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DCOF - ANSI A326.3

ANSI A326.3 is the standard for accurately determining the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) on a tile surface. Developed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), ANSI A326.3 is a repeatable, reproducible method of measuring DCOF. This method uses a specifically engineered device to perform the required testing, ensuring the most precise results. The ANSI A326.3 is included in the latest version of ANSI A137.1 Specifications for Ceramic Tile.

REFERENCE CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS
 

Interior Dry (ID)  Crossville products with this classification have a dry DCOF value of 0.42 or greater and are intended to be kept dry, level, and free of contaminants when in use. Possible applications may include hotel lobbies, office buildings, automotive showrooms, and home interiors without water sources.

Interior Wet (IW)  Crossville products with this classification have a wet DCOF value of 0.42 or greater and are intended to be kept dry, but may intermittently be exposed to water, liquids and other contaminants. Possible applications may include entry foyers, public restrooms (without showers), grocery stores, restaurant dining areas, or home kitchens and baths, as well as the applications listed under Interior Dry.

Interior Wet Plus (IW+)  Crossville products with this classification may be suitable for interior areas that are frequently subjected to standing water. These products feature one or more characteristics that promote improved traction and drainage, such as an elevated wet DCOF value, enhanced texture, and/or frequent grout joints. Possible applications may include shower floors, interior pool decks, and locker rooms, as well as the applications listed under Interior Dry and Interior Wet.

Exterior Wet (EW)  Crossville products with this classification typically feature an elevated wet DCOF value along with an enhanced or exaggerated surface texture for improved traction. As a result, such products may be suitable for level outdoor areas that may be walked on when wet. Possible applications may include patios, walkways, and pool decks. These products may also be suitable for the applications listed under Interior Dry, Interior Wet, and Interior Wet Plus, but may not be desirable in certain areas due to their surface texture.

Oils/Greases (O/G)  Crossville products with this classification feature an elevated wet DCOF value and enhanced surface texture for improved traction. Typically used in commercial kitchens, these products may also be suitable for the applications listed under Interior Dry, Interior Wet, Interior Wet Plus, and Exterior Wet, but may not be desirable in certain areas due to their surface texture.

*NOTE: Please note that the classifications provided above are intended to be general in nature and should not be solely relied upon in tile selection. A variety of factors must be considered when determining the suitability of any tile for its intended application. Such considerations include, but are not limited to, type of use, traffic, expected contaminants, expected maintenance, and expected wear. In particular, tile selection for wet applications requires careful consideration of the unique nature of the design and installation. For reference, the industry standard for tile suitable for level interior spaces expected to be walked on when wet with water is a wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) value of 0.42 or greater. However, hard surface flooring materials with a wet DCOF value of 0.42 or greater are not necessarily suitable for all projects. It is the sole responsibility of the end user to consult with a design professional to determine and select the most suitable flooring for a particular project. 

Click here for the PDF version of the DCOF with A326.3 Reference Categories.

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