Australian Home Elevator Standards: AS1735 and DDA Compliance Guide
Safety and accessibility should always be the top priority when it comes to installing home elevators in Melbourne. At Lift Experts, we recommend elevators that meet the strictest national standards, so you can feel confident in their reliability and legal compliance. Through our platform, you can quickly narrow down your choices to just a few of the best models, helping you save time while finding the right lift for your home.
But what do elevator standards and DDA compliance mean? This guide explains what they are, so you can make an informed decision and select a safe, high-performance lift for your property.
Understanding the AS1735 Australian Standard
The AS1735 Australian Standard governs the design and installation of home elevators in Melbourne. Compliance with this standard guarantees that your lift meets the essential requirements covering everything, from the structural strength and electrical components to safety mechanisms and overall dependability. At Lift Experts, we carefully select only elevators that meet or exceed AS1735 benchmarks, ensuring consistent safety and reliable operation.
AS1735 also details several sub-standards designed to improve accessibility for home elevators. One of the most relevant is AS1735.12, which specifies cabin dimensions and fittings to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. We recommend models that meet this particular requirement so that everyone in your household can use the lift comfortably and safely.
An AS1735.12-compliant home elevator includes:
· Minimum cabin dimensions and door width requirements
· 630 kg car with internal dimensions of 1100 x 1400 mm and 900 mm door opening (for wheelchairs that cannot turn around)
· Handrail on the wall with the control panel
· 1200 kg car with internal dimensions of 1400 x 1970 mm and 900 mm door (for wheelchairs that can turn around)
· Well-positioned signalisation for better usability
· Light curtain to prevent doors from closing accidentally
· Voice announcer system for passengers with visual impairments
Observing DDA compliance for optimum accessibility
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) outlines accessibility standards to ensure that home elevators in Melbourne can accommodate wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges. In simple terms, the DDA ensures that Australians with disabilities enjoy the same level of access and opportunity as others in your home.
What makes an elevator DDA-compliant?
· Voice annunciation for floor levels and door movement
· Braille markings on push buttons and other important indicators
· Push buttons placed within easy reach for people using wheelchairs or those with visual impairments — the highest button should be no more than 1200 mm from the floor
· Clear digital display panels
· Handrails for stability and support
· Adequate space inside the cabin to accommodate a wheelchair comfortably
· An emergency call button connected to a dedicated emergency phone line
· Automatic doors that open and close smoothly
· Fire-rated doors that allow for a wheelchair-accessible emergency exit
Permit requirements for installing a home lift in Melbourne
In most cases, installing an indoor residential elevator does not require council approval if there will be no structural changes made to your home. This simplifies the process and reduces installation time. However, if the project involves structural alterations or external modifications, then you may need a building permit.
If you live in Victoria, you won’t need formal approval for a small internal lift that doesn’t require major structural work. That said, you still need to ensure that it fully complies with AS1735 and all relevant accessibility standards.
Make sure your elevator is compliant
Planning to install a home elevator? Let Lift Experts guide you in selecting the most compliant and reliable home elevators in Melbourne. We partner only with trusted manufacturers to ensure that you’re getting a safe and high-quality lift built for long-term performance.
Click ‘Get Quote’ to start your search today and find a home lift that meets both AS1735 and DDA compliance standards.
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