Why EN 1057 is the Next Step for Copper Tube in New Zealand
From the early 1900s through to the 1950s, copper tubes and fittings began replacing galvanised iron in New Zealand homes as the preferred choice for water piping.
This shift led to the creation of the New Zealand Copper Tube Standard, NZS 3501.
Since then, international copper tube standards have continued to evolve and modernise. This raises an important question: is it time to align with EN 1057, the internationally recognised copper tube standard?
NZS 3501: A Standard Stuck in the Past
First introduced in 1976, NZS 3501 was based on the now-obsolete British Standard BS 659 and later BS 2871. Since then, the UK and Europe have completely overhauled their copper tube standards, culminating in the comprehensive EN 1057.
Yet, New Zealand has never revised NZS 3501. It still outlines tube dimensions and material requirements, but does not account for modern testing, certification, or manufacturing processes. Put simply, it’s almost 50 years out of date.
EN 1057: A Modern, Harmonised Standard
EN 1057 is the European benchmark for copper tubes used in plumbing, heating, and gas systems. Unlike NZS 3501, it reflects today’s best practices, covering:
- Material quality: Cu-DHP (CW024A) copper with ≥99.90% purity
- Manufacturing accuracy: Tighter tolerances for dimensions, wall thickness, and roundness
- Rigorous testing: Mandatory pressure, leakage, and eddy current checks
- Tube classifications: Soft (R220), half-hard (R250), and hard (R290)
- Compliance and traceability: CE marking and adherence to EU safety regulations
It is recognised in over 30 countries and stands as a globally respected framework for quality and consistency.
Bridging Old and New: The Connection Between NZS 3501 and EN 1057
Interestingly, many of the copper tube sizes originally specified in BS 659 and later NZS 3501 remain embedded within EN 1057. Annex A of the standard lists these legacy dimensions, indicating a familiar link remains.
For example, the following NZS 3501 sizes directly correspond to EN 1057:
- 15 mm
- 20 mm
- 25 mm
- 32 mm
- 40 mm
- 50 mm
This continuity shows that while New Zealand’s standard has remained frozen in time, EN 1057 has taken those foundations and elevated them into a robust, modern framework.
Why Installers Should Choose EN 1057
By adopting the EN 1057 copper tube, New Zealand installers, engineers, and specifiers gain clear advantages:
✅ Updated Manufacturing Controls – Tighter tolerances, more testing, and traceable CE marking.
✅ Futureproof Compliance – A standard that keeps pace with global regulatory expectations.
✅ Global Supply Chain Compatibility – Products readily available and matched to modern international fittings.
✅ Improved Quality Assurance – Safer, cleaner, and more consistent tubing.
✅ Ease of Specification – Recognised and understood by designers and consultants worldwide.
Building for the Future
NZS 3501 may still exist, but it is no longer fit for purpose. The future of plumbing in New Zealand lies with EN 1057—a standard that brings quality, safety, and international alignment.
It’s time for the industry to raise the benchmark.
Ready to make the switch? Contact KE KELIT NZ to explore our full range of EN 1057 copper systems and start building to a modern standard.
Our Copper Systems...
COPPERFIX
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Designed for efficient and cost-effective jointing of copper tubes to the EN 1057 standard, also available to medical standards.