SS 2 covers automatic or manual emergency warning systems for fire or other dangers, such as manual call points and heat or smoke detection. Alarms wholly inside one household unit are excluded. Systems are typically maintained to NZS 4512 with monthly and annual checks, and an IQP certifies them each year on Form 12A.
At a glance
| Specified system | SS 2 |
| Official name | Automatic or manual emergency warning systems for fire or other dangers |
| Typical intervals | Monthly and annual (varies by task; see below) |
| Standards often cited | NZS 4512, NZS 4514, AS 1851 |
| Annual certificate | Form 12A from an IQP, attached to the building warrant of fitness |
What SS 2 covers
- Schedule 1 item 2 excludes a fire warning system wholly within a household unit that serves only that unit.[1]
- The handbook says these need regular inspection and testing so they operate as their performance standard requires in a fire or other danger.[2]
- Handbook examples: Type 2 manual systems, Type 3 heat-detector and Type 4 smoke-detector automatic alarms with call points, and carpark carbon monoxide detection.[2]
- Westland lists Types 1-5: domestic smoke alarms (Type 1), manual (Type 2), heat (Type 3), smoke (Type 4) and modified smoke detection (Type 5).[3]
- FENZ's code of practice describes how fire alarms and sprinkler systems connect to Fire and Emergency via an alarm service provider.[4]
Which buildings have it
- The handbook says SS 2 is listed on a compliance schedule in all cases where present.[2]
- Systems entirely within one household unit and serving only it are excluded from Schedule 1.[1]
How often it is inspected
| System | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | 3-monthly | 6-monthly | Annual | 2–5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 2 Emergency warning (fire alarms) | no | no | no | no | no |
| Task | Typical frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection/maintenance per NZS 4512 Section 6 (records per 8.5), Types 2-5 | Monthly and annual | IQP[3] |
| Type 1 smoke alarm checks per NZS 4514 Section 3 | Monthly | Owner[3] |
| Type 1 smoke alarm inspection | Annual | IQP[3] |
| FENZ-connected alarms: keep a current annual survey and up-to-date monthly test records | Monthly / annual | —[4] |
What an inspection typically covers
- Planned preventative and responsive maintenance to the nominated standard (NZS 4512, AS 1851 or a specific design).[2]
- Inspection and maintenance records kept per NZS 4512 Section 8.5.[3]
- FENZ code: battery and power-supply tests at intervals of no more than 48 hours for connected alarms.[4]
Standards commonly cited
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| NZS 4512:2021 | Fire detection and alarm systems in buildings[3] |
| NZS 4514:2021 | Interconnected smoke alarms for houses[3] |
| AS 1851 | Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment[2] |
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.
Questions
How often is SS 2 inspected?
MBIE and council guidance shows tasks at these intervals: monthly and annual, with an IQP certifying the system each year. The building's compliance schedule sets the actual frequency.
Which standards apply to SS 2?
Commonly cited: NZS 4512, NZS 4514, AS 1851. The compliance schedule names the standard and edition for each building.
Who can certify SS 2?
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.
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
- Code of Practice for the Automatic Fire Alarm System v1.9 — Fire and Emergency New Zealand, 29 March 2019
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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