reach another fire separation or the main boundaries of the building envelope (such
as floors, external walls and ceiling/roof). All penetrations in fire separations, doors,
dampers and services must be sealed to maintain the performance of the fire-rated
construction. Figure 3 illustrates this concept of total separation.
fire separations, openings

and fire stopping to services suspended ceiling
(unrated)
firecell B firecell C
fire stopping fire stopping
FRR of floor to be that
rating applicable to
firecell A the firecell below the
floor, i.e. firecell A
(a) Firecell separation – cross-section

fire separations, openings
and fire stopping to services
external walls
may also need
to have an FRR
(b) Firecell separation – layout

Figure 3. Firecell separation

NEW ZEALAND BUILDING CODE AND
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
4
The minimum requirements for fire protection in buildings are given by the NZBC. The
NZBC is performance based, with a set of mandatory performance requirements.
Whether the building is a new build, existing building or a refurbishment, the

requirements of the NZBC, via the Building Act, must be met. Meeting NZBC
requirements may be achieved by:
◼◼ compliance with the Acceptable Solutions
◼◼ following a Verification Method
◼◼ an Alternative Solution
◼◼ an ‘as near as reasonably practicable’ (ANARP) solution for change of use or
alterations in existing buildings.
Passive fire protection systems generally contribute to meeting clauses C1–C6 of the
NZBC. For compliance with Acceptable Solutions C/AS1–7, Appendix C of the Acceptable
Solutions gives the test methods and related standards by which the fire resistance
rating (FRR) of passive fire protection is determined. These methods may also be used
with C/VM2 and Alternative Solutions.
Passive fire protection systems are also required to satisfy NZBC clause B2 Durability
to ensure that a building will continue to satisfy the performance requirements of the
NZBC throughout its specified intended life. Passive systems must continue to perform
for 5, 15 or 50 years depending on their function, difficulty of access and the ease
of detecting their failure to comply. Further guidance on meeting NZBC clause B2 is
outside the scope of this guide.

The following sections give the relevant test and installation standards in Acceptable
Solutions C/AS1–7, Appendix C.
Establishing the required FRR for passive fire protection is not part of this guide.
Determining the fire resistance of elements of building construction

For compliance with the Acceptable Solutions for fire safety, these are the applicable
standards (product tested to previous versions may no longer be applicable and require
to be assessed for equivalence to the current standards):
◼◼ AS 1530.4-2005 Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and
structures – Fire-resistance test of elements of construction and NZS/BS 476.20:1987

Fire tests on building materials and structures – Method for determination of the fire
resistance of elements of construction (general principles).
◼◼ NZS 4520:2010 Fire-resistant doorsets.
◼◼ AS 4072.1-2005 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant
separating elements – Service penetrations and control joints.
(Note that, specifically for fire doors and service penetrations, the fire test standard
specified in NZS 4520:2010 and AS 4072.1-2005 is AS 1530.4-2005.)
For compliance with C/AS1–7, no other standards should be used unless a competent
authority has verified that the product has been tested using a standard that is
equivalent to the specified standards in Appendix C of the Acceptable Solutions. A
competent authority is one that has knowledge and experience of fire testing (see
definition). In this case, the evaluation of equivalency would typically be included
within an assessment report or letter of opinion.
The above standards may also be specified in C/VM2 or Alternative Solutions. In these
cases, the fire designer might instead choose to specify a different standard. This
would be an Alternative Solution, and the fire designer is responsible for ensuring the
appropriateness of a different test standard and obtaining approval from the BCA.
Discussion of this is beyond the scope of this guide, but further guidance is available
at www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/how-the-building-code-works/
different-ways-to-comply/alternative-solutions/.
A product or Alternative Solution may also be subject to a technical assessment by a

competent authority as to its performance in accordance with the standards referenced
above.
For C/VM2 or an Alternative Solution, the use of any other standards will have to be
justified to the BCA.
10

Pilot fire resistance furnace 2 m high × 1 m wide
The photo above gives a view of glazed door on a furnace, 2 m high × 1 m wide, used
to conduct pilot-scale fire resistance tests. Full-scale fire resistance tests are conducted
using furnaces up to 3 m wide × 4 m high. The furnace may also be horizontal to
conduct tests on floors/ceiling or roof construction.
11

Classification of fire resistance
The fire resistance of a building element is fully described by the use of three numbers.
Together, they give the fire resistance rating (FRR) expressed in the form structural
adequacy/integrity/insulation. The numbers refer to the time in minutes for which
each of the criteria are satisfied when the element is exposed to the temperature,
pressure and applied load specified in the test procedure.
◼◼ Structural adequacy is the ability to support a vertical axial load and only
applies to loadbearing elements of structure. A column or beam may have an

FRR of 120/-/-, or a loadbearing wall may have an FRR of 60/60/60.
◼◼ Integrity is the ability to prevent the passage of flame and hot gases measured by
the creation of a gap or ignition of a cotton pad on the non-fire (unexposed) face.
◼◼ Insulation is the ability to limit the temperature rise on the non-fire (unexposed) face.
These terms are defined in the test standard AS 1530.4-2005. The unexposed face is
sometimes referred to as the 'cold face'.
Structural adequacy applies to walls, floors and columns with a loadbearing function.
Consideration of other structural aspects, such as identifying the potential load paths
in a building exposed to fire or the ability of a fire-rated element to provide support to
other elements, are not part of this guide.
Note that a ‘2-hour fire rating’ is not a complete specification. It should be three
numbers (in minutes), even if two of them do not apply – for example, 120/-/- for
a column.
Table 1. Examples of FRR specifications
BUILDING ELEMENT FRR COMMENT
Loaded column 60/-/- No integrity or insulation as it only provides a structural support

function
Non-loadbearing wall -/60/60 No loadbearing function

Loadbearing wall 60/60/60 All apply
Floor/ceiling assembly 60/60/60 All apply
Penetration seal -/60/60 No loadbearing function
Door -/60/30 No loadbearing function and insulation limited to 30 minutes
Door -/60/- SM No loadbearing function and no insulation but smoke seal
required
Roller shutter -/120/- No structural support or insulation expected

Fire damper -/120/120 No structural support
Fire damper -/120/- No structural support or insulation expected as combustibles
are > 300 mm away
Lift landing door -/60/- No structural support or insulation expected
12

A smoke control door will have an SM added to the FRR, for example, -/60/30 SM. To
comply with the SM classification, the door must be a fire door with smoke seals or
solid cored (if timber cored, not less than 35 mm thick) fitted with smoke seals. There
is no test for smoke leakage in C/AS1–7 Appendix C for smoke control doors.
A smoke separation (as defined in C/AS2–6), such as a wall or fabric material, has
specific requirements. It must either be a smoke barrier complying with BS EN 12101-
1:2005 Smoke and heat control systems. Specification for smoke barriers, or it must satisfy
the following:
◼◼ Consist of rigid building elements capable of resisting without collapse a
pressure of 0.1 kPa applied from either side and self-weight plus the intended
vertically applied live loads.
◼◼ Form an imperforate barrier to the spread of smoke.
◼◼ Be of non-combustible construction or achieve an FRR of 10/10/-, except that
non-fire-resisting glazing may be used if it is toughened or laminated safety glass.
A smoke separation may be assumed to be imperforate if, by visual inspection, there

are no holes, gaps or openings that would permit the passage of smoke. Product
manufacturers should be asked to confirm if their product or assembly meets the
requirements of a smoke separation in other respects.
Walls surrounding a smoke control door must be a smoke separation.
Achieving approval of a fire-resisting construction

To obtain regulatory acceptance, evidence of performance must be submitted to
the BCA.
Regulatory approval
Regulators should ensure the following:
◼◼ The standard to which the passive fire protection is tested or assessed is
applicable (see section 4).

◼◼ The product is to be used as tested or assessed and documented – for example,
when the product is to be used in a plasterboard wall, the document relates to

identical construction. If there is any variation between the tested or assessed
documentation, further evidence should be sought from a competent authority.
◼◼ The evidence provided is representative of the product(s) supplied.
◼◼ The document is:
• a full test or assessment report (not a certificate), or
• manufacturers’ literature supported by a full test or assessment.
◼◼ If full specifications for passive fire protection systems are not provided with
consent documentation, ensure there is a process in place for subsequent

approval of the detailed specifications prior to fire separations and passive fire
protection being installed in the building (see section 5).
The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Practice Note 22 (PN22)
Guidelines for Documenting Fire Safety Designs gives information on documents to
submit for a building consent.
13

Further information from IPENZ gives advice on professional services during the
construction phase (CM1–CM5 for engineers). A BCA may request a producer statement
PS3 (construction) and a PS4 (construction review) after the work is completed. A PS3
should use the sixth schedule of NZS 3910:2013 Conditions of contract for building and
civil engineering construction.
Determining the performance

This is achieved by carrying out a test or obtaining an engineering evaluation of the
likely performance of the passive fire protection system. The specification for any given
passive fire protection system may not necessarily correspond to any one test report.
It may have been derived from a collection of different test reports and engineering
evaluations. The different types of documentation that may be provided are
discussed below.
It is important to ensure that the intended use of the fire protection documentaton
is in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification and installation instructions.
Manufacturers or product suppliers must ensure all product specifications, technical
literature and fire performance claims are supported by test reports, engineering
evaluations or other relevant documentation.
Some reports may have stated periods of validity. For example, formal opinions issued
in accordance with AS 4072.1-2005 on service penetrations have a validity limit of 10
years. Any reports outside their time limit should be referred to the sponsor of the
report. Products should not be used until confirmation is received from the sponsor
that the report remains valid and there have been no changes to the product since it
was last tested or assessed.
The different types of common documentation are listed below. Designers may use
any of the documents as an aid to selecting and specifying the appropriate passive
fire protection systems. However, only the first five should be used to verify the FRR,
to determine the correct installation requirements and as building consent or Code
compliance documentation.
Fire test report

