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CHARACTERISTICS IN STANDARD EN 14411
European standard EN 14411 establishes a set of physico-chemical
characteristics that need to be taken into account in ceramic tile as a function of the
tile’s intended use as flooring or wall cladding, and for interior or exterior applications.
In this sense, standard EN 14411 does not differ from the one it replaces, except for the
inclusion of some new characteristics or modification of the requirements, test methodor classification of results envisaged in EN 67-087-85. Chart 1 presents these
characteristics, the new characteristics or in-depth modifications being displayed in red.
The physico-chemical characteristics of ceramic tile, the obligatory or voluntary
nature of their consideration, and the minimum requirable values for each product group
have been summarised in Chart 2 (parts I, II, and II). The dimensional tolerances
envisaged for each product group are presented in Chart 3 (length and width) and in
Chart 4 (thickness, straightness of sides, rectangularity, and flatness). reviews thesecharacteristics and notes their effect on tile installation and durability.
Another interpretation of the foregoing charts may be made in relation to the
relative effect of the features they describe on tile installation and tiling durability. In
Chart 5 (parts I, II, III, and IV), we have included a number of new charts, in which the
last column notes the connection between these features and the tile installation mode
and/or effect on durability.
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CHARACTERISTICS ACCORDING TOAPPLICATIONS IN STANDARD EN 14411
APPLICATION
FLOORS WALLS CHARACTERISTIC
INTERIOR EXTERIOR INTERIOR EXTERIOR
TEST
METHOD
ISO 10.545(3)
Part
Dimensions and surface quality
■ Length and width
2
■ Thickness 2
■ Straightness of sides 2
■ Rectangularity 2
■ Surface flatness (curvature and warpage) 2
■ Surface quality 2
Physical properties
■ Water absorption 3
■
Modulus of rupture 4
■ Breaking strength 4
■ Resistance to deep abrasion (unglazed
tiles UGL) 6
■ Resistance to surface abrasion (glazedtiles GL)
7
■ Slip resistance -(4)
■ Crazing resistance (glazed tiles) 11
■ Frost resistance (1) 12
■
Resistance to thermal shock (2) 9
■ Moisture expansion (2) 10
■ Linear thermal expansion (2) 8
■ Small colour differences (2) 16
■ Impact resistance (2) 5
Chemical properties
■ Resistance to low concentrations of acids
and alkalis 13
■ Resistance to high concentrations of acids
and alkalis 13
■ Resistance to household chemicals and
swimming pool salts 13
■ Lead and cadmium release (2) (glazed tiles) 15
■ Stain resistance
- Glazed tiles
- Unglazed tiles (2)
1414
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MINIMUM R EQUIREMENTS OF EACHPRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TOEN 14411
PRODUCT GROUP PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTIC
AND TEST METHOD
CLASS OR
UNIT OF
MEASURE AIa AIb AIIa-1 AIIa-2 AIIb-1 AIIb-2 AIII BIa BIb BIIa BIIb BIII
DIMENSIONS
ISO 10545-2 mm or %
The maximum allowable tolerances are shown in Charts 3 and 4
• The maximum length and width tolerances in modular tiles shall allow a tile-to-tile joint between 3 and 11 mm wide.
• Straightness of sides and rectangularity are not envisaged for tiles with curved sides.
SURFACE QUALITY
ISO 10545-2 % 95% of the tiles shall be free of visible defects that might adversely affect the appearance of the ceramic tiling
WATER ABSORPTION (E)
• Average
• Individual max. valueISO 10545-3
% by mass≤0,50,6
≤33.3
3<E≤66.5
6<E≤1011
>10 ≤0.50.6
0.5<E≤33.3
3<E≤66.5
6<E≤1011
>10(5)
BREAKING STRENGTH
• Thickness ≥ 7.5 mm
• Thickness < 7.5 mm
MODULUS OF R UPTURE (0) ISO 10545-4
N
N/mm2
≥1300
≥600
28/21
≥1100
≥600
23/18
≥950
≥600
20/18
≥800
≥600
13/11
≥900
≥900
17,5/15
≥750
≥750
9/8
≥600
≥600
8/7
≥1300
≥700
35/32
≥1100
≥700
30/27
≥1000
≥600
22/20
≥800
≥500
18/16
≥600
≥200
15/12 (6)
• ABRASION R ESISTANCE
• Deep for UGL tilesISO 10545-6
mm3 (max.) 275 393 541 649 1062 2365 175 175 345 540
• Surface for GL tiles (1) ISO 10545-7
PEI class andno. of cycles
STATE CLASS AND NUMBER OF CYCLES STATE CLASS AND NUMBER OF CYCLES
COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR
THERMAL EXPANSION (2)
ISO 10545-8
ºC-1
(K -1)
TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
Chart 2 (I)
Physico-chemical characteristics 3
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
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MINIMUM R EQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TO EN 14411
PRODUCT GROUP PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTIC
AND TEST METHOD
CLASS OR
UNIT OF
MEASURE AIa AIb AIIa-1 AIIa-2 AIIb-1 AIIb-2 AIII BIa BIb BIIa BIIb BIII
THERMAL SHOCK R ESISTANCE(2)
ISO 10545-9
Yes/No TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
CRAZING R ESISTANCE (3)
GL TILES ISO 10545-11
Yes/No YES YES
FROST R ESISTANCE(2)
