SS 1 covers automatic systems for fire suppression, such as sprinkler and gas-flood systems. Where a building has one, it is always listed on the compliance schedule. Sprinklers are typically maintained to NZS 4541, with monthly, quarterly and annual tasks and a two-yearly survey, and an IQP issues a Form 12A each year.
At a glance
| Specified system | SS 1 |
| Official name | Automatic systems for fire suppression |
| Typical intervals | Weekly (fire pumps), monthly, quarterly, annual and two-yearly (varies by task; see below) |
| Standards often cited | NZS 4541, NZS 4515, AS 1851-2012, AS ISO 14520.1, AS 6183 |
| Annual certificate | Form 12A from an IQP, attached to the building warrant of fitness |
What SS 1 covers
- Schedule 1 item 1 reads: "Automatic systems for fire suppression (for example, sprinkler systems)."[1]
- The handbook says these systems need regular inspection and testing so they work as their performance standard requires if there is a fire.[2]
- Handbook examples: sprinkler systems (installed to Acceptable Solution C/AS1 or C/AS2 (formerly C/AS1–C/AS7) or an engineered design) and gas flood systems protecting computer equipment.[2]
- Westland lists sub-types: Type 6 sprinklers with manual call points, Type 7 sprinklers with smoke detectors and manual call points, residential sprinkler systems, and gas suppression systems.[3]
Which buildings have it
- The handbook says SS 1 is listed on a compliance schedule in all cases where the system is present.[2]
- Residential sprinkler options (NZS 4515) are aimed at sleeping/residential occupancies, per the standard titles Westland and PNCC list.[3]
How often it is inspected
| System | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | 3-monthly | 6-monthly | Annual | 2–5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 1 Fire suppression (sprinklers) | no |
| Task | Typical frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection/testing per NZS 4541:2020 Part 12 | Monthly, quarterly, annual and two-yearly survey | IQP[3] |
| Inspection/testing per NZS 4515 Section 8 | Monthly, quarterly and annual | IQP[3] |
| Gas suppression inspection per AS 1851-2012 Section 7 (special hazard systems) | Six-monthly and annual | IQP[3] |
| Test interface with the building's emergency warning system (where connected) | Annual | IQP[2] |
| Weekly maintenance flagged where the building has a diesel fire pump or an electric fire pump without an alarm | Weekly | —[4] |
| Keep log of all inspections, maintenance and repairs on site | Retain previous 24 months | Owner[4] |
What an inspection typically covers
- Planned preventative inspection and maintenance plus responsive maintenance to the nominated standard.[2]
- Annual test of the interface to the emergency warning system where the two are connected.[2]
- Fire pump weekly maintenance where a diesel pump or unalarmed electric pump is installed.[4]
- Log entries record dates, work done, faults found, remedies and who did the work; IQP supplies Form 12A annually.[4]
Standards commonly cited
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| NZS 4541:2020 | Automatic fire sprinkler systems[3] |
| NZS 4515:2009 | Fire sprinkler systems for life safety in sleeping occupancies (up to 2000 m2)[3] |
| AS 1851-2012 | Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment[3] |
| AS ISO 14520.1:2009 | Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems - Physical properties and system design[3] |
| AS 6183 | Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems[3] |
| NZS 4541:2013 / earlier editions (2007, 2003, 1996, 1987) and NZS 4541P:1972 | Automatic fire sprinkler systems (earlier editions, cited for existing installations)[5] |
Titles as listed in council and MBIE documents. Inspections follow the standard and edition named in the building's compliance schedule, usually the edition the system was installed to. Changing to a different edition needs an amendment to the compliance schedule.
Building Code context
- Handbook cites Acceptable Solutions Acceptable Solution C/AS1 or C/AS2 (formerly C/AS1–C/AS7) as one basis for sprinkler installations, with NZS 4541 as an example performance standard.[2]
- Westland cites NZS 4541:2020 and NZS 4515:2009 as modified by C/AS2 Appendix B (paras B2.1.2 and B2.1.1).[3]
Questions
How often is SS 1 inspected?
MBIE and council guidance shows tasks at these intervals: weekly (fire pumps), monthly, quarterly, annual and two-yearly, with an IQP certifying the system each year. The building's compliance schedule sets the actual frequency.
Which standards apply to SS 1?
Commonly cited: NZS 4541, NZS 4515, AS 1851-2012, AS ISO 14520.1, AS 6183 (AS 1851 and AS ISO 14520 for gaseous systems). The compliance schedule names the standard and edition for each building.
Who can certify SS 1?
An independently qualified person (IQP) registered with the council for this system. They issue a Form 12A each year, which the owner attaches to the building warrant of fitness. For NZS 4541 sprinkler systems, the two-yearly survey is also carried out by an independent sprinkler surveyor, as the compliance schedule specifies.
Sources
- Building (Specified Systems, Change the Use, and Earthquake-prone Buildings) Regulations 2005, Schedule 1 — Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz), Reprint as at 16 December 2019
- Compliance Schedule Handbook, Amendment 3 — MBIE, 14 February 2014 (first published 25 May 2007)
- Specified Systems Guidance for Customers, WBCA 003 v1.0.1 — Westland District Council BCA, 16 September 2025
- SS1 Automatic Systems for Fire Suppression form, Version 3 — Invercargill City Council, 12 November 2024
- SS 1 specified system form — Palmerston North City Council / Manawatu District Council
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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