Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods (AS and VMs) were called compliance documents. Some still have the “compliance document” title but the AS or VMs they contain are valid and unaffected by the name change.
C/AS1, 2nd edition
Current version: Effective on 2 November 2023
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has amended Acceptable Solutions C/AS1, C/AS2, F7/AS1 and Verification Method C/VM2 to improve the safety of people from fire.
We have cited new versions of standards for the:
- design of sprinkler systems
- fire alarm systems
- interconnected smoke alarms
- smoke control in air-handling systems.
Interconnected smoke alarms
The amended Acceptable Solutions C/AS1 and C/AS2 now cite NZS 4514: 2021 for the installation of interconnected smoke alarms to improve the fire safety in new residential homes.
- F7/AS1 - Warning systems [PDF 496KB]
- C/AS1 - Protection from fire for buildings with sleeping (residential) and outbuildings (risk group SH) [PDF 2.7MB]
- C/AS2 - Acceptable Solution for Buildings other than Risk Group SH [PDF 8.2MB]
- C/VM2 - Verification Method: Framework for Fire Safety Design [PDF 2.8MB]
The transition period for these changes is 12 months, ending on 1 November 2024.
Fire safety system standards
New versions of the standards are already available on Standards New Zealand's website. MBIE sponsors free access to the fire alarm and interconnected smoke alarm standard.
- NZS 4512:2021 Fire detection and alarm systems in buildings - standards.govt.nz
- NZS 4514:2021 Interconnected smoke alarms for houses - standards.govt.nz
- NZS 4541:2020 Automatic fire sprinkler systems - standards.govt.nz
C/VM1 and C/AS1 Solid fuel appliances & Buildings with Sleeping (residential)/Outbuildings (Risk Group SH). New document. Effective 10 April 2010.