When it comes to flooring, every step matters. Whether it’s in a busy commercial space, an industrial facility, or someone’s home, the slip resistance of a flooring material plays an important role. One of the key factors to consider when evaluating slip resistance is Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF).
What is DCOF?
The most commonly-used standard for measuring DCOF in the U.S. is ANSI A326.3, American National Standard Test Method for Measuring Dynamic Coefficient of Hard Surface Flooring Materials. ANSI A326.3 defines DCOF as the ratio of the force necessary to keep a surface already in motion sliding over another surface divided by the weight (or normal force) of the sliding object. Different contaminants such as dirt, water, soap, oil, or grease can change this value. Developed with the input from a committee of more than 60 professionals through the ANSI consensus process, this method requires a tribometer device to evaluate a surface’s DCOF under wet conditions. While originally developed for ceramic tiles, the method is now used broadly for various hard surface flooring types across commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
How IPA Laboratories can help
At IPA Laboratories, we use this method, along with others, to evaluate surface friction. While DCOF measurements provide insight into the slip resistance of materials, ANSI A326.3 highlights additional considerations, including surface texture, drainage of liquids, and results obtained from other test methods. With so much information available, navigating slip resistance can feel overwhelming. That’s why we are committed to providing not only a variety of friction-related testing services but also sharing reliable resources to help manufacturers, specifiers, and end-users make sense of it all.
Resources
Key industry resources on slip resistance and ANSI A326.3 are all available at tcnatile.com/dcof, including:
- A free copy of ANSI A326.3
- Frequently asked questions about ANSI A326.3
- A sensor preparation instructional video for the A326.3 test protocol
- Several articles, historical and recent, concerning DCOF testing
As DCOF testing continues to be critically important, staying informed is essential. Understanding a product’s DCOF not only supports better decision-making but also provides greater clarity for end users.
Stay tuned for Part 2 where we’ll dive deeper exploring how model building codes and other requirements tie into ANSI A326.3 and DCOF testing.