This is a detailed report prepared by a registered testing authority describing the tested
specimen and results. It generally includes a full description, graphs, observations,
results, FRR and direct field of application. The direct field of application states what
variations can be made to the product that do not require referral to a registered
testing authority.
Regulatory information report

A regulatory information report (as described in AS 1530.4-2005) provides the
minimum information about a tested system required for regulatory compliance.
It includes details of the fire test, the construction of the test specimen and results
obtained. It should be prepared by a registered testing authority.
14

Assessment report or letter of opinion
Assessment reports are useful for extending the specification of a tested specimen
(for example, to allow the dimensions of a component to be varied within stated
limits). They may be necessary because it is not practical to include all possible minor
variations in a component within a single fire resistance test. It is also usually not
practical or necessary for all possible variations to be subjected to a separate fire
resistance test. Assessment reports should be based on test results or by applying a
relevant standard, calculation method or engineering principles, and this should be
described in the report.
The report should include a statement similar to the following:
In our opinion and based on the information (provided by or contained within the
following test reports) ...... for the project ......, we believe the proposed passive fire
stopping solution (design and installation details attached) will achieve at least a
fire/smoke performance of ....... when tested to standard .......
An assessment report should be signed/dated and should be prepared by an accredited

fire testing laboratory or an independent third-party fire-testing expert acceptable to
the BCA.
CodeMark certificate
A CodeMark certificate gives the stated performance of the passive fire protection and
lists the NZBC clauses that apply. A BCA must accept a CodeMark certificate as evidence
of compliance. CodeMark certificates must be carefully read to ensure that the product
is used within the scope of the certification in relation to the applicable NZBC clauses
and the level of performance. CodeMark-certified products have been assessed by an
accredited product certification body.
Appraisal certificate
Various independent organisations produce documents ascribing conformity of a
product to certain performance criteria – for example, BRANZ Appraisals. These
are valuable documents in confirming the fire performance of a product or system.
An appraisal should involve review of all the relevant reports and assessments by
an expert. It may cover multiple NZBC clauses and will generally include processes
to ensure quality control checks on the manufacture of the appraised product. A
manufacturer’s catalogue may also be reviewed as part of an appraisal, providing
independent verification of the technical content of the catalogue.
Manufacturer’s recommendation, data sheet, catalogue

A manufacturer’s recommendation is generally linked to a specific form of
construction that they are prepared to back with a warranty provided construction is
in accordance with the detailed specification. However, a warranty should not be used
as the sole means of verifying the performance of a building element. A manufacturer
may provide catalogues and data sheets. These may contain references to test report,
assessment or appraisal reference numbers and the organisation issuing these
documents.
15

Test certificate
This may be only a single page and is used for marketing and initial verification of
fire performance. It is not intended for regulatory acceptance or to give sufficient
information for the construction of the specimen to be verified on site. The certificate
may not give sufficient information for installation and should be used in conjunction
with the manufacturer’s full specification. This also applies to BRANZ type test
summaries.
Changes to existing buildings

Existing buildings often present challenges in relation to the passive fire protection.
For example, fire-stopping may be absent and difficult to retrofit, services may not
be perpendicular to the penetrated element or the required clearances may not be
present. Passive fire protection solutions appropriate for an existing building may
differ from those required for a new build when consented alterations are being done.
The full extent of any non-compliance may not be recognised at the outset of work
being done and may only become apparent when passive fire protection features
become exposed during the course of construction.
Under section 17 of the Building Act, new builds are required to comply in full with the
NZBC, while an existing building that is subject to a building consent is required under
sections 112 (alterations) and 115 (change of use) of the Building Act to be demonstrated
to comply on an as near as reasonably practicable (ANARP) basis. Section 112 requires
ANARP compliance only for the means of escape, while section 115 requires ANARP
compliance for means of escape, protection of other property, structural performance
and fire-rating performance.
An ANARP analysis is based on an evaluation of the sacrifices and benefits. The

sacrifices are the tangible and intangible costs that the owner will meet in achieving
certain benefits. This can include things such as the direct cost of installing a sprinkler
system. The benefits can be expressed and evaluated in terms of reduced fire safety
risk. This means that, in an existing building, if full compliance can be achieved
without too much cost (financial/disruption/damage), that should be the aim. Where
this cannot be achieved or where the cost far outweighs the benefit of achieving full
compliance, an ANARP solution may be applied. It is not always cost-effective, timely
or serviceable for bespoke fire tests or assessments to be undertaken for every situation
where, due to historical existing on-site conditions, a fully tested and compliant
solution is difficult to demonstrate or install. In these cases, the advice of the product
manufacturer or a competent authority should be sought.
An ANARP application should clearly describe the sacrifices and benefits, justify the
data used and the assumptions made, be risk based and ideally include a sensitivity
analysis. It might also show the various combinations of sacrifice and benefit that are
possible for the design.
16

PARTICIPANTS
5
AND ROLES
Ensuring passive fire protection is correctly and effectively specified, procured,
installed and maintained involves several processes and the active involvement of
several participants. The architect/lead consultant should arrange for coordination
between participants so that building service runs and potential penetration of fire
separations are identified and minimised at an early stage in design.
Figure 4 lays out a typical process for a project, from developing the project scope and
establishing the requirements to be met, to gaining consent, construction, inspections
and sign-off. Two paths are shown for the specification and approval of the passive fire
protection design.
The preferred path is that the complete specification and documentation of all the
passive fire protection products and systems are submitted to the BCA at the building
consent stage. This approach reduces the potential for later conflicts during construction
and installation, which in some cases can lead to project delays and/or rework.
An alternative path, which may be necessary for some building projects, involves the
use of performance specifications for passive fire protection systems, where the final
selection of products may not be known until after the consent is applied for and the
tender process is completed.
17

Project scope and fire engineering brief
• Legal and consenting requirements
• Client and stakeholder requirements
• Fire safety objectives
• Functional requirements and performance criteria
• Project team
• Prepare fire engineering brief (if required)
Design
• Develop the fire safety design plan
• Locate fire separations and identify fire rating requirements
• Document performance specifications for fire/smoke separation and
penetration systems
• Fire engineer report
Pathway 1 Pathway 2
Detailed passive system design Building consent
• Produce a schedule of products and installation • Application
requirements for the passive fire protection • Documentation
• Produce quality drawings linking location of • Design review
products to the schedule • Agree QA procedures and requirements
• Identify requirements for CM
• Issue consent
Building consent
• Application
• Documentation Detailed passive system design
• Design review • Produce a schedule of products and installation
• Identify requirements for CM requirements for the passive fire protection
• Issue consent • Produce quality drawings linking location of
products to the schedule
Sign-off on detailed passive design by BCA or in

accordance with any QA processes previously
agreed with the BCA
Construct/install passive fire protection systems

• Use specialist contractors where required
• Identify and seek approval for any variations from approved specifications
Inspections
• As agreed with BCA and stakeholders
• Review QA documentation (if applicable)
Completion
• Issue Code Compliance Certificate
• Ensure documentation of fire design including detailed passive specifications is
accessible in case of future alterations and inspections
• Review QA documentation (if applicable)
Figure 4. Typical project process for passive fire protection, showing two paths for specification and approval
18

While commonplace, the lack of passive fire protection design details and product
selection at an early stage in the design and construction process has contributed to
widespread problems with passive fire protection quality. These problems typically
come to light when it is discovered that there are no suitably approved assemblies
available that meet the performance specification for the intended construction. This
has in the past led to the use of untested assemblies of unknown performance, and
this practice is strongly discouraged. While full details may not be practical, generic
passive fire protection details should at least be generated at an early stage to identify
any areas of concern.
Therefore, when performance specifications are being submitted to the BCA at the
time of building consent, it is essential that the follow-up detailed design, specification
and approval of those passive fire protection systems be done before the construction
of fire separations in the building commences.
Following the appointment of the contractor and installers, further coordination and
discussion will be required. Key topics that should be discussed are who is taking
responsibility for the passive fire protection, confirming what systems are being used
and whether there are any special requirements. This should generally be done at the
first subcontractors meeting.
Designer/architect/engineer
The designer/architect/engineer must correctly specify the passive fire protection.
The performance specification based on the overall fire design will be given in the
fire report and consent documentation. Correct selection and specification of the
individual passive products and systems requires knowledge and understanding
of passive fire protection principles and practices. Correct specification includes
understanding the test reports, evaluations and any limits of applicability. For
example, penetration seals tested in a concrete wall require separate verification for
installation in a framed wall lined with plasterboard.
The design team must ensure the following:

◼◼ Detailed plans of the building are produced with the size and position of all
services including ducts, cables, pipes penetrating fire walls and floors.
◼◼ The fire engineer’s specification and details are incorporated into the overall
design as part of the building consent application.

◼◼ The placement, size and type of passive fire protection are specified using clear,
standardised symbology (for example, NFPA 170 Standard for fire safety and
emergency symbols).
◼◼ The space to be left around penetrating items, where appropriate, to allow fire
stopping to be installed, inspected and maintained is appropriately specified.

