What Is the Difference Between AS2047 and AS1288?

If you’re planning a building project in Australia, you’ll likely encounter two important Australian Standards: AS2047 and AS1288.

Although they are often mentioned together, they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference is essential for builders, architects, developers, homeowners, and anyone specifying aluminium windows and doors.

Simply put:

• AS2047 focuses on the performance of the complete window or external glazed door system.
• AS1288 focuses on the selection and installation of building glass.

Both standards play an important role in creating safe, durable, and high-performing window and door systems for Australian buildings.

What Is AS2047?

AS2047 – Windows and External Glazed Doors in Buildings is the Australian Standard that specifies the performance requirements for complete window and external glazed door systems.

It applies to many common products used in residential and commercial buildings, including:

• Aluminium awning windows
• Casement windows
• Sliding windows
• Fixed windows
• Double hung windows
• Louvre windows
• Sliding doors
• Hinged doors
• Bifold doors

Rather than focusing on the glass alone, AS2047 evaluates how the entire window or door system performs when installed.

What Does AS2047 Cover?

AS2047 evaluates several key performance areas.

Structural Performance

The window or door must withstand the design wind pressures applicable to its intended location.

Water Penetration Resistance

The system is tested to ensure it resists water entering the building during wind-driven rain.

Air Infiltration

AS2047 limits uncontrolled air leakage through closed windows and doors, contributing to building comfort and overall performance.

Operating Force

Products should open, close, and lock smoothly without excessive force.

Durability

The standard also considers the long-term operation of components such as:

• Rollers
• Hinges
• Locks
• Handles
• Sliding hardware

What Is AS1288?

AS1288 – Glass in Buildings – Selection and Installation is the Australian Standard that provides requirements for choosing and installing glazing in buildings.

Instead of evaluating the complete window system, AS1288 focuses specifically on the glass used within that system.

It helps determine which type of glass is appropriate for different locations within a building based on safety, performance, and application.

What Does AS1288 Cover?

AS1288 provides guidance for selecting and installing glazing in a wide variety of situations.

Key areas include:

Glass Selection

Choosing the appropriate type of glass for different applications, including:

• Float glass
• Toughened glass
• Laminated glass
• Insulated glass units (IGUs)

Safety Glazing

Identifying where safety glazing is required, such as:

• Doors
• Bathrooms
• Low-level glazing
• Stairways
• Areas subject to human impact

Glass Thickness

Determining suitable glass thickness based on factors such as panel size, wind loads, and application.

Installation Requirements

Providing guidance on how glazing should be installed to help achieve safe and reliable performance throughout the life of the building.

The Main Difference Between AS2047 and AS1288

The easiest way to understand the difference is to think of a window as two parts:

• The window or door system
• The glass installed within it

In simple terms:

• AS2047 asks: How does the complete window or door perform?
• AS1288 asks: What type of glass should be used, and how should it be installed?

Why Are Both Standards Important?

A high-quality aluminium window depends on both the frame system and the glazing.

For example:

A window may have an excellent aluminium frame that performs well under wind and weather conditions, but if the wrong type of glass is selected or installed incorrectly, the overall performance and safety of the window can be compromised.

Likewise, using premium glazing in a poorly designed window system may not deliver the expected results.

This is why AS2047 and AS1288 are commonly considered together during the design and specification process.

Examples of How the Standards Work Together

Example 1: A Residential Home

A builder specifies aluminium awning windows.

• The window system is selected to satisfy the project’s performance requirements under AS2047.
• The glazing is selected and installed according to AS1288, taking into account factors such as window size, location, and safety requirements.

Example 2: A Luxury Home with Large Glass Panels

A custom-designed home includes oversized fixed windows overlooking a garden.

The project team considers:

• The structural performance of the window system.
• The appropriate glass specification for large glazed areas.
• The installation requirements for the selected glazing.

In this situation, both AS2047 and AS1288 play important roles in the overall window design.

Example 3: A Multi-Residential Development

An apartment project may include:

• Sliding windows
• Awning windows
• Sliding doors
• Fixed glazing

The aluminium systems are selected based on the project’s performance requirements, while the glazing specification varies according to window size, location, safety considerations, and design intent.

Common Misunderstandings

“AS2047 Includes Glass Selection”

Not exactly.

AS2047 evaluates the performance of the complete window or door system, but detailed glazing selection requirements are addressed by AS1288.

“AS1288 Tests Windows”

No.

AS1288 does not evaluate the overall performance of window or door systems.

Its focus is the selection and installation of glazing.

“Only Commercial Buildings Need AS1288”

Incorrect.

AS1288 applies to glazing in residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, and many other building types.

Choosing the Right Aluminium Window Supplier

Selecting the right supplier is just as important as understanding the standards.

An experienced supplier should be able to assist with:

• Custom aluminium window and door solutions
• Appropriate glazing recommendations
• Technical documentation
• Shop drawings
• Coordination with architects and builders
• Support throughout the project

MEICHEN Windows & Doors manufactures customised aluminium windows and doors for Australian residential and commercial projects. Our team works closely with builders, architects, developers, and homeowners to help deliver solutions that align with Australian project requirements, from system design through to glazing recommendations and production.

Conclusion

Although AS2047 and AS1288 are closely related, they serve different functions.

• AS2047 establishes the performance requirements for complete windows and external glazed door systems.
• AS1288 provides the requirements for selecting and installing the appropriate glazing within those systems.

Together, they help ensure that aluminium windows and doors are safe, durable, and suitable for Australian building projects.

Whether you’re building a new home, developing a residential community, or managing a commercial project, understanding both standards will help you make better decisions when specifying windows, doors, and glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AS2047 and AS1288?

AS2047 covers the performance of complete window and external glazed door systems, while AS1288 covers the selection and installation of building glass.

Does AS2047 include glass requirements?

AS2047 assesses the performance of the overall system. Specific glazing selection and installation requirements are addressed by AS1288.

Do residential homes need both AS2047 and AS1288?

Many residential projects consider both standards because the window system and the glazing each have different performance requirements.

Does AS1288 apply to double glazing?

Yes. AS1288 provides guidance for selecting and installing various types of glazing, including insulated glass units (IGUs), where appropriate for the application.

Why should I choose an experienced window supplier?

An experienced supplier such as MEICHEN Windows & Doors can provide customised aluminium window and door solutions, technical support, glazing guidance, and coordinated project services to help ensure the products are suitable for Australian building requirements.