How to compare non-slip tile ratings.

Last week I discussed the four commonly used anti-slip tests in the industry: the Coefficient of Friction (CoF), Floor Surface Roughness (Rz), the R rating and the ABC rating. In this mail I'll show how the different measurements can be compared so that you, as a tile sales person can advise your customers to select tiles that are suitable for their application.

'R' Rating Ramp test & ABC ratings - Wet areas.

The resistance level, or ‘R’ rating, is the classification used by professionals to advise on whether a tile should be applied in a typically wet environment (like a pool surround) or is best in other low risk areas (like a kitchen) and takes into consideration the highest angle in which it remains safe, by measuring on a ramp.

Also taken into consideration is the tiles safety when walked on barefoot. Rather than an ‘R’ rating this is measured alphabetically, with ‘A’ being the least resistant and ‘C’ the most. Again these are tested to the limits through a ramp measuring system.

The two testing methods overlap and can be better explained in the table below. 
R ratings and angles are in red, ABC ratings and angles are in blue.

Classification	Angle ⁰	Classification	Angle ⁰	Application
R9	6⁰ < 8⁰			Domestic hallway/living room
R10	10⁰ < 19⁰	A	12⁰ < 17⁰	Domestic bathroom/kitchen
R11	19⁰ < 27⁰	B	18⁰ < 23⁰	Public toilet/dressing room
R12	27⁰ < 35⁰	C	> 24⁰	Public showers
R13	> 35⁰			Swimming pools/saunas

Pendulum Test

The pendulum test determines the tile from safe to dangerous and tests through a weighted swinging arm and its resistance once in contact with the tile. It is measured in a ‘SRV’ rating, which stands for Slip Resistance Value.  This rating is used by Health and safety professionals.

SRV Pendulum Test Result	Slip Potential	Rating	Application
0 – 24	Dangerous or high potential for slipping	Dangerous	Most domestic settings
25 – 35	Marginal or moderate potential for slipping	Moderate	Public toilets/foyers
36 – 65	Safe or low potential for slipping	Safe	Swimming pools
66 +	Very safe or extremely low potential	Very Safe

Next is a very simple R rating diagram. The shoes indicate what types are relatively safe at each rating.



Enquire about our anti-slip tiles with R11+ ratings.