◼◼ Detailed specifications and drawings for all situations that vary from test
standards are provided or obtained.
The members of the design team will depend on the complexity of the project.
For simple projects, the same person may perform more than one role. For larger
projects, a fire engineer will develop and document the basis for the fire design. The
structural engineer will ensure the building design will comply with clauses B1 and
C6 of the NZBC. They will rely on the fire engineer to identify the fire loads and level
19

of fire performance required to be met by the building structure and will identify the
building structural members required to be protected. The fire engineer will work with
the architect to identify firecells and escape routes and the location of fire separations.
The building services engineer will design, specify and document the building services
required and coordinate their routing with the rest of the design team.
A member of the design team (often the fire engineer) may be involved at different
stages in ensuring that the installation of the passive fire protection has been
correctly achieved. This will depend on the terms of contract for the person and the
requirements of the BCA. Some BCAs require construction monitoring to be done to
ensure the correct installation of the passive fire protection.
If the design team member is required to provide construction monitoring and sign-off
(such as providing a PS4, for example), they must:
◼◼ review all consent issue documents and provide a design coordination statement
(for example, as per IPENZ PN22)

◼◼ carry out any construction monitoring that may be required as a condition of
consent (for example, CM3).
Building consent officer/building inspector

The building consent officer has to be aware of the documentation (test reports,
certificates, installers’ declarations and so on) necessary in establishing the
performance of passive fire protection. This is so they can be sure the correct
documentation is supplied to demonstrate compliance with the appropriate standards.
The person doing the inspection must be familiar with the types of passive fire
protection being used so they can be sure the elements are installed correctly and
take note when any substitutions or variations take place. The building consent officer
should be alerted to any substitutions or variations.
The BCA may accept producer statements to assist in deciding whether it is satisfied
on reasonable grounds that the provisions of the NZBC will be met and whether the
building work is completed in accordance with the plans and specifications. BCAs should
use their judgement when considering producer statements and how much weight to
give them. When considering whether to accept a producer statement, the BCA should
assess the credentials of the author to ensure they have the appropriate experience and
competence. BCAs should make their own inspections of the building work.
The BCA is responsible for:

◼◼ approving passive fire protection systems to be installed and approving any
variations that may later become necessary

◼◼ ensuring work done throughout the installation process is inspected so that any
unacceptable work or disputed solutions are quickly identified.
Project manager/head contractor/installer

The project manager, head contractor and installer play a crucial part in ensuring that
the passive fire protection will be an effective barrier to fire. They must understand the
importance of correct installation and be able to rectify and know when to seek further
advice on any problems with the installation.
20

The head contractor must:
◼◼ ensure all passive fire protection is installed as designed
◼◼ ensure passive fire protection and other construction is not placed in positions
that would disrupt or prevent installation of other passive fire protection such as
services and penetration seals
◼◼ ensure passive fire protection already installed is not damaged by further
installation work
◼◼ sequence work to allow passive fire protection to be installed as specified,
providing access, space to work and adequate time to source and install products
and inspect assemblies while they are accessible
◼◼ agree the inspection and sign-off processes
◼◼ arrange regular inspections by the BCA (and design engineer if necessary for
the consent conditions to be met if it is part of the design team’s contract) of

work done so that any unacceptable work or disputed solutions are immediately
recognised.
◼◼ document and tag/label, where appropriate, all passive fire protection.
The situation on site may change rapidly, so the head contractor needs to be aware of
changes and how they affect the passive fire protection. Specific passive fire details of
construction may not be on fire or architectural drawings. The head contractor may
also be responsible for researching and procuring the passive fire protection systems.
They need to provide evidence to prove that the systems installed are compliant.
A common cause of non-compliant systems occurs when research and procurement

of passive fire protection systems is left to the head contractor when there are no
approved systems available at the outset. It is imperative that, if specification of passive
fire protection systems is left to the contractor, passive fire protection requirements are
clearly communicated to the contractor in the design documentation.
Ideally, specialist installers with detailed knowledge and familiarity with the products
should be used whenever possible. This is particularly desirable in the case of fire
doors (which are required to have labels), lift landing doors, roller shutters, spray
or intumescent paint coatings for structural steel protection and fire dampers. Fire
stopping may also be applied by specialist installers, but this may not always be the
case. Where there are complex fire-stopping issues, using a specialist designer or
installation contractor is strongly advised.
Independent qualified person

The independent qualified person (IQP) has an important role in maintaining the
effectiveness of passive fire protection by noting any defects during building warrant
of fitness (BWOF) inspections as per the building’s compliance schedule. Fire engineers
can assist the role of the IQP by supplying FRR/separation location drawings to go
with the compliance schedule. However, obtaining access to thoroughly inspect fire
separations that are hidden behind other building components may be unreasonable,
so it should not be expected that a BWOF is a guarantee of full passive fire protection
compliance in the building. This is also a reason why thorough documentation and
inspection is critical during construction or modification work when the passive fire
protection features are exposed.
21

Third-party inspector
The third-party inspector (such as an IQP, independent consultant or fire engineer)
may be called on by the owner, project manager or local authority officials to carry out
an inspection of passive fire protection. They must understand the issues of passive
fire protection.
Table 2 provides a summary of the key roles and responsibilities.
Table 2. Summary of roles
Designer/architect/engineer Specify FRR

Specify products
Clearly communicate requirements to other parties
Construction monitoring
Sign off installation (PS4)
Building consent officer/building inspector Ensure documentation is appropriate for application
Project manager/head contractor/installer Correctly procure and install passive fire protection products
appropriate to the application
Sign off installation PS3 (or LBP memorandum)
Independent qualified person Note any variations during annual inspection
Third-party inspector Ensure passive fire protection is correctly installed
Sign off installation
General requirements of participants

All parties involved in installing passive fire protection must understand the processes
appropriate for their role in the project. This may include:
◼◼ designer/architect/engineer, BCA and inspectors knowing the fire resistance
rating requirements derived from the NZBC and the fire design and providing
clear and explicit communication of the fire protection requirements to other
parties
◼◼ suppliers and installers knowing the appropriate specifications and standards to
be used and clearly labelling passive fire protection features as required

◼◼ understanding the appropriate use of passive fire protection systems – for
example, doorsets approved for use in the appropriate type of wall construction
◼◼ specifiers and BCA understanding manufacturers’ literature and being satisfied
that the supporting documentation demonstrates compliance with the required

specifications and standards
◼◼ seeking further advice for complex installations when necessary, including
recognising and deferring judgement of non-approved assemblies to comptetent

authorities
◼◼ undergoing suitable instruction or attending education courses on the
installation of passive fire protection.
Ensuring that the installation has been carried out correctly is not solely the
responsibility of the person carrying out the installation. Other participants involved
in the process can verify that the installation is correct.
22

Training
Some manufacturers offer training in installation of their products, but this is not
widespread. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has these qualifications
on passive fire protection:
◼◼ National Certificate in Passive Fire Protection (Building Consent Inspections)
(Level 4).
◼◼ National Certificate in Passive Fire Protection (Routine Inspections) (Level 3).
Courses for these qualifications are run by industry training organisation Competenz.
Some organisations such as BRANZ and BOINZ may offer short courses on passive fire
protection and NZBC matters.
These are not mandatory but may give useful information to those new to the passive
fire protection industry.
This does not preclude experienced and competent persons who have not attended
such courses from providing advice on passive fire protection.
23

ON-SITE
6
INSTALLATION
Attention to detail and installation quality is essential for the passive fire protection to
perform its function.
Consented documents
Once the consent documentation has been provided and a building consent has
been issued, passive fire protection must be installed as specified in the consented
documents and in accordance with any agreed quality assurance processes. This
means in accordance with all supporting information supplied to the BCA, including
manufacturers’ instructions.
Where a performance specification only has been submitted in consent

documentation, the subsequent process needs to be agreed with the BCA to ensure
the selection and installation of the passive fire protection system will comply with the
NZBC.
Any deviations from the consented documents or design specifications, such as a

substitution of materials or components, must be approved via a consent amendment
by the BCA before the change is made. This is to ensure that Code compliance is not
compromised by the proposed change. The BCA documents and records the change(s)
if approved.
It is important that the passive fire building elements are installed in accordance with
the consented documents and with any agreed quality assurance and product approval
processes that may be needed after the consent is issued.
24

Documents that should be available to those involved with the installation of passive
fire protection are:
◼◼ drawings/specifications clearly identifying the location of fire-rated construction
◼◼ product specifications for the passive fire protection.
A copy of the consent documents (plans, technical literature and specifications)

covering all aspects of passive fire protection must be held on site and be available for
use by the contractors carrying out installation work and by the work supervisors and
BCA inspectors. Any approved amendments to the consent must also be available.
Specialist installation contractors

