AS2047 and AS1288 are two different Australian Standards that apply to windows, doors and glazing. AS2047 focuses on the performance of the complete window or external glazed door system, including wind resistance, water penetration and air infiltration. AS1288 focuses on the selection and installation of glass, including safety glazing requirements.

In simple terms:

• AS2047 = How well the window or door system performs
• AS1288 = How the glass should be selected and installed safely

Both standards work together to ensure aluminium windows and doors are suitable for Australian building projects.

Introduction

When selecting aluminium windows and doors in Australia, builders, architects and homeowners often come across two important standards:

• AS2047
• AS1288

Although they are frequently mentioned together, they serve completely different purposes.

Understanding the difference between these standards helps ensure the correct products are selected for residential, commercial and architectural projects.

A high-performance window system requires both:

1. A window frame and system that performs correctly.
2. Glass that is selected and installed safely.

This is why AS2047 and AS1288 are both important parts of Australian window compliance.

AS2047 vs AS1288 Comparison Table

What Is AS2047?

AS2047 is the Australian Standard related to the performance requirements of external windows and glazed doors.

It evaluates how a complete window system performs when exposed to simulated environmental conditions.

AS2047 testing commonly considers:

• Wind pressure performance
• Water penetration resistance
• Air infiltration
• Operating forces

What Does AS2047 Apply To?

AS2047 applies to products such as:

• Aluminium windows
• Aluminium sliding doors
• Aluminium bifold doors
• Fixed glazing systems
• External glazed doors

The focus is the complete assembled product, including:

• Aluminium frame
• Hardware
• Seals
• Glazing system
• Drainage design

Why Is AS2047 Important for Aluminium Windows?

Australia has many challenging environmental conditions:

• Strong coastal winds
• Heavy rainfall
• Extreme sunlight
• Temperature changes

Windows and doors must perform under these conditions.

AS2047 helps demonstrate whether a window system can provide:

Weather Protection

Good resistance against:

• Rain penetration
• Wind-driven water
• Air leakage

Structural Performance

Windows need to withstand expected wind pressures without failure.

This is especially important for:

• High-rise apartments
• Coastal homes
• Large architectural windows

What Is AS1288?

AS1288 is the Australian Standard for the selection and installation of glass in buildings.

Unlike AS2047, it does not test the entire window system.

Instead, it focuses on:

• Glass type
• Glass thickness
• Safety glazing requirements
• Installation methods

What Does AS1288 Apply To?

AS1288 applies to different glass applications, including:

• Window glass
• Door glass
• Shower screens
• Balustrades
• Internal glazing
• Large glass panels

Why Is AS1288 Important?

Glass can create safety risks if incorrectly selected.

AS1288 helps determine:

• When safety glass is required
• What glass type should be used
• Suitable installation methods

Examples where safety glazing may be required:

• Full-height glass doors
• Low-level glazing
• Areas with human impact risk

How Do AS2047 and AS1288 Work Together?

A common question is:

“Do I need AS2047 or AS1288?”

The answer is usually:

Both may be relevant because they address different parts of the window system.

Example:

A residential aluminium sliding door project may require:

AS2047 considerations:

• Does the door resist wind pressure?
• Does it prevent water penetration?
• Does it limit air leakage?

AS1288 considerations:

• Is the glass type suitable?
• Is safety glazing required?
• Is the glass thickness appropriate?

Together, they help create a complete compliant solution.

Example: Aluminium Sliding Door Compliance

Imagine an Australian coastal home using a large aluminium sliding door.

The project may require:

AS2047 Evaluation:

The door system is assessed for:

✔ Wind performance
✔ Water resistance
✔ Air infiltration

AS1288 Evaluation:

The glass is assessed for:

✔ Safety requirements
✔ Glass type
✔ Thickness selection

Both standards address different risks.

Common Misunderstandings About AS2047 and AS1288

Myth 1:

“AS2047 is a glass standard.”

Reality:

AS2047 is mainly about the performance of the complete window and external glazed door system.

Myth 2:

“AS1288 certifies the whole window.”

Reality:

AS1288 focuses on glass selection and installation, not the complete window system.

Myth 3:

“If the glass is safe, the window is compliant.”

Reality:

A compliant window requires more than safe glass.

Performance depends on:

• Frame design
• Hardware
• Sealing
• Installation
• Glass selection

Which Standard Should Builders Check First?

The answer depends on the project stage.

Product Selection Stage

Consider:

• AS2047 performance requirements
• Window system specifications

Glass Selection Stage

Consider:

• AS1288 requirements
• Safety glazing needs

Installation Stage

Confirm:

• Correct installation method
• Manufacturer instructions
• Site requirements

Why Australian Builders Need Both Standards

For builders and developers, compliance is important because it helps:

• Reduce project risks
• Meet building requirements
• Improve product reliability
• Provide documentation confidence

For architects, these standards help specify suitable products based on:

• Building location
• Design requirements
• Performance expectations

AS2047, AS1288 and Australian Aluminium Windows

Modern aluminium windows combine:

• Aluminium profiles
• Glass systems
• Hardware
• Weather seals

Each component contributes to final performance.

A quality aluminium window supplier should understand how these standards interact and provide appropriate technical information.

MEICHEN Windows & Doors Compliance Approach

MEICHEN Windows & Doors specialises in aluminium windows and doors designed for Australian projects.

Our solutions focus on:

• Australian market requirements
• Aluminium system engineering
• Glass specification support
• Quality-controlled manufacturing
• Project-based solutions

For builders, developers and architects, understanding compliance requirements is an important part of selecting reliable window and door systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AS2047 the same as AS1288?

No. AS2047 covers window and door system performance, while AS1288 covers glass selection and installation.

Do aluminium windows need both AS2047 and AS1288?

Many Australian projects consider both standards because windows require both system performance and safe glazing.

Which is more important, AS2047 or AS1288?

Neither is more important. They address different aspects of compliance.

Does AS2047 include glass safety requirements?

No. Glass safety requirements are mainly covered by AS1288.

Does AS1288 test window performance?

No. AS1288 focuses on glass selection and installation.