Smoke alarm transition
16 Sep 2024, Industry Updates, News
The one-year transition period for the amended Acceptable Solutions C/AS1, C/AS2, F7/AS1 and Verification Method C/VM2 ends in November 2024. From there on, builders working on new builds or renovations that require a consent will have to install interconnected smoke alarms as a minimum fire system in household units
Between May and July 2022, the Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) sought feedback for a proposal on protection from fire for residential homes.
MBIE received 58 responses during the consultation period. Of those, 96% of respondents supported the proposal. One submission had concerns regarding the additional cost of wiring interconnected smoke alarms. However, MBIE did not share the same concerns. It stated:
“MBIE has determined that there are minimal costs or impacts to construction associated with the installation of interconnected smoke alarms. For new buildings, installing a hard-wired interconnected smoke alarm system can be installed during construction, while the house is being wired. For renovations to existing buildings, battery-operated, wirelessly interconnected smoke alarm options allow this to be done without rewiring the home.”
Following the consultation process, MBIE amended Acceptable Solutions C/AS1, C/AS2, F7/AS1 and Verification Method C/VM2 to improve the protection of people from fire, with a one-year transition period.
Interconnected smoke alarms as standard
MBIE says the change will bring the requirements for fire safety systems in line with the latest industry standards by making interconnected smoke alarms a minimum fire safety standard in household units.
“Interconnected smoke alarms work by sending signals between the smoke alarms in a house. This means that if one smoke alarm in a particular room detects a fire, all the smoke alarms in that house will activate and sound an alarm,” said MBIE.
“Requiring interconnected smoke alarms as the minimum fire alarm system in residential homes is expected to further reduce the number of fatalities and injuries each year. The amended C/AS1 and C/AS2 cite NZS 4514: 2021 for their installation.”
From the end of November 2024, interconnected smoke detectors will need to be installed in all:
- Bedrooms.
- Living spaces.
- Hallways.
- Landings. In muti-level dwellings, there must be one on each level.
The standard also provides recommendations on different types of detectors that can be used in different areas of a house to avoid nuisance alarms, such as in a kitchen, and options for wired and wireless smoke alarms.
Installing or replacing a hard-wired alarm must be done by a licensed electrician.
What do the new standards apply to?
The changes apply to new building work, renovations requiring a consent and homes or buildings with a change in use.
“For existing buildings, battery-operated interconnected smoke alarms can be installed without the need to rewire the home. This is a cost-effective solution that saves lives,” said MBIE.
Battery-operated smoke alarms must have a long life (minimum 10-year) sealed and non-removable battery.
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