Specialist contractors perform the important functions of installing and inspecting
passive fire protection. Ideally, passive fire protection should be installed by specialist
installers. They have experience in their particular systems and can help ensure
compliance and quality in the final product.
This is especially the case for fire doors that are required to have labels, penetration
seals, lift landing doors, roller shutters, fire dampers and structural steel protective
coatings such as sprayed cementitious or intumescent paint.
While a system as straightforward as a plasterboard fire-rated wall may not seem

to require a specialist for installation, there are many parts of the task that, if not
correctly done, can result in a substandard installation. For example, increasing
fastener spacing from the specification of fixing spacing can render the system non-
compliant. In these cases, a specialist contractor with experience of installing fire
resistance rated systems would improve confidence that the systems are compliant.
Substitution or hybridisation
At some point in the building construction process, specific system components will be
identified in various documents. This can be at the original design stage or when the
contractor has selected the appropriate systems.
In general, substitution of passive fire protection systems, whether components within

a system or the complete system, is not an acceptable practice as it has the potential to
negate the performance of the installed element. A deviation from the design can be a
necessary substitution where a system or material has become unavailable in the time
between issuing the building consent and actual construction on site. If substitution
cannot be avoided, the whole system may be substituted for another, or just a
component of the system may be substituted. In both cases, the documentation needs
to be amended and submitted to the BCA for prior approval.
Where individual components are substituted, there is greater difficulty in determining

the fire resistance rating, as each passive fire protection system is specific to a
manufacturer (other than concrete, masonry and some solid timber products), and
approval may be difficult to achieve. This is why leaving passive fire component
specification until late in the process is discouraged.
A manufacturer may be prepared to accept the substitution but may require it to be

reassessed as a fully compliant system before approval is sought from the BCA. An
25

example is where a plasterboard wall has been installed as part of one manufacturer’s
system but using another manufacturer’s board. The manufacturer of the substituted
board may not have that particular system validated but may choose to do so through
an assessment from a competent authority or individual capable of providing such
assessments.
Where such deviations have been approved or will require further assessment, the
specialist contractor, consultant or third-party certifier should be aware of this. Where
the substitution cannot be resolved by assessment, a fire test may be required or an
alternative compliant system needs to be installed.
On-site supervision
On-site supervision of the installation is recommended from the first arrival of
the products to site to final sign-off. This requires either training of on-site staff or
employing third-party inspectors as discussed above. These parties can then identify
any defects and report them to the architect, designer and BCA for action. At this stage,
the earlier the defect is identified, the easier it is to fix and the less delay there will be
to the project.
Any deviations from the design specification can have impacts on the project, not the
least of which is a delay in completion. For example, a fire resistance test may take 3
months to schedule and complete or 3–4 weeks for an assessment, so it is important
that the installation is correctly installed first time.
Documenting the installation

During the installation, appropriate documentation should be maintained and stored
in an accessible manner. These documents can be hard copy (paper) or electronic.
The documentation should be maintained so that any changes to the installation and
products are recorded and accessible for future modifications.
The installer may be the person actually carrying out the work or a representative of
the company installing the systems such as the builder or project manager.
Once installation has been completed, the installer should provide the following
information:
◼◼ A plan showing the location of passive fire protection – either mark up existing
plans, such as those provided for consent, or create new plans.

◼◼ A list of passive fire protection and the identities of the products used.
◼◼ A declaration that the passive fire protection has been installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s specifications.

◼◼ PS3 for construction.
Figure 5 and Table 3 below show an example of a plan and a schedule for penetration
seals. This type of documentation can be helpful for obtaining a Code Compliance
Certificate and would also be useful in future when changes are made during a
refurbishment or when new pipe and cabling systems are installed, affecting fire
separations.
26

Figure 5. Example of plan of penetration seals
27

Table 3. Example of a passive fire protection schedule
FIRE PENETRATION SCHEDULE DATE: JULY 2016
Project name Pyro Apartments

Project address Firehouse Lane, Fawkes Bay
Consent number BE – 1234567/1
Level 1, Unit 1
INSTALLATION REF SEPARATION PRODUCT USED FIRE RATING SERVICE DESCRIPTION

(MINUTES)
UNIT # SERVICE #
Drainage
101 D 1 Floor FireAway pipe wrap -/120/120 100 mm (WC)
101 D 2 Floor FireAway pipe wrap -/120/120 40 mm (WHB)
101 D 3 Floor FireAway pipe wrap -/120/120 40 mm (FWG)
101 D 4 Floor FireAway pipe wrap -/120/120 40 mm (shower)
101 D 5 Floor FireAway pipe wrap -/120/120 50 mm (sink)
101 D 6 Floor FireAway pipe wrap -/120/120 40 mm (WM)
101 D 10 Block wall FireAway pipe wrap -/120/120 100 mm drain
Sprinklers
101 S 1 Block wall Ashes 'NoFlame' -/60/60 25 mm diameter steel
sprinkler pipe
Water supply
101 P 1 Block wall FireAway fire collars -/120/120 25 mm hot and cold
water supply (2 No.)
Mechanical
101 M 1 Block wall BlazeGo XYZ sealer -/120/120 150 mm supply – fire
damper
Electrical/data and fire alarm cabling

101 E 1 Block wall PyroSeal ABC silicone -/30/30 power and alarm cables
101 E 2 Block wall PyroSeal ABC silicone -/30/30 data cables
Note: Products listed are for illustrative purposes only and are not actual products.
Labelling
It is good practice for service penetrations and control joints to be clearly labelled and
marked with information that includes the FRR, name and contact details for both
the installer and manufacturer, installation date and unique reference number for the
installation. The label should ideally be positioned close to the service penetration, seal or
control joint. An example label is given in Checklist 6 for a penetration seal (see section 8).
Where fire-resistant doorsets are required to meet NZS 4520:2010, they must be
provided with permanently fixed labels. See Checklist 2 in section 8 for an example.
Code Compliance Certificate

At the completion of a project, on application by the owner or their agent, the BCA
will issue a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) if it is satisfied on reasonable grounds
that the building work complies with the building consent. When carrying out a final
28

inspection for a CCC, a BCA needs to be satisfied that the work on site accurately reflects
what was approved in the building consent documents and is in accordance with any
subsequent process put in place when only performance specifications were included
in consent documentation. The BCA can do this by carrying out its own inspections
or by accepting producer statements or other documents from the building owner or
approved installer. It may also be necessary to provide any certificates from licensed
building practitioners if the work requires this. At the time of publication, there was no
legal requirement for a licensed building practitioner to install passive fire protection.
Fire and smoke separations are specified systems and are required to appear on a
compliance schedule if other fire safety specified systems are installed within the
building. Compliance schedule statements are issued with the CCC by the BCA.
However, it is the owner’s responsibility to identify the specified systems in the building
when applying for the building consent. Note that the inspection, maintenance and
reporting requirements of specified systems must be part of the documentation
submitted for consent. Building owners should also ensure that plans identifying the
location and fire resistance requirements of fire separations are available to IQPs and
others involved in maintenance or inspection during the life of the building.
Ultimately, it is the building owner’s or their agent’s responsibility to ensure that the
passive fire protection, amongst other matters, complies with the building consent.
Given the difficulty of inspecting concealed service penetrations, it is essential that
these are installed correctly and inspected at the appropriate time and that adequate
documentation is recorded. The BCA will issue the CCC only when satisfied on
reasonable grounds that the building complies with the consent (and the NZBC).
Verification of performance
The verification of the performance of passive fire protection is an important part of
the final sign-off and starts at the design stage, where the correct specifications and
identification of the passive fire protection are made on any initial plan. This may
extend to a separate fire protection plan being provided if the building is complex.
Otherwise, passive fire protection can be included in a general building plan.
Documents necessary for the verification of installed passive fire protection start with
the passive fire protection plan (or building plan, if passive fire protection is included).
The basic documents are:
◼◼ fire and smoke compartment plans (from fire engineer)
◼◼ site installation specifications (from architect or building services)
◼◼ product specifications/certificates/reports or other documents such as a letter of
opinion or assessment from a competent authority.
Retrofit or renovations
When any additional work is carried out, it is important that the original passive
fire protection is not changed or affected. Also, any repairs or improvement such as
increasing the fire rating must be with compatible products. Examples include:
◼◼ replacing fire door and fire-rated lift landing door hardware – identical product
or approved by the manufacturer

◼◼ adding cables or pipes through fire walls – finish penetration with approved seals
◼◼ repairing damage in plasterboard walls – stud to stud patching.
29

SPECIFIC INSTALLATION
7
REQUIREMENTS
Examples of installation procedures for each type of passive fire protection are given
in the following sections. All passive fire-stopping products are tested and approved as
a system, and the use of incorrect and untested fixings can severely compromise the
rating achieved by the system.
The checklists in section 8 indicate the key installation requirements that the installer,
site supervisor and BCA inspector need to be aware of. Checklists can also be
developed or adapted for other aspects of passive fire protection. While the checklists
could form part of the Code Compliance Certificate application, they are not intended
as a substitute for the full fire specifications or authority requirements, nor do they cover
general site procedures or coordination of trades.
Note: Standards referenced in the checklists are those applicable to C/AS1–7. They
may also apply to Alternative Solutions but, in that case, are not mandatory. Means of
compliance will depend on what was provided in the building consent documentation.
Fire protection coatings

Typically cementitious or intumescent coatings. These can have several purposes:
◼◼ Control fire spread over surfaces to meet surface finish requirements.
◼◼ Increase the fire resistance ratings of doors and walls.
◼◼ Provide a fire rating to structural steel.
All require specialist application to ensure adequate preparation of the substrate for
correct coating adhesion and to control coating thickness to meet the manufacturer’s
specifications.
30

Coatings for structural steel
◼◼ These provide a means of achieving structural adequacy requirements without
encasing the steel in concrete or fire-rated board systems.

◼◼ Thin-film intumescent coatings can be solvent or water-based. They are most
suitable for interior use.

◼◼ Thick-film intumescent coatings are typically epoxy based. Due to their
toughness, they are used in environments exposed to the weather or where

access for future maintenance is difficult.
◼◼ A quality assurance plan should be in place stating the detailed inspection
requirements.
◼◼ Application contractors should provide evidence of their knowledge and be
competent in meeting the requirements of the coating manufacturer.

◼◼ Coatings must be applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications including surface preparation, application and ambient conditions

as specified.
◼◼ Base coat thickness should be measured both when wet and dry to ensure the
required thickness is achieved.

