What is PTV? Understanding Slip Ratings And How They Work
When choosing floor tiles for a project, the appearance of the tile is far from the only thing to consider. That’s because tiles must also possess certain qualities to ensure they are suitable for their intended environment.
At Parkside, we display information about the usage suitability of our tiles within our product listings and our brochures.
One such rating we include is PTV, which stands for pendulum test value. It describes the slip resistance of the tile, which is determined following a PTV test.
In today’s post, we’re going to explain more about pendulum test values including what they are and also how they shape commercial tile installations.
However, for personalised advice about the slip ratings required for your specific project, please contact our tile technicians for further assistance.
Pendulum Test Value (PTV) Explained
The slip resistance of a tile can’t be open to interpretation, especially when installing floor tiles in a commercial setting such as a hotel, restaurant, shopping centre or transport hub.
Therefore, the idea of the pendulum test is to determine a formalised slip resistance rating under wet and dry conditions.
Several pendulum tests exist, although the two most common types used in the tile industry are the BS7976 and the UNE ENV 12.633 tests.
Following the test, a pendulum test value (PTV) is then given to determine the slip potential of the tile.
Why PTV Slip Resistance Ratings Matter For Commercial Tile Installations
- Improves safety for employees, visitors or members of the public by reducing the potential for trips and slips
- Demonstrates compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957
- Reduces the potential for public liability claims, insurance payouts and legal fees
- Safe floor surfaces are important for the reputation of building developers and occupying businesses
- Reduces long term building maintenance costs
- Promotes customer satisfaction (especially within public spaces)
How The Pendulum Test Works
The pendulum test (BS 7976) measures slip resistance using a swinging rubber slider that simulates a heel striking the floor.
Stage 1 - The pendulum swings down and contacts the floor surface.
Stage 2 - Friction between the rubber and the floor slows it down.
Stage 3 - The machine measures how much the swing is reduced.
Stage 4 - The result is shown as a PTV number.
In short, the more friction a tile generates during the test, the higher the PTV it will have which means the tile has a lower slip risk.
The test can be carried out in dry and wet conditions to provide a PTV>(number) wet rating and a PTV>(number) dry rating.
Pendulum Wet (Wet PTV)
Most slip accidents occur on wet floors. Therefore, the wet PTV value of a tile is an important piece of information as wet testing reveals how much grip remains when lubrication reduces friction.
During a wet PTV test, the friction of the tile will be measured when the surface is wet with water to simulate rain, spillages or washroom conditions.
In most UK commercial environments, PTV 36 or above (wet) is considered the minimum safe benchmark.
PTV (Wet) - Tile Slip Risk Level (BS7976) General Guide:
0-24 - High slip risk
25-35 - Moderate slip risk
36-65 - Low slip risk
<65 - Very low slip risk
For commercial clients such as architects, developers, contractors and facilities management teams, the Wet PTV rating of a tile is especially important. Beyond just a technical detail, the rating can affect safety, legal liability, reputation and long term costs.
Pendulum Dry (Dry PTV)
As you might expect, most surfaces score high PTV values when dry. Even smooth or polished tiles may appear safe.
PTV ratings are used in projects that have a controlled or consistently dry environment.
However, the limitation of a dry PTV rating is that it doesn’t reflect real world risk in areas where water, spills or cleaning residue may be present.
Where PTV Is Used
PTV is widely used in commercial flooring projects such as schools, hotels, retail stores, transport hubs, leisure facilities, commercial kitchens and washrooms. A rating system is needed to ensure that the flooring material chosen does not increase the risks of slips based on the environmental conditions.
Crucially, different areas of a building will require different levels of slip resistance. Typically, offices and dry retail areas have a lower risk of slips. However, the likes of building entrances, washrooms or commercial kitchens will require more robust protection against slips.
Therefore, the PTV rating needs to consider the space on an individual level rather than viewing the whole building as the same.
Other Slip Rating Tests That May Apply To Your Tile Selection
- DIN 51097 Barefoot Ramp Test
- DIN 51130 Shod Ramp Test
- Tortus Dynamic Test
- UNE ENV 12633 Pendulum
There are various other approved testing methods for slip resistance, because there are many different scenarios which can impact how slippery a tile is. One example is walking barefoot across a tile versus walking in shoes.
If your project does call for any specific ratings beyond PTV, our tile technicians can advise you further. Crucially, we specialise in helping commercial clients to choose the right type of floor for the flooring location and the overall probability of slipping.
Combined with all of the other aspects which matter to your selection, such as the colour or material, we can help ensure long term satisfaction with your tile decision.
Discuss Your Tile Slip Resistance Requirements With Our Experts
When selecting tiles for any commercial project, it’s essential that the tiles not only look the part, but that they also possess the right properties to match their usage intention.
Parkside is a leading manufacturer of tiles for commercial projects. As a result, our technical experts can provide advice across all specifications which matter for your project.
In particular, we commonly advise architects, designers, developers and tiling contractors on aspects such as the slip resistance of tiles to help ensure specification compliance.
If you have any questions about pendulum test values for tiles, please get in touch.
You can also speak with our tile experts directly by calling 0116 276 2532.
