EN 747 Bunk Bed Standard Explained
Direct answers
What does EN 747 require?
It is the European safety standard for bunk beds and high beds. Part 1 sets the requirements: an upper guardrail at least 16 cm (160 mm) above the mattress, a permanent warning that the top bunk is not for children under 6, gap limits to prevent entrapment, and stability tests. Part 2 sets the test methods. A compliant bed needs both parts.
What guardrail height does EN 747-1 require?
At least 16 cm (160 mm), measured from the top surface of the mattress to the top edge of the guardrail, running the full length of the open side. A thicker mattress lowers the effective height, which is why the mattress thickness is written into the instruction sheet. Zehao standard bunk beds use a 360 mm guardrail measured from the mattress platform to the top of the rail, which leaves 160 mm above a 200 mm mattress - the EN 747-1 minimum - and this is reported in the SGS test. The 360 mm figure applies to standard bunk beds only; prison / correctional and custom, OEM or project-specific builds are not covered and follow the project specification.
What weight does EN 747-2 test to?
Part 2 defines how the bed is loaded rather than one single pass weight. What buyers need is the tested load per berth: Zehao standard models are SGS tested to 200 kg per berth, and economy models to 120 kg. Ask for the Part 2 test report with the quotation, because a Part 1 declaration on its own does not prove the load.
What is the difference between EN 747-1 and EN 747-2?
Part 1 covers four things: dimensions and gaps, guardrails, stability, and labelling. Part 2 covers the test methods used to prove them. The design follows Part 1 and the test report follows Part 2, so when you ask a supplier for compliance evidence, ask for the Part 2 report rather than a Part 1 declaration.
Which edition of EN 747 should I specify?
Name the year in the purchase order, for example EN 747-1:2024, instead of writing just "EN 747". The two figures buyers ask about most, the 16 cm guardrail above the mattress and the 6-year upper-bunk warning, carry through the recent editions. Confirm the exact clause with your certifier before the tender closes.
What Is the EN 747 Standard for Bunk Beds?
EN 747 is the European safety standard that governs the structural strength, guard-rail geometry and durability of bunk beds and other high beds. For B2B buyers specifying beds for hostels, dormitories, camps, prisons and worker accommodation, EN 747 is the baseline that tells you whether a frame will survive commercial, multi-shift use rather than light home use.
EN 747-1 vs EN 747-2
| Part | Scope | What it tests |
|---|---|---|
| EN 747-1 | Bunk beds and high beds | Static and dynamic load on berths and ladder, guard-rail height and gap, entrapment, stability |
| EN 747-2 | Ladders, guard-rails and safety barriers | Strength and geometry of access and fall-protection components |
The current edition in active use is EN 747-1:2024. Zehao metal bunk beds are built and third-party tested to this edition.
Key Requirements a Buyer Should Check
- Berth load: Zehao frames are SGS load-tested to 200 kg per berth (premium line) and a verified 120 kg per berth economy line — both well above typical residential ratings.
- Guard rail: continuous top berth protection with controlled gap to prevent roll-out.
- Stability: no tipping under asymmetric load; welded steel joints, not clip connectors.
- No entrapment: spacing rules for bars and openings.
Why EN 747 Matters for Institutional Buyers
Procurement officers and tender documents in the EU, Middle East, Australia (by reference) and many Asian projects require EN 747 compliance plus an independent test report. A supplier who can show an SGS test report and CE / ISO 9001 certificates reduces your customs and liability risk.
Zehao Compliance Snapshot
- Standard: EN 747-1:2024 (bunk beds), EN 1725 (metal beds), EN 1957 (folding beds)
- Third-party proof: SGS load test report on file, 200 kg/berth
- Certificates: CE marked, ISO 9001 certified
- Factory: Tianjin Zehao Furniture, established 1999, 20,000 m2, 40+ countries served
Request the Test Reports
Email zehao@cntjzh.com or WhatsApp +86 15510908182 for the SGS report, CE and ISO certificates, and a tender-ready spec sheet. FOB Tianjin quotes returned within 1 business day.