◼◼ Records should be kept of materials used including batch numbers,
environmental conditions at the time of application, steel preparation and

thickness of applied coatings.
◼◼ The application contractor should ensure records are retained and provided to
the building owner or their agent on completion of the work.
Sealing penetrations
Various options are available for sealing penetrations. They will depend on the type of
penetration and include the following common types.
Collars – used for plastic pipes

◼◼ Applied on both sides of a wall or underside of a floor.
◼◼ On walls, will be surface fixed using suitable fixings such as masonry anchors,
laminating screws and expanding metal hollow wall anchors as appropriate to

the wall.
◼◼ On floors, will be either surface mounted to the underside and fixed using
masonry anchors, cast-in or drop-in from above and fixed to the upper surface of
solid floors. At the date of this guide, no approved penetration seals all the way
through cavity floor/ceiling systems are available in New Zealand.
◼◼ Only fixings stated in the appropriate documentation should be used to secure a
collar in place. Different-sized collars have a minimum size fixing.
Wraps – used for plastic pipes

◼◼ Use similar intumescent materials to collars but do not have a steel case.
◼◼ For masonry/concrete construction, the wraps fit round the pipe and are
inserted in the hole in the wall.

◼◼ When used with plastic pipes in hollow construction, a steel sleeve must be fitted
in the wall.
31

Sealants – used as gap sealant and filler around other systems, metal pipes
◼◼ Essentially two types: intumescent and non-intumescent.
◼◼ Used to seal gaps around walls, linear gap (building joints), fillers around other
penetration systems, such as pillows, fire barriers, cable trays, bunched and
individual cables.
◼◼ Use is specified by a maximum width and minimum depth of sealant.
◼◼ In sheet lining systems, the depth of the sealant is dictated by the thickness of
the layers, and patching may be required to bring the linings up to the specified
thickness or reduce the gap width (see below for further comments on patching).
Pillows, fire-rated mortars – used for filling large apertures

◼◼ Used to fill large apertures in floors and ceilings.
◼◼ Also require a sealant.
◼◼ Fire-rated mortars in floors may not be trafficable so safety barriers may be
required to eliminate foot traffic.
Fire barriers – used for pipes and cable penetrations

◼◼ Can be a thin fabric or a thick mineral fibre slab.
◼◼ Used to fill large apertures.
Expanding PU foam
◼◼ Mostly used as a gap fill or backing material for other fire-rated systems.
◼◼ Some expanding PU foams may fill larger spaces and have intumescent
properties.
Box and foam cable transits

◼◼ Essentially a steel box containing intumescent material with flexible PU foam
sides. The cables pass through this (see Figure 29).

◼◼ Cables can be removed or added without affecting the fire rating.
◼◼ Foam on its own as a fire barrier is also available.
In all cases, the manufacturer’s specifications must be followed, paying attention to the
specific application, wall type and fixing methods. Wall lining thickness may affect the
FRR, and additional patches of lining may need to be applied. Patching should make
up the thickness of the wall to that specified by the manufacturer. The patch, when
required, should be securely fixed to the wall and preferably to framing members.
New passive fire protection products become available all the time, so users must
keep up with the latest developments to see how they may be able to include them in
their work.
32

Passive fire protection systems – index
Passive fire protection systems
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM PAGE NUMBER
Walls - framed 34
Walls - masonry 35
Walls - composite 36
Cavity barriers 37–39
Doors 40–45
Shutters 46
Ducts 47
Fire dampers 48–50
Structural fire protection 51
Intumescent coatings 52
Linear gap seals 64
Penetrations by type
PENETRATIONS BY TYPE SOLID CONSTRUCTION HOLLOW CONSTRUCTION

PAGE NUMBER PAGE NUMBER
Electrical and Single cables 53 53

information technology Multiple cables 54–55 54–55
Cable trays 56 56
Box penetration cable transits 57 57
Pillows 58 58
Power outlets 59 59
Downlights 60 60
Plumbing Plastic pipes/collars 61 and 63
Metal pipes 62–63 62–63
33

Walls – timber-framed (single or multi-layers)
staggered multi-layers
butt joints
cavity barriers may
correct framing (timber or steel) be required for cavity
– size and spacing wall construction
staggered
multi-layers
each side
single layers
staggered each side
correct stopping
correct fixing types

and spacing
Notes
• Follow manufacturer’s specifications
• Obtain data sheets, catalogues etc.
• Screw or nail fixed
• External wall will need cavity barriers at firecell junctions
Figure 6. Typical framed wall features
34

Walls – masonry
cavity barriers if cavity

construction (vertical
and between floors)
verify compatibility with
other FRR elements
such as framed walls
and ceilings
correct bonding
to perpends
cells may
require filling
with mortar
correct stopping
and fixing
Notes
• External wall will need cavity barriers at firecell junctions
• Ensure different wall systems are compatible
Figure 7. Typical block wall features
35

Walls – composite
perimeter details as specified,

particularly head detail
joint formed and sealed as

specified (for example, fixings)
Notes
• All joints to be as specified by manufacturer – may require mechanical fixing
• Ensure correct FRR is obtained, especially insulation
Figure 8. Typical composite wall features (for example, foamed plastics, cement, mineral wool sandwich panels)
36

Cavity barriers
fire stopping
roof
cavity barrier (may

be mineral wool or
fire-rated fabric)
fire-rated ceiling
Notes
• Used for roof spaces, end floor slab/curtain walls, at roof/top of wall junctions, within
hollow walls such as external walls
• Cavity totally sealed – no gap
• Mineral wool strips and blankets, fire-rated fabrics
Figure 9. Vertical cavity barrier in ceiling space
37

curtain wall/glazing
concrete floor slab
cavity barrier (for example,

compressed mineral wool),
may require additional
support such as metal clips,
must fill the gap
Notes
Figure 10. Cavity barrier – floor edge to curtain wall
38

metal flashing at
base of upper cavity
framed wall
fire-rated lining
brick veneer or
other cladding
(more than a
cavity barrier in wall (for
single storey)
example, compressed
mineral wool)
Notes
Figure 11. Cavity barrier in taller wall
39

Doors – doorsets
filling as
required
gaps as
door/wall combination specified
as specified (for
example, steel or
timber-framed wall,
steel or timber door
frame)
labels on door
edge and frame
door/frame
installed as
specified
door hardware to door manufacturer's
specifications (especially
replacements) – door self-closing and
latching, approved hold-open device if
required
Notes
• Frame fixing as specified by manufacturer
• Hollow steel frames filled as specified by manufacturer
• Gaps to edge of frame typically 3 mm
• Door stops typically 25 mm thick but may vary
• Ensure compatibility of door and wall as specified by manufacturer
• Labels required on door edge and frame
Figure 12. Typical doorset features – timber-framed wall and steel door frame
40

gap as
specified
door/wall combination
as specified (for
example, masonry
wall, timber or steel
door frame)
labels on door
edge and frame
door/frame
installed as
specified
door hardware to
door manufacturer's
specifications (especially
replacements) – door
self-closing and latching,
approved hold-open
device if required
Notes
• Door stops typically 25 mm thick but may vary
Figure 13. Typical doorset features – timber-framed wall and timber door frame
41

filling as
required
seal around frame

with fired-rated
compound
gap as
door/wall combination specified
as specified (for
example, masonry
wall, timber or steel
door frame)
labels on door
edge and frame
door/frame
installed as
specified
door hardware to door manufacturer's

specifications (especially replacements)
– door self-closing and latching,
approved hold-open device if required
Notes
• Hollow steel frames filled as specified by manufacturer
Figure 14. Typical doorset features – masonry wall
42

glazed screen/
wall junction
as specified
labels on door
edge and frame
fire-rated sealant
as specified by
manufacturer
fire-rated glazing
as specified
mechanical connection
between wall and screen
Notes
• Glazed screen fixing as specified by manufacturer
• Door as specified by manufacturer
• Ensure compatibility of glazed screen and wall as specified by manufacturer
• Ensure glazed screen is sealed to wall
Figure 15. Typical doorset features – glazed
43

Doors – lifts
lift landing door-to-wall junction

filled with fire-rated construction
call button panel (treat as per
Figure 31 – intumescent strips and
cables fire stopped into shaft)
wall – hollow (drywall) or

solid masonry/concrete
construction
lift landing door

fire-rated control cabinet (treat as per
Figure 31 – intumescent strips and cable door clearances and
penetrations fire stopped into shaft) overlaps as specified
Notes
• Older style frame fully grouted
• New frames require brackets (see Figure 17)
• Gap between frame and wall to be filled with fire-rated construction
of the same FRR as wall
Figure 16. Typical lift doors – lobby
44

header fitted to
wall as specified
lift landing door/

masonry or drywall wall compatibility
construction as specified by
manufacturer
lift landing door

entrance frame
anchored to wall
lift landing door
entrance frame
anchored to wall
door-to-wall junction filled

with fire-rated construction
(grout guard)
Notes
• Gap between frame and wall to be filled with fire-rated construction of the same FRR
as wall
• Fire stop lift control panel (and indicator lights)
• Number of wall fixings may vary
Figure 17. Typical lift doors – inside lift shaft
45

Shutters
shutter brackets and

hood correctly fixed to
compatible structure
shutter/wall combination as
specified (for example, steel
or timber-framed wall)
closing device fitted

as required by
regulation
shutter guides correctly

fixed to compatible
structure
closure may be steel or

fabric (for example, smoke
curtain)
Notes
• Shutter guides attached as specified
• May require a fusible link or activation by smoke alarm
• Usually no insulation value
• Closure may be a steel curtain or fabric as in a smoke barrier
Figure 18. Typical vertical roller shutter features
46