ISO 10545-12
Yes/No STATE R ESULT TEST METHOD AVAILABLE YES YES TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
SLIP R ESISTANCETHE TEST METHOD SHALL BE APPLIED AND THE RESULTS SHALL BE
SPECIFIED WHEN THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE NATIONAL STANDARD
OF THE TILE COUNTRY OF DESTINATION
THE TEST METHOD SHALL BE APPLIED AND THE RESULTS
SHALL BE SPECIFIED WHEN THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE
NATIONAL STANDARD OF THE TILE COUNTRY OF
DESTINATION
MOISTURE EXPANSION (2)
ISO 10545-10 mm/m TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
SMALL COLOUR DIFFERENCES
(2)
ISO 10545-16 TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
IMPACT R ESISTANCE(2)
ISO 10545-5
Coefficient
ofrestitution
TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
STAIN R ESISTANCE
• GL tiles
• UGL tiles (2)
ISO 10545-14
Classes5, 4, 3, 2,
and 1
MINIMUM CLASS 3TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
MINIMUM CLASS 3TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
Chart 2 (II)
Physico-chemical characteristics 4
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
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Physico-chemical characteristics 5
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
MINIMUM R EQUIREMENTS OF EACH PRODUCT GROUP ACCORDING TOEN 14411
PRODUCT GROUPPHYSICO-CHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTIC
AND TEST METHOD
CLASS OR
UNIT OF
MEASURE AIa AIb AIIa-1 AIIa-2 AIIb-1 AIIb-2 AIII BIa BIb BIIa BIIb BIII
CHEMICAL R ESISTANCE
• To low concentrations of
acids and alkalis
THE MANUFACTURER SHALL STATE
THE CLASSIFICATION OBTAINED THE MANUFACTURER SHALL STATE THE
CLASSIFICATION OBTAINED
• To high concentrations TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
• To household chemicalsand swimming pool salts
• In GL tiles
• In UGL tiles (4)
ISO 10545-13
ClassesA, B, and C
MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) GB MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) UB
MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) GB MINIMUM CLASS B (slightly impaired appearance) UB
LEAD AND CADMIUM RELEASE
ISO 10545-15 mg/dm2
TEST METHOD AVAILABLE TEST METHOD AVAILABLE
(0) This is not applied to tiles with breaking load F≥3000 N(1) For GL tiles intended for flooring, EN 14411 refers the user to Annex N (of an informative character) to suggest the surface abrasion resistance class according to level of traffic and
abrasive material involved [The section on resistance to surface abrasion, tile classification according to Annex N of EN 14411, may be consulted](2) EN 14411 refers the user to Annex P (of an informative character) on the recommendation of levels according to intended tile use, with a view to clarifying the lack of definition involved in
this table by the indication ‘Test method available’ as sole ‘requirement’ for the corresponding product group(3) EN 14411 warns that some decorative effects trend to craze. If the manufacturer states this ‘effect’, the tile need not pass the test(4) If the colour, understood as shade or hue, ‘differs slightly’, chemical attack has not occurred (5) If the average water absorption capacity exceeds 20%, the manufacturer shall state the value. The minimum individual value of each tile shall not be below 9%(6) For BIII tiles, the standard proposes certain minimum values for the modulus of rupture according to nominal tile thickness: 12 N/mm2 for tiles with e≥7.5 mm and 15 N/mm2 for e<7.5 mm
Chart 2 (III)
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MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DEVIATIONS FROM LENGTH AND WIDTH ACCORDING TO EN 14411
TYPE OF PRODUCT DIMENSION M DIMENSION W AVERAGE
MEASUREMENT OF
10 TILES
COMMENTS
AIa P, AIb P 3–11 mm joint ±1%/max. ±2 mm ± 1 % W-N ≤ ± 3 MM
AIa N, AIb N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
AIIa-1 P “ ” ±1.25%/max. ±2 mm ± 1 % “ ”
AIIa-1 N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
AIIa-2 P “ ” ±1.5%/max. ±2 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
AIIa-2 N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
AIIb-1 P
AIIb-2 P
AIII P “ ” ±2%/max. ±2 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
AIIb-1 N
AIIb-2 N
AIII N “ ” ±2%/max. ±4 mm ± 1.5 % “ ”
S≤90 2-5 mm joint ± 1.2 % ± 0.75 %W-N ≤ 2%
max. ± 5 mm
90<S≤190 “ ” ± 1 % ± 0.5 % “ ”
190<S≤410 “ ” ± 0.75 % ± 0.5 % “ ”
BIa
BIb
BIIa
BIIb
S>410 “ ” ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % “ ”
S: tile surface in cm2
BIII WITHOUT
SPACER LUGS
L ≤ 12 cm “ ” ± 0.75 % ± 0.5 % W-N ≤ 2 mm
L > 12 cm “ ” ± 0.50 % ± 0.3 % “ ”
BIII WITH
SPACER LUGS
L ≤ 12 cm “ ” --- --- “ ”
//
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MAXIMUM DEVIATIONS FROM THICKNESS, STRAIGHTNESS OF SIDES,
R ECTANGULARITY, AND SURFACE FLATNESSACCORDING TO EN 14411
Surface flatness
Curvature
Type of product Thickness
Straightness
of sides Rectangularