“Types” of Fire Alarm Systems

The Compliance Documents for the New Zealand Building Code define several “types” of Fire Alarm systems. These are usually stated in Building Consents and are (very briefly) summarised as follows:

  • Type 1: – Domestic Smoke Alarms (not covered by NZS 4512: 2010)
  • Type 2: – A fire alarm system with manual call points, connected to the fire brigade.
  • Type 2f: – A fire alarm system with manual call points, not connected to the fire brigade.
  • Type 3b: – A suffix that designates a Type 4 or a Type 6 system is required instead wherever there is only a single escape route.
  • Type 3f: – A Type 3 fire detection and alarm system, not connected to the fire brigade.
  • Type 4: – A fire detection and alarm system with manual call points and smoke detectors, connected to the fire brigade. Heat detectors are allowed to replace smoke detectors in some locations. 
  • Type 4e: – A historical designation no longer used.
  • Type 4f: – A Type 4 fire detection and alarm system, not connected to the fire brigade.
  • Type 5: – A variation of a Type 4 for sleeping accommodation areas. Smoke detectors do not sound a general alarm or call the fire brigade, but instead sound a “hush”-able local alarm and alert building management. Heat detectors or sprinklers in the same areas sound a general alarm and call the fire brigade.
  • Type 6: – A fire sprinkler system connected to the fire brigade plus a Type 2 manual fire alarm system.
  • Type 6f: – A Type 6 fire sprinkler system plus manual fire alarm system, not connected to the fire brigade.
  • Type 7: – A fire sprinkler system connected to the fire brigade, plus a Type 4 or Type 4f fire detection and alarm system with smoke detectors and manual call points.
  • Type 7e: – A variation of a Type 7 that requires the Type 4 component to be a Type 5 within sleeping accommodation areas.
  • Type 7f: – A Type 7 fire sprinkler system plus Type 4 fire detection and alarm system, not connected to the fire brigade.
  • Type 8: – A historical designation for Emergency Warning and Intercommunication voice communication system (EWIS) and emergency telephone systems. No longer used.

For a fuller description, please consult the NZ Building Code Compliance Documents themselves, available for download here at MBIE website