Ducts
aperture correctly formed

for duct size – make good
if hole oversize
support type and

spacing as specified
fire protection – boards,

sprays, blankets (batts)
wall/duct compatibility –
penetration as specified
Notes
• Duct must be supported as specified by manufacturer
• Penetration to be as specified by manufacturer
• Aperture to be made good if oversize as appropriate to wall construction –
for example, mortar if concrete, additional linings if drywall construction
Figure 19. Typical duct features
47

Fire dampers
wall/damper compatibility
for damper size – make
good if oversize
breakaway
joints supports as specified
breakaway
joints
clearances between damper
retaining angles installed to and wall may be filled
manufacturer’s specifications with fibrous material – no
clearances required for
damper supported intumescent dampers
on wall/floor, not
on ducting
Notes
• Damper must be supported as specified by manufacturer not by duct, if any
• Aperture to be made good if oversize as appropriate to wall construction – for
example, mortar if concrete, additional linings if drywall construction
• Angles fixed only to damper and twice width of gap
• Clearances to wall as specified by manufacturer
• Gap may be filled with fire-rated material, usually mineral wool
Figure 20. Typical fire damper features – metal
48

wall/damper compatibility
for damper size – make
good if oversize
breakaway
joints supports as specified
breakaway
joints
clearances between damper
retaining angles installed to and wall may be filled
manufacturer’s specifications with fibrous material – no
clearances required for
damper supported intumescent dampers
on wall/floor, not
on ducting
Notes
• Angles fixed only to damper and twice width of gap
• Clearances to wall as specified by manufacturer
• Gap may be filled with fire-rated material, usually mineral wool
Figure 21. Typical fire damper features – metal in framed wall
49

intumescent damper (may be inserted into
ducts in place of mechanical damper)
not required in
duct applications
wall/door
intumescent air transfer grille

fitted to wall/door as per
manufacturer's specifications
Notes
• Check height of damper in wall or door as per manufacturer's specifications
• Intumescent damper may be inserted into a duct section, as in Figure 20
Figure 22. Typical fire damper features – intumescent
50

Structural fire protection
structural steel column
steel angle
fire-rated
cover strips in same thickness as casing board casing
Figure 23. Structural fire protection – fire-rated boards protecting steel columns
51

Intumescent coatings
sealer (optional – depends on

the environment)
basecoat
primer
steel beam
Figure 24. Intumescent coatings.

Note: Special applicators are usually required. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
(Not to scale. Thicknesses shown do not represent actual thicknesses.)
52

Penetration seals – electrical and information technology
may be in conduit (plastic or metal) –
check manufacturer's specifications
fire sealant or fire wraps

applied at the specified depth
and width, usually to both sides
a) solid construction
may be in conduit (plastic or metal) –

check manufacturer's specifications
fire sealant or fire wraps applied at the

specified depth and width, usually to both
sides – may require steel sleeves (depth
limited to lining thickness, or add a patch to
make up to a specified depth)
b) hollow construction – framed wall or hollow block
Notes
• For single cables, fire sealants and wraps are sufficient
• Fire sealant as specified by manufacturer
• For lined walls, if specified depth of sealant is greater than lining thickness, the lining
thickness must be increased – for example, by applying a patch of additional lining
• If conduit used, it may be plastic or steel in accordance with manufacturer’s
specifications
Figure 25. Penetration seals – single cable
53

fire sealant is applied at
the specified depth and
width – usually to both
sides
fire-rated mineral wool slab,

coated fire-rated batts, fire-rated
mineral boards
areas of wall may be alternative

construction such as mineral wool
panels, solid board
fire sealant is applied at

the specified depth and
width – usually to both
sides
fire-rated mineral wool slab
framing as
specified
Notes
• For lined walls, verify that the system has been rated for the lining configuration – for
example, single layers or multiple layers
• Add additional patch to make up thickness if required
• Lined walls require opening to be framed with nogs (dwangs) and lined with same
product as wall lining unless otherwise specified by manufacturer
Figure 26. Penetration seals – single cable – bundles
54

bundles of cables
non-trafficable
cable tray
fire-rated mortar/mineral board

(aperture size limit may apply)
may require fire sealant
floor
may require steel brackets
sealed to floor
with fire sealant
single cable
metal pipe
Notes
• May require brackets around perimeter to support
• Penetrations may require fire-rated sealant at floor junction
Figure 27. Penetrations with fire-rated infill
55

fire sealant mineral wool slab (coated) –
may be in one or two layers
supports as specified by
manufacturer of penetration
seal system
plasterboard lining in aperture as per

manufacturer's specifications – not
timber or steel framing
required for hollow block
fire sealant
supports as specified
mineral wool slab (coated) – by manufacturer of
may be in one or two layers penetration seal system
Notes
• For lined walls, verify that the system has been rated for the lining configuration –
for example, single layers or multiple layers
• Pillows may be used instead of mineral wool slab (see Figure 30)
• Cable tray to be supported as per penetration seal manufacturer’s specifications
• For hollow block, make up aperture with mortar/concrete
• Some specialist PU expanding foams may be used
Figure 28. Penetration seals – cables
56

PU foam sheet at each end
and intumescent in centre
cables/pipes
metal casing all

the way through
PU foam sheet may require plasterboard

at each end and lining in aperture
intumescent in
centre
cables/pipes
metal casing all

the way through
Notes
Figure 29. Box penetration cable transits
57

may be lined wall as hollow
construction as Figure 28 (b)
fire sealant
may be
required
pillow fill as per

manufacturer's
specifications,
size to suit wall
and opening size
cables or
metal pipes
Notes
• Pillows to fill opening as per manufacturer’s specifications
• Fire sealant to fill gaps around penetrations – may be cables or metal pipes
• Some specialist PU expanding foams may be used
Figure 30. Pillows
58

reduced thickness of wall
can be detrimental to FRR
of wall – intumescent
strip fills back of steel
flush box
steel flush box firmly

attached to stud
intumescent strip fills

back of steel flush box
b) hollow construction – framed wall and hollow block
Notes
• Ensure correct number of intumescent strips are pushed well back into flush box
• Only for steel flush boxes
Figure 31. Penetration seals – power outlets
59

protective cover (may
be a different shape
such as conical) –
fabric/ceramic/steel
fire-rated floor
ceiling system
Notes
• Fire-rated floor/ceiling system
• Maintains FRR of floor/ceiling system
• Ensure light fitting is suitable for being enclosed (refer to C/ASx/Part 7 and AS/
NZS 60598.2.2:2016 Luminaires – Part 2.2: Particular requirements – Recessed
luminaires.
• Protection may be part of downlight or fitted separately in ceiling space
Figure 32. Recessed downlight cover
60

Penetration seals – plumbing
pipe supports
as specified
(very important)
plastic pipe
appropriate fixings as
specified (wall anchors)
fire sealant or wrap with a
sleeve applied at correct depth
pipe supports and width for the annular gap
as specified
(very important)
plastic pipe
appropriate fixings
as specified
support
pipe supports as specified
(very important)
no collar
plastic pipe
steel sleeve
(only for hollow wall)
fire sealant applied as per

manufacturer's specification – add a
patch to make up to a specified depth
c) hollow construction – with sleeve

Notes
• Collars attached to each side of wall
• Fixed by tabs to wall using appropriate fixings:
-- Masonry – masonry anchors
-- Lined walls – metal expanding fixing, laminating screws
• Fixings in lined walls may be fixed directly to linings or to framing
• For lined walls, verify that the system has been rated for the lining
configuration – for example, single layers or multiple layers
Figure 33. Penetration seals – plastic pipes – walls
61

pipe supports
as specified
(very important) fire sealant applied at correct
depth and width for the
annular gap
metal pipe
fire sealant/mastic
sealant or wrap with a sleeve

applied at correct depth and
pipe supports width for the annular gap –
as specified add a patch to make up to a
(very important) specified depth
metal pipe
fire sealant/mastic
Notes
• Metal pipes need only fire sealant at wall junction
• Sealant is applied at correct depth in wall
• PE foam rod may be used to control depth in masonry walls
• Add additional patch to make up thickness if required to allow application of correct
depth of sealant
Figure 34. Penetration seals – metal pipes – walls
62

fire sealant special fire-rated floor
waste seals must be used
pipe supports above

or below as specified floor waste (cast in or
(under slab only) surface mounted
cast in
surface mounted
Notes
• Collars are on underside only
• Cast in, surface mounted, drop in
• Surface mounted fixed by tabs using masonry anchors or as specified by
manufacturer
• Drop in fitted from top
• Metal pipes need only fire sealant or wraps
• Plastic pipes need collars
• Ensure holes are correctly sized for penetration, pipe and penetration sizes match and
pipe type is appropriate for seal
Figure 35. Penetration seals – pipes – floors
63

Penetration seals – linear gaps
PE rod to control depth – foam must

be impregnated with intumescent
material when used by itself
fire sealant depth and width

as specified – to both sides
PE rod to control depth – foam must

be impregnated with intumescent
material when used by itself
sealant depth and width as

specified – to both sides
Notes
• Special application fire sealant to be used
• Note limit on width and depth of sealant
• PU expanding foam can be used
Figure 36. Penetration seals – linear gap seals – floor or wall
64

8
CHECKLISTS
Checklist 1: Fire and smoke barriers

This checklist covers the construction of fire-rated wall systems, including finishing
work such as fire stopping and perimeter sealing.
Wall types include:

◼◼ steel or timber framed with linings of plasterboard or manufactured board,
calcium silicate, vermiculite based, magnesium oxide, timber product such as

MDF
◼◼ laminated self-supporting using boards (for example, cross-laminated timber
construction or similar)
◼◼ masonry or concrete, hollow or solid blocks
◼◼ metal-faced composite, foamed plastic or concrete sandwich panels.
This checklist addresses specific items for the installation of fire-resistant walls:
◻◻ Obtain copies of site installation specification and consent documents.
◻◻ Obtain copies of product specification/certificates/reports or other documents
such as a letter of opinion or assessment from a competent authority.

