What is DCOF and why is it important?
WHAT IS DCOF? When it comes to tile and natural stone on the floor, slip-resistance is a main consideration, especially in bathrooms or industrial installations. DCOF, or dynamic coefficient of friction, is a measurement that determines how much friction there is on wet, level floors when walked upon.
What is the difference between DCOF and SCOF testing?
The DCOF test relates better to slips occurring while a person is walking. Additionally, the new test method uses a slightly soapy solution (water with .05% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS) that is more slippery than the de-ionized water used with ASTM C1028. What is the required minimum DCOF value and how does it compare to SCOF values?
What is the minimum DCOF value and how does it compare?
What is the required minimum DCOF value and how does it compare to SCOF values? According to the new standard, ceramic tiles used in interior spaces that will be walked upon wet must have a minimum DCOF value of 0.42.
What is the difference between friction force and DCOF?
Friction is the innate force that resists the sliding motion of one surface against another. The DCOF of a surface is a measurement of the force necessary to keep a surface already in motion sliding over another surface and it is likened to the frictional forces a person experiences when walking.
What is a good DCOF rating?
This rating is called the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF). According to modern DCOF AcuTest results, receiving higher than a 0.42 DCOF rating on level surfaces means there is a high slip resistance potential and therefore a low probability of slipping.
What is a good DCOF rating for bathroom?
0.42The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction is a measurement that represents how slippery a tile is. According to the American National Standards, when purchasing tiles for a bathroom, ensure that it has a DCOF rating of higher than 0.42, which is.
What should DCOF be for shower floor?
0.42There is little agreement on what is suitable, but it is normally accepted to have an average Coefficient of Friction rating of . 6 per ASTM C1028 or DCOF minimum of 0.42 per ANSI A137. 1 for wet and dry surfaces.
What is the difference between COF and DCOF?
COF (Coefficient of Friction) is a numeric value that represents the amount of friction between two objects. DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) specifically tests the friction of an object that is already in motion (kinetic).
Is it better to have porcelain or ceramic tile?
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
Is porcelain tile too slippery for shower floor?
Ceramic and porcelain tile floors can be notoriously slippery. The very feature that makes tile easy to clean—its smooth, non-porous nature—also means that it is slippery underfoot. Add extra tile glazing, water, and dress shoes, and a rush to get to work can mean a trip to the emergency room instead.
Is matte tile less slippery?
Matt tiles are non-slippery as they do have better friction than gloss tiles. And so it is the best option for the bathrooms and wet areas.
How is DCOF measured?
What is the DCOF AcuTest? The DCOF AcuTest is an evaluation of the COF of a tile surface under known conditions using a standardized sensor prepared according to a specific protocol. Measurements are made with the BOT-3000, an automated and portable device that measures DCOF. The ANSI standard A137.
Whats the best tile to use in a shower?
Porcelain tilePorcelain tile is harder, denser, and even more water resistant than ceramic. This is because it is fired at a higher temperature, providing it with even more benefits for the shower. Porcelain tiles come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
What is DCOF acutest wet?
DCOF, or dynamic coefficient of friction, is the primary product performance measure used by the North American tile industry to identify suitable applications for a floor product.
What is the standard for slip resistance?
“Slip resistance” is defined under ASTM C 1028 as being 0.6 (level) – 0.8 (ramp) with a wet testing surface.
What is R11 slip rating?
R11 Anti Slip Rating - Providing moderate resistance to slips, tiles with R11 anti slip ratings can be deemed safe for use in almost any interior space. This includes kitchens, bathrooms, and even dedicated wetrooms. You may even find them in industrial and public settings.
What is DCOF for bathroom floor?
DCOF, or dynamic coefficient of friction, is the primary product performance measure used by the North American tile industry to identify suitable applications for a floor product.
What is a PEI rating for tile?
A PEI rating is given to a tile to show its resistance to abrasion. The rating is carried out in line with standards from the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). Machines are used to mimic different levels of traffic and footfall. A tile is then given a rating from 1-5.
What is a DCOF?
DCOF, or dynamic coefficient of friction, is a measurement that determines how much friction there is on wet, level floors when walked upon. The results of DCOF testing help us determine ...
Where to find DCOF results?
DCOF results are listed with each product on the Daltile website, as are recommendations for appropriate applications. The chart below details required DCOF for each type of application.
Why do we no longer use SCOF?
We no longer use SCOF testing because DCOF more realistically measures conditions of walking on tile. DCOF AcuTest® uses slightly soapy water instead of clean water to recreate environments where slipping occurs.
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What is DCOF testing?
The results of DCOF testing help tile manufacturers to determine the probability of whether a tile could contribute to someone slipping or falling. By knowing the DCOF of the tiles, one can determine with mathematical and scientific certainty which tiles are safer. DalTile also recommends that customers have tiles independently tested to determine if their products meet the requirements prior to product selection.
What is the DCOF AcuTest?
The DCOF AcuTest® can be done using a BOT-3000E, an automated and portable device. The BOT 3000E measures different parameters, including frictional forces, coefficient of friction and the effects of lubrication. The test is done under wet conditions using a mixture of slightly soapy water, that is, water with 0.05% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in solution. SLS is a wetting agent that allows water to cover the surface in a thin layer. This represents the ideal condition for a slip to occur.
