The Two Test Methods You Will See in Specifications
| Standard | Test method | Rating scale | Common UK/EU spec requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS 7976-2 | Pendulum test (PTV) | Low → high PTV | PTV ≥ 36 treated as low slip risk in UK guidance |
| DIN EN 16165 (formerly DIN 51130) | Ramp test — oil-lubricated | R9 (lowest) → R13 (highest) | R10 for classrooms; R11 for wet areas |
| ASTM D2047 | James machine — dry | Static COF | US specification only; the 0.5 criterion applies to polish-coated surfaces |
Report numbers can be verified with the issuing laboratory. Full PDF reports are available on our Test Reports page.
Which Rating for Which School Zone?
| School zone | Recommended R-rating | Recommended PTV (dry) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry classrooms | R9–R10 | ≥ 36 | Standard vinyl sheet or SPC adequate |
| Corridors (dry) | R10 | ≥ 36 | High-traffic; welded seams preferred |
| Toilets / wet areas | R11 | ≥ 36 (wet) | Slip resistance under wet conditions critical |
| Gym / sports hall | R10–R11 | ≥ 36 | Sports floors add EN 14904 bounce and force-reduction criteria |
| Kitchen / canteen | R11–R12 | — | Contamination with grease; R11 minimum |
| External ramps | R12–R13 | — | Outside scope of vinyl flooring |
UNITECH NEXUS Products: Wear Class and Test Reports
| Product | EN 660-2 wear class | Test standard | Issued by | Report number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homogeneous vinyl sheet | Group T | EN 660-2 | Intertek | On request |
| Heterogeneous vinyl sheet | Group T | EN 660-2 | Intertek | On request |
| SPC flooring | See datasheet | EN ISO 10582 | Intertek | On request |
| ESD vinyl sheet | Group T | EN 660-2 | Intertek | On request |
Homogeneous Vinyl vs SPC: Which for Schools?
Both homogeneous vinyl and SPC flooring are used in school projects. The right choice depends on the specific zone:
- Corridors and classrooms (high foot traffic, trolley loads): homogeneous vinyl — welded seams eliminate dirt traps and the surface can be restored by buffing.
- Laboratories and ICT rooms (point loads from equipment): SPC — rigid core resists indentation from chair legs and equipment feet.
- Wet rooms and changing areas: homogeneous vinyl with coved skirting — monolithic installation eliminates gaps at wall junctions.
- Reception and entrance areas: heterogeneous vinyl — wider design choice; surface layer provides slip resistance equivalent to homogeneous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What slip resistance rating do UK schools require for corridors?
UK building regulations do not specify a mandatory COF value for school floors. In practice, specifiers work to the slip test data published for the specified product: DIN EN 16165 R10 for corridors and circulation areas is the common requirement, and a pendulum value (BS 7976) of 36 PTV or above is treated as low slip risk under UK guidance. Always confirm the required rating against your project specification for the specific SKU.
Is SPC flooring slip-resistant enough for schools?
SPC flooring can achieve adequate slip resistance, but the rating varies by product and surface texture. Always request DIN EN 16165 (R-rating) or BS 7976 (PTV) test data for the specific SKU you specify. Wear resistance is a separate property: our homogeneous and heterogeneous vinyl ranges hold Intertek reports confirming EN 660-2 Group T.
What is the difference between BS 7976 and DIN EN 16165?
Both measure slip resistance but use different methods. BS 7976 uses a pendulum test on a horizontal surface and reports a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) — a higher value means better slip resistance. DIN EN 16165 uses an oil-lubricated ramp test and rates surfaces from R9 (lowest) to R13 (highest). EN 660-2 is a different test altogether: it measures abrasion (wear) resistance and classifies products as F, M, P or T. It is not a slip resistance method. Many European specifications reference an R-rating for slip and a wear class for durability.
Can UNITECH NEXUS supply slip resistance test reports?
Yes. Our Intertek test reports cover the physical performance of our homogeneous and heterogeneous vinyl sheet ranges, including EN 660-2 wear classification. Report numbers are listed above and can be verified directly with Intertek. Contact us with your project specification and we will send the relevant documents.
Does welded installation affect slip resistance?
No. Heat-welding vinyl sheet flooring creates a seamless joint at floor level, which has no effect on the surface slip resistance rating. The welded surface remains continuous and flush with the surrounding field.