In 2012, the American National Standards Institute updated their ANSI 137.1 standard to change the measurement system for tile slip resistance to DCOF, or Dynamic Coefficient of Friction. The new test measured the amount of force required to keep an object in motion as it slides over a tile. This new test better reflected real life situations where a person slips on wet tile. The new test is called the DCOF Acutest.
In addition to mandating the switch from SCOF to DCOF, the standard now requires a minimum wet DCOF AcuTest value of 0.42 for ceramic tiles for level interior spaces expected to be walked upon when wet.. According to the ANSI A137.1–2012 standard, ceramic tiles selected for level interior spaces expected to be walked upon when wet must have a minimum wet DCOF AcuTest value of 0.42. Tiles with a lower value, Polished tiles generally fall into this category, are not necessarily restricted to dry areas only, but rather are restricted to applications where they are kept dry when walked upon. In the case of residential bathrooms, the common use of bathmats can accomplish this. Similarly, in entranceways, the use of entrance mats can accomplish the same. Of course a DCOF greater than .42 has an even higher slip resistance but may have a greater maintenance factor.
The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) test referenced in ANSI A137.1-2012 (Section 6.2) stipulates the use of a factory calibrated and validated, portable testing apparatus called the BOT-3000 Digital Tribometer, a self-propelled device that uses various sensor materials. The BOT 3000 is a portable machine which means that it could be used in a laboratory or in the field for testing Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF). The BOT 3000 is a type of Tribometer which measures the parameters such as frictional forces, coefficient of friction and the effects of lubrication. ANSI A137.1- 2012 has established that a Wet DCOF of .42 or greater for level interior spaces and if a ramp the requirement is greater than .42
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