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Automatic earthquake gas shutoff for commercial buildings, utilities, and infrastructure. NZ-designed and manufactured since 1971. Serving New Zealand and Australia.
The fire risk most buildings aren't protected against
Large buildings rely on gas for heating and hot water. The pipe running from the street to the boiler can span multiple floors — under stress in an earthquake, those joints and connections fail.
When that happens, gas doesn't stop flowing. It accumulates. In a sealed building, that's a catastrophic fire waiting for a spark — from emergency lighting, electrical switchgear, or a passing vehicle outside.
This isn't a theoretical risk. It's the reason gas isolation is increasingly required for commercial buildings, apartments, hospitals, and public infrastructure across New Zealand and Australia.
Post-earthquake gas fires can far exceed the cost of structural damage — a pattern seen repeatedly in major New Zealand earthquakes. Commercial property insurers are increasingly attentive to this risk, and automatic gas isolation is recognised as a proactive risk management measure.
Automatic gas isolation in 10 milliseconds
The Solid State Seismic Shutoff (MK6) continuously monitors ground acceleration. The moment shaking exceeds a pre-set threshold, it fires a relay within 10 milliseconds — closing gas valves and triggering any connected safety system, before the destructive waves arrive.
Unlike passive mechanical seismic valves that react to physical displacement, the MK6 detects the faster-moving P-waves that precede destructive shaking — giving your systems a critical head start.
Specified by contractors, engineers, and operators across NZ and Australia
- Electrical and HVAC contractors specifying gas safety for commercial buildings
- Building services companies managing multi-tenancy and apartment buildings
- Utilities and energy operators protecting gas infrastructure
- Industrial facilities with process equipment that must shut down safely
- Local government, hospitals, and schools meeting life-safety obligations
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New Zealand-designed and built. Proven in the field.
Solid State Equipment has been manufacturing seismic safety systems in New Zealand since 1971. The MK6 is designed and built here, for the seismic demands of one of the world's most earthquake-prone regions — and installed across New Zealand and Australia in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, utilities, and public infrastructure.
Every activation — test, false alarm, or real earthquake — is logged in a 6-digit event counter, giving building managers a complete auditable record.
Find what you need
I'm a contractor or installer
Spec sheets, installation guidance, and how to order.
Contractor information →
I manage or own a building
Understanding your obligations and how gas isolation protects your asset and your tenants.
Building owner information →
I work in utilities or infrastructure
High-reliability seismic protection for gas networks, substations, and process facilities.
Infrastructure information →
Latest articles
- NZ Earthquake Safety Requirements for Commercial Buildings
- Electronic vs Mechanical Seismic Shutoff — What's the Difference?
- What Happens to Gas Systems in an Earthquake?
Ready to protect your building or site? We're based in New Zealand and serve customers across NZ and Australia.
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