AS3996 is the Australian standard that provides the appropriate load rating based on weight, location and other environmental factors. It is the responsibility of the designer/specifier to ensure an appropriate class is selected and/or specified. Specifics of the installation location should be taken into consideration when selecting the right cover or grate. The speed of traffic, wheel type and the physical position (turning area) should all be assessed.
Standards vary around the globe, however AS3996, EN1433 and EN124 are considered the leading standards internationally for Access Covers and Grating. The main differences between the EN and AS standards with the load ratings is the label. European standards (EN1433 and EN 124) are Class A to Class F, however the Australian Standard (AS3996) goes from Class A to Class G. The testing is equivalent, for example, a EN Class F is tested to 900 kilonewtons (kN), and a AS3996 Class G is tested to 900kN)
To keep integrity, SABdrain uses independent testing facilities for all our grates.