AS 1735 vs EN 81: What's the Difference Between Australian and European Lift Standards?
When it comes to installing a residential or commercial lift, safety, reliability, and legal compliance are paramount. In Australia, lifts must adhere to the AS 1735 standard, while most internationally manufactured lifts are built to the European EN 81 standard. So, what’s the difference, and what does it mean for you?
What is AS 1735?
Simply put, AS 1735 is the Australian Standard governing the design, installation, and safety of lifts and escalators. It’s written specifically for Australian conditions, ensuring that every installation meets local building codes and compliance requirements.
Key aspects of AS 1735 include:
- Compliance with local electrical (AS 3000), mechanical, and emergency communication requirements.
- Specific accessibility and mobility guidelines under AS 1735.12.
- Mandatory registration with state-based authorities like Worksafe and local certification rules.
What is EN 81?
EN 81 is the harmonised European safety standard for the construction and installation of lifts. It’s used by the vast majority of international lift manufacturers and is recognised globally as a benchmark for quality and safety in design and manufacturing. It consists of multiple parts, such as EN 81-20 for passenger lifts and EN 81-50 for testing and inspection.
Key Differences: AS 1735 vs. EN 81
While both standards aim for safety, they have different focuses and jurisdictions. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | AS 1735 (Australia) | EN 81 (Europe) |
|---|---|---|
| Region of use | Australia & NZ | Europe & international exports |
| Compliance Authority | Worksafe / Building Surveyor | EU conformity (CE marking) |
| Focus | Local building safety and accessibility | Harmonised safety design and manufacturing |
| Electrical requirements | AS 3000 compliance required | IEC-based electrical design |
| Accessibility | Mandatory under AS 1735.12 | Governed under EN 81-70 |
| Testing & Certification | Requires local engineer or RPEQ sign-off | Factory certification & CE documentation |
| Typical Application | Domestic and commercial lifts installed locally | Imported or European-built lifts |
How They Work Together
A lift certified to EN 81 standards provides an excellent foundation of engineering and safety. However, to be legally installed in Australia, it must also meet AS 1735. This is often achieved by adapting the lift with Australian-specific components like emergency phones, compliant electrical gear, and appropriate signage.
At Lift Ease, we ensure every imported lift is fully certified under AS 1735 before installation. This gives our clients the best of both worlds: advanced international engineering quality combined with guaranteed local compliance.
Why Compliance Matters
Installing a lift that isn’t certified under AS 1735 carries significant risks. It cannot be legally registered with Worksafe, may fail a building inspection, and could prevent you from obtaining an occupancy permit. Most importantly, it can compromise safety and invalidate your insurance.
Summary
To recap, EN 81 is the international factory standard for design and manufacturing, while AS 1735 is the mandatory Australian standard for installation, safety, and legal compliance. While both ensure safe lifts, only AS 1735 is legally recognised for use in Australia.
Peace of Mind with Guaranteed Compliance
At Lift Ease, all our products are designed to meet or exceed AS 1735 while retaining the advanced engineering of EN 81-certified systems. We handle all the compliance so you can enjoy your lift with complete confidence.
Contact Us for Compliant Lift Solutions