◻◻ Identify the fire rating of the wall and location in building.
◻◻ Check appropriate materials, for example, correct blocks or fire-rated boards are
as consented.
◻◻ Check the installation where the wall extends between other fire-rated elements,
floor, ceiling, other walls or external walls.

◻◻ Where the wall extends to the ceiling only, check the ceiling has been rated for
fire.
◻◻ Are wall junctions (top, bottom and sides) as per specification?
65

◻◻ Are wall and lining fixings position and spacing (perimeter and in the field) and
type (screws, nails) as per specification?
◻◻ Is distance of fixings from edge at joints as per specification?
◻◻ Have board joints been formed over framing or backblocked as per specification?
◻◻ Are multiple layers staggered as per specification?
◻◻ Are all boards from the same manufacturer?
◻◻ Have deflection heads (if any) been correctly installed?
◻◻ Is the wall thickness as specified (and as appropriate)?
• Block thickness correct?
• Number of board layers as per specification?
• Studs (depth, thickness) as per specification?
◻◻ Has board stopping been applied as appropriate (taped and stopped)?

◻◻ Is stopping at head appropriate?
◻◻ For block walls, are mortar joints correctly bonded, particularly perpends?
◻◻ Check that penetrations, ducts, dampers and doors are correctly installed (refer
appropriate checklists).
◻◻ Check that there is no damage to wall, broken chipped blocks, cracked boards –
if so, seek further advice.
◻◻ Check that smoke barriers are sealed and meet the Acceptable Solution
requirements.
Applicable standard: AS 1530.4-2005.
66

Checklist 2: Fire-resistant doorsets
Doors – hinged and pivoted

Door types include:
◼◼ solid timber
◼◼ cored doors with MDF or plywood facings with cores of:
• timber product boards, MDF, particleboard, proprietary combustible material
• mineral compounds
◼◼ timber framed
◼◼ steel framed filled with cement grout, plasterboard, mineral wool or solid
manufactured boards.
This checklist addresses specific items for the installation of hinged or pivoted fire
doors:
◻◻ Obtain copies of product specifications.
◻◻ Is the installed door approved for the relevant type of wall (masonry,
plasterboard etc.)?
◻◻ Are door openings (apertures) prepared to the job specification or requirements
of the manufacturer?
◻◻ Is the door frame installed correctly with fixings as per specification?
◻◻ Is the door frame to wall junction backfilled and covered (architrave) as per
specification?
◻◻ Does hardware (closers, locks, selectors, kick-plates etc.) comply with
specifications and approval?

◻◻ Check hinges are aligned and door is not binding.
◻◻ Check door gaps are within specified limits (not greater than 3 mm or as
specified by the manufacturer).

◻◻ Check door closes and latches (if provided) under the action of the door closer.
◻◻ Check sill complies with specification and sill gap is not excessive – a maximum
sill clearance of 10 mm for a non-combustible floor or 25 mm for a combustible

floor covering (unless otherwise specified).
◻◻ If the door is also a smoke control door required to meet C/AS1–7, the maximum
average gaps (excluding pre-easing) are leaf to frame 3 mm, leaf to leaf 5 mm,
leaf to top of any floor covering 10 mm.
◻◻ Check door performance label is attached to door edge and door frame with all
required information (to be installed by the manufacturer or certifier).

◻◻ Check any applied surface finish does not to exceed 0.5 mm in thickness and is
not nitro-cellulose based.

◻◻ Check door seals, if any, are approved type and installed as per specification.
◻◻ Check vision panels are fire rated and insulating or not greater than 0.65 m (for
2
example, 200 x 325 mm or 255 x 255 mm).

◻◻ Check vision panels are sound and firmly installed and are fitted with full
perimeter glazing tape and glazing beads.

◻◻ Check any mastic is approved type according to the specification.
◻◻ Check any applied coating (paint) does not exceed 2 mm thickness unless
included in any certification.

◻◻ Check door performance label is attached to door leaf and frame and is
minimum 50 x 25 mm.
67

◻◻ Door frame performance label contains:
• name of the certifier
• name of the manufacturer
• FRR of the doorset in minutes.
◻◻ Door leaf performance label contains:

• number of the standard (NZS 4520:2010 from October 2010, otherwise AS/NZS
1905.1:1997 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls – Fire-

resistant doorsets)
• FRR in minutes
• name of the manufacturer/sponsor
• doorset number
• year of manufacture.
Applicable standards: NZS 4520:2010, AS/NZS 1905.1:1997, AS 1530.4-2005.
Above is an example of label information for a fire-resistant doorset.

*Though not required by NZS 4520:2010, SM may be added to indicate that it is a smoke
control door.
Doors – sliding
This checklist addresses specific items for the installation of sliding fire doors:
◻◻ Obtain copies of product specification.
◻◻ Is the installed door approved for the relevant type of wall (masonry,
plasterboard etc.)?
◻◻ Check door openings (apertures) are prepared to job specification or
requirements of manufacturer.
◻◻ Check door track is installed correctly with fixings as specification.
◻◻ Check hardware (closers, hinges, locks, selectors, kick-plates etc.) complies with
certification.
◻◻ Check doors are not binding.
◻◻ Check door clearances and overlaps:
• When closed, the door leaf overlaps the clear opening by not less than 75 mm
at each jamb and at the door head.

• Average clearance between the face of the door leaf and the return of the
frame or wall face within the area of required overlap at the top and sides of
not more than 10 mm.
• Maximum clearance at any point of 15 mm.
• Sill clearance of 10 mm for a non-combustible floor or 25 mm for a combustible
floor covering.
◻◻ Check restraint brackets (flame guards) and/or interlocking steel sections are
installed as shown in approved specifications, are fixed adequately and are

functional.
68

◻◻ Check fusible links, where fitted, are intact, unpainted and in a suitable location
within the air stream.
◻◻ Check electromagnetic hold-open devices or release devices operate
satisfactorily and door closes when power is off.
◻◻ Check pulley cables are free of fraying or kinks.
◻◻ Check pulleys rotate freely.
◻◻ Check counterweight guard (if any) is located with the bottom 150 mm from
the sill.
◻◻ Check frame (if any) is correctly installed.
◻◻ Check any surface finish does not exceed 0.5 mm in thickness and is not nitro-
cellulose based.
◻◻ Check door seals, if any, are installed in accordance with the specification.
◻◻ Check vision panels are fire rated and insulating or not greater than 0.65 m2 (for
example, 200 x 325 mm or 255 x 255 mm).
◻◻ Check vision panels are sound and firmly installed and are fitted with full
perimeter glazing tape and glazing beads.
◻◻ Check any mastic is approved type according to the specification.
◻◻ Check door performance label is attached to door leaf and frame and is
minimum 50 x 25 mm.
◻◻ Door frame label contains:
• name of the manufacturer
• FRR of the doorset in minutes.
◻◻ Door leaf label (see above) contains:

• number of the standard (NZS 4520:2010 or AS/NZS 1905.1:1997)
• FRR in minutes
• name of the manufacturer/sponsor
• name of the applicant
• year of manufacture.
Applicable standards: NZS 4520:2010, AS/NZS 1905.1:1997, AS 1851-2012,

AS 1530.4-2005.
69

Checklist 3: Shutters
Shutter types include:
◼◼ steel roller
◼◼ fabric roller or concertina
◼◼ horizontal composite shutter with concertina action.
This checklist addresses specific items for the installation of shutters:


◻◻ Is roller shutter approved for the relevant type of wall (masonry, plasterboard
etc.)?
◻◻ Are openings (apertures) prepared to the job specification or requirements of the
installer?
◻◻ Check barrel to ensure:
• barrel brackets are securely fixed
• the rolled-up curtain on the barrel will sit higher than the top level of the guide
tracks (leading edge of curtain sits in guides)

• the supporting bracket is securely fixed to the wall using an identical method
to that of the tested or approved specimen.

◻◻ Check curtain – when the bottom rail is in contact with the threshold, the
curtain must be in contact with not less than 50% of the circumference of the
barrel assembly.
◻◻ Check vertical guides to ensure:
• they are securely fixed
• the curtain overlaps the jamb approximately equally on each side of the
opening
• the overlap is equal to or greater than that provided in the tested specimen
• the gap between the end of the slats including end clips and the guide track is
no less than that provided in the tested specimen or as per specification

• the guide rail is fastened to the wall in an identical method to that of the tested
specimen
• the curtain can run freely without jamming.
◻◻ Check that the fusible link:
• has a temperature rating not greater than 80°C (57°C in the case of a drenched
shutter)
• is located on the same side of the opening as the barrel, no further than
250 mm from the barrel

• is exposed to the general airflow when this is an option
• for openings greater than 4.0 m wide, has two fusible links in series, one
located at each end of the opening.

◻◻ Verify site inspection by the manufacturer or agent or provide the installer’s
declaration.
◻◻ Label size is minimum 50 x 25 mm and fixed mechanically (no adhesive) to the
bottom rail of roller shutter.

