Can I use pool fencing for a balcony?

[Cwdl]

can anyone tell me why I cannot use Bunnings pool fencing for a balcony compared with the Bunnings balustrade it is less than half the cost 

cheers Chris 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community Chris (@Cwdl). It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question.

Was it the glass panel system or the aluminium?

If it was the glass panel system, it is due to their compliance and usage regulations. The balustrade panels are not only toughened but have gone through an additional heat soaking process to ensure they are safe to use on balconies. The pool fencing is not compliant as it is only toughened glass.

For further usage information, please feel free to contact The Architect's Choice compliance team.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or have questions.

Mitchell

[seanepic]

Can the A1 aluminium tubular fence 2400x1200 be used as balustrades? It meets the height requirements of minimal 1m and the gap and strength requirements and prevent climbing requirements and Its exactly same material as 1800x900 tubular balustrade tubular penal. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @seanepic,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

I'm not sure what product you are referring to. Could you provide a link to these products?

Assuming they meet the tensile requirements set out by the National Construction Code Part 3.9.2 Barriers and handrails, Australian and New Zealand Standards 1170.1 and can be anchored in a suitable fashion, then I don't see any reason it wouldn't be ok. 

It is likely worth double-checking with the manufacturer of the product to ensure that it meets these requirements.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[seanepic]

https://www.bunnings.com.au/protectoral-2400-x-1200mm-black-aluminium-flat-top-pool-fence-panel_p044...

This product as per question about

[JacobZ]

Hi @seanepic,

I have spoken with the ProtectorAl team, who have informed me that the 2400x1200 pool fence panels can only be used if the fall height is no more than 1m. Anything above this will require products that are built to a higher standard.

Suppose the fall height is above 1m, to comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) then you're going to have to use the ProtectorAl 1800 x 950mm Black Aluminium Flat Top Round Picket Balustrade Panels. They are manufactured at 1800mm long to ensure they don't span too far between attachments and are within the tensile requirements of the NCC and Australian and New Zealand Standards.

You will also have to use the End Balustrade Posts, Middle Balustrade Posts and Wall Brackets to comply with the relevant standards for balustrades.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[seanepic]

Ok so its because the span of 2400 makes the panel less stable? If we install a feet bracket attachment at the centre 1200 bottom of panel fixed to floor would this comply with the performance? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @seanepic,

Yes, it is because the span is 2400.

If you would like to go outside of the boundaries of the system that has been tested and certified for this purpose, then you would need to speak with an engineer to ensure it complies with the NCC and Australian and New Zealand Standards.

If the standard panels will not work for you, I'd suggest speaking with the Special Orders team at your local store as ProtectorAl has some ability to make custom panels as long as they are still within the boundaries set out by the NCC and Australian and New Zealand Standards. The Special Orders team will be able to guide you through the ordering process.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[seanepic]

Thanks for the information im sure other people have wondered about the same thing in regarding to the 2400 panel. Our balcony is 4700 wide hence why we thought 2400 would be a better size then 1800.