SS 3 covers electromagnetic or automatic doors and windows: automatic doors (3/1), access-controlled doors (3/2) and doors or windows linked to the fire alarm (3/3). Owners typically check they open freely daily or monthly; IQPs inspect annually, or six-monthly for access-controlled doors, per MBIE's Compliance Schedule Handbook.
At a glance
| Specified system | SS 3 |
| Official name | Electromagnetic or automatic doors or windows |
| Sub-categories | SS 3/1 Automatic doors SS 3/2 Access controlled doors SS 3/3 Interfaced fire or smoke doors or windows |
| Typical intervals | Daily, monthly, 6-monthly and annual (varies by task; see below) |
| Standards often cited | NZS 4239, AS 5007-2007, AS/NZS 4290, AS 4085, AS/NZS IEC 60839.11.1, AS 4178 |
| Annual certificate | Form 12A from an IQP, attached to the building warrant of fitness |
What SS 3 covers
- Schedule 1 item 3 gives the example of doors or windows that close when the fire alarm activates.[1]
- The handbook says inspection ensures occupants can escape in an emergency and people with disabilities can get in.[2]
- 3/1: listed where a door opens without direct occupant action, could injure if it fails and could trap occupants; e.g. sliding and revolving automatic doors.[2]
- 3/2: doors with a security control (swipe card, proximity sensor, keypad or delayed egress) that could trap occupants if they fail.[2]
- 3/3: doors or windows that open or close when the emergency warning system or a detector activates, e.g. electromagnetic door holders.[2]
Which buildings have it
- Daily checks are expected in crowd occupancies (purpose groups CS, CL, CO, CM in the Handbook; risk group CA under current C/AS2) and buildings where work could affect a door on an escape or accessible route.[2]
How often it is inspected
| System | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | 3-monthly | 6-monthly | Annual | 2–5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 3 Automatic doors and windows | no | no | no |
| Task | Typical frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 3/1, 3/2, 3/3: check door can open and is not locked, barred or blocked (crowd occupancies / escape-route works) | Daily when occupied | Owner[2] |
| 3/1, 3/2, 3/3: same check, all other occupancies | Monthly | Owner[2] |
| 3/1 automatic doors full inspection | Annual | IQP[2] |
| 3/2 access-controlled doors inspection | Six-monthly | IQP[2] |
| 3/3 interfaced fire/smoke doors inspection | Annual | IQP[2] |
| 3/2 back-up batteries replaced | About every two years or when faulty | Competent person[2] |
What an inspection typically covers
- 3/1 annual: controller, activation and safety devices, hanger brackets and bolts, wheels, anti-rise rollers.[2]
- 3/1 annual: door leaves and hardware, alignment and clearance, glazing and vision panels, floor guides, doorway lighting, leading-edge contrast strip.[2]
- 3/1 tests: locks, battery back-up, brakes, panic/fail-safe devices, alarm interface, sensor pick-up at shallow angles, door stays open at least five seconds.[2]
- 3/2 six-monthly: fail-safe release in an emergency and on power loss, alarm connection, and any emergency power supply (may fall under SS 14/1).[2]
- 3/2 maintenance: belt/chain tension and brakes, worn wheels, clean tracks, recharge back-up batteries.[2]
- 3/3 annual: fail-safe on power loss, manual release, connection to the emergency warning system.[2]
- 3/3 fire or smoke doors forming part of a fire separation may also need checking under SS 15/3 and SS 15/5.[2]
Standards commonly cited
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| NZS 4239:1993 | Automatic sliding door assemblies[3] |
| AS 5007-2007 | Powered doors for pedestrian access and egress[3] |
| AS/NZS 4290 | Design and installation of revolving doors[3] |
| AS 4085 | Automatic sliding door assemblies (cited by the Handbook for SS 3/1; superseded by AS 5007-2007)[2] |
| AS/NZS IEC 60839.11.1:2019 | Electronic access control systems (SS 3/2)[3] |
| NZ Security Association Code of Practice (Aug 2018) | Electromechanical Controlled Locking Devices on Egress Doors, Section 7 preventative maintenance (SS 3/2)[3] |
| AS 4178:1994 | Electromagnetic door holders (SS 3/3)[3] |
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
- Westland cites compliance with C/AS2 paragraph 3.15.2 as an option for SS 3/2 access-controlled doors.[3]
Questions
How often is SS 3 inspected?
MBIE and council guidance shows tasks at these intervals: daily, monthly, 6-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 3?
Commonly cited: NZS 4239, AS 5007-2007, AS/NZS 4290, AS 4085, AS/NZS IEC 60839.11.1, AS 4178. The compliance schedule names the standard and edition for each building.
Who can certify SS 3?
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
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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