◻◻ Check label information includes:
• name of the manufacturer or certifier
• identification number of the individual fire-resistant roller shutter
• FRR
70

• date of installation
• a note stating that the supplier or certifier certifies that the fire-resistant roller
shutter and installation comply with the requirements of AS 1905.2-2005

Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls – Fire-resistant
roller shutters (not specified in NZBC C/AS1–6 but a useful guide).
◻◻ Does shutter close when fusible link released?
◻◻ Does shutter close on alarm if alarm activated?
◻◻ Check curtain descends to the threshold at an average speed of between 0.15 m/s
and 0.3 m/s.
◻◻ Check shutter curtain does not rebound more than 25 mm on closing.
◻◻ Check sill complies with specification as not deemed combustible and extends
either side at least 150 mm.
Applicable standards: AS 1530.4-2005, NZS/BS 476.22:1987 Fire tests on building

materials and structures – Methods for determination of fire resistance of non-loadbearing
elements of construction.
71

Checklist 4: Ducts
Duct types include:
◼◼ steel casings with fire protection – mineral/ceramic wool blanket, rigid boards
(for example, plasterboard, calcium silicate, vermiculite based, magnesium

oxide) or cementitious spray
◼◼ self-supporting (no casing), for example, calcium silicate, vermiculite based,
magnesium oxide.
This checklist addresses specific items for the installation of fire-rated ducts:
◻◻ Obtain compartmentation plan.

◻◻ Is the duct approved for the wall/floor type?
◻◻ Are wall (or floor) openings (apertures) prepared to the job specification or
requirements of the installer?

◻◻ Check that any apertures greater than specified dimensions are made good
with materials that maintain the FRR of the wall (or floor) and are capable of
supporting the duct.
◻◻ Is the opening structurally sound with lintels as appropriate?
◻◻ Is the wall or floor sound and constructed to the correct FRR?
◻◻ Are duct materials as per specification – steel, thickness, protection type,
supports, penetration seal?

◻◻ Is the duct installed as per specification?
• Note: The duct must not be used to support a wall unless approved.
• Are penetrations in the wall or floor sealed as specified?
• Is fire stopping, if any, between the duct and wall as per specification?
• Is the duct supported as per specification (on wall or floor or on hangers)?
• Is the hanger spacing as specified?
• Is the duct clear of obstructions?
◻◻ Fire protection is applied as specified:
• Thickness.
• Number of layers.
• Fixings.
Applicable standards: AS/NZS 1668.1:1998 The use of ventilation and airconditioning in

buildings – Fire and smoke control in multi-compartment buildings, AS 1530.4-2005.
72

Checklist 5: Fire dampers
Damper types include:
◼◼ steel mechanical dampers – interlocking blade shutters, individual rotating
blades or single blade (circular)

◼◼ intumescent dampers.
Mechanical dampers invariably require retaining angles, whereas intumescent

dampers may not need any. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
This checklist addresses specific items for the installation of fire dampers:
◻◻ Obtain the compartmentation plan.

◻◻ Is the damper approved for the wall/floor type?
◻◻ Have the wall (or floor) openings (apertures) been prepared to the job
specification or requirements of the installer? (Note: For metal dampers,

aperture dimensions are to be 10 mm plus 1.01 x the damper outer dimensions or
as per specification.)
◻◻ Check that any apertures made larger than specified dimension have been made
good with materials that maintain the FRR of the wall (or floor) and are capable
of supporting the damper.
◻◻ Ensure the opening is structurally sound with lintels as appropriate.
◻◻ Is the wall or floor sound and the correct FRR?
◻◻ Is the damper installed as per specification?
• Note: The damper must not be used to support a wall unless approved.
• Are perimeter angles, if any, flush with wall and correct overlap on wall
(at least two times the clearance between the fire damper body and the
penetration)?
• Is fire stopping, if any, between damper and wall as per specification?
• Is the damper supported as per specification (on wall or floor or on hangers)?
(Support by ductwork is not usually permitted.)

• Is the damper installed in the correct direction relative to the airflow?
• Do blades open and are they free to move and latch?
• Is the damper free of obstructions?
• Check that elements of an intumescent damper are correctly aligned (not bent
or out of shape).
◻◻ Check there is no combustible material on or in proximity of the damper at the
wall unless part of the specification.

◻◻ Are access hatches clear and unobstructed?
◻◻ Does ceiling access coincide with the duct access panel?
◻◻ Is there a label attached with the following information?
• Manufacturer’s name.
• Model and test report number. (If the model number is traceable to the
relevant test reports, the model number alone will suffice.)

• FRR.
• Orientation (vertical, horizontal or both).
• Direction of airflow.
73

• If appropriate, words or a symbol indicating suitability for use in an aggressive
environment.
• Clearances between the damper and penetrated element.
◻◻ Check any breakaway joint and connection to ducting (slip joint, nylon,
aluminium fixings).
◻◻ Take record photo with angles off and angles on.
Applicable standards: AS 1682.1-1990 Fire dampers – Specification, AS 1682.2-1990 Fire

dampers – Installation, AS 1530.4-2005.
74

Checklist 6: Penetration seals
Pentation seal products include:
◼◼ mastics, in tube or pail, for lineal gap seals (control joints), wall joints (perimeter
of walls) or pipes
◼◼ foams
◼◼ putties
◼◼ mineral boards, with or without a coating
◼◼ mortars
◼◼ pillows
◼◼ wraps
◼◼ collars
◼◼ sleeves
◼◼ blocks and plugs.
Penetration types include:

◼◼ pipes
◼◼ cables in singles, bundles or on cable trays
◼◼ ducts, dampers (see above)
◼◼ control joints
◼◼ lineal gap seals (control joints)
◼◼ wall joints (perimeter of walls).
This checklist addresses specific items for the installation of penetration seals where
services pass through fire-rated wall and floor construction:
◻◻ Obtain the compartmentation plan.
◻◻ Obtain copies of product specification.
◻◻ Is the penetration seal approved for the wall/floor type (masonry, plasterboard
etc.)?
◻◻ Is the penetration seal approved for the penetration and its application (floor
waste, plastic pipe, steel pipe, cable tray, control joint)?

◻◻ Are wall (or floor) openings (apertures) prepared to the job specification or the
requirements of the installer?

◻◻ Are any apertures greater than specified dimensions or badly formed (i.e.
chipped edges, irregular)? These should be made good with materials that
maintain the FRR of the wall (or floor) and are capable of supporting the seal.
◻◻ Is the opening structurally sound with lintels as appropriate?
◻◻ Is the wall or floor sound and of appropriate FRR?
◻◻ Are pipes supported as specified by the manufacturer or tested if report
available?
◻◻ Seal is installed as per specification:
• Both sides or one side of floor, wall or ceiling.
• Filled to correct depth, for example, mastics and pillows.
• Either surface mounted or within wall.
• With pipe, cable tray etc. supports at correct spacing from the wall.
• With appropriate backing material if required.
• With radiation shields or insulation to metal pipes or as per specification.
• With correct fixings to the building element.
75

◻◻ Check penetration label includes (if provided):
• number of the applicable standard
• FRR in minutes
• name and details of the installer
• installation date
• unique installation reference number
• name of the manufacturer.
Applicable standards: AS 4072.1-2005, AS 1530.4-2005.
Fire and smoke containment barrier
and penetration system
(to AS 1530.4 and AS 4072.1)
FRR: -/60/60
Installed by (company name):..........................................................................
Phone no:.......................................................................................................
Installation date:.............................................................................................
Installation reference:.....................................................................................
Contact the above in the event of damage or if reinstatement is
required
76

Guide to
Passive Fire Protection
in Buildings
BRANZ LTD
1222 Moonshine Road, RD1, Porirua 5381
Private Bag 50908, Porirua 5240, New Zealand 978-1-927258-75-0 (PDF)
T +64 4 237 1170 F +64 4 237 1171
E branz@branz.co.nz 978-1-927258-76-7 (epub)
www.branz.nz

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Guide to

Passive Fire Protection

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

Aaron Nicholson (Beca)

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

metal (includes steel and copper)

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

fire-rated mineral wool, slab board and blankets

fire-rated PU foam sheet

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

It is primarily intended for those involved in designing, specifying and installing

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

Two key aspects of passive fire protection are:

(such as a wall or floor/ceiling) to limit fire spread, including passage of fire

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

penetration or junction smoke/fire doors

Figure 2. Fire spread control using passive fire protection

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

fire separations, openings

(a) Firecell separation – cross-section

(b) Firecell separation – layout

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

Whether the building is a new build, existing building or a refurbishment, the

◼◼ following a Verification Method

◼◼ an ‘as near as reasonably practicable’ (ANARP) solution for change of use or

alterations in existing buildings.

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

Determining the fire resistance of elements of building construction

structures – Fire-resistance test of elements of construction and NZS/BS 476.20:1987

◼◼ AS 4072.1-2005 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant

separating elements – Service penetrations and control joints.

A product or Alternative Solution may also be subject to a technical assessment by a

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

applies to loadbearing elements of structure. A column or beam may have an

Table 1. Examples of FRR specifications

BUILDING ELEMENT FRR COMMENT

Loaded column 60/-/- No integrity or insulation as it only provides a structural support

Non-loadbearing wall -/60/60 No loadbearing function

Roller shutter -/120/- No structural support or insulation expected

Lift landing door -/60/- No structural support or insulation expected

BRANZ GUIDE TO PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION IN BUILDINGS

◼◼ Be of non-combustible construction or achieve an FRR of 10/10/-, except that

non-fire-resisting glazing may be used if it is toughened or laminated safety glass.

A smoke separation may be assumed to be imperforate if, by visual inspection, there

Walls surrounding a smoke control door must be a smoke separation.

Achieving approval of a fire-resisting construction

applicable (see section 4).

when the product is to be used in a plasterboard wall, the document relates to

◼◼ The document is:

• a full test or assessment report (not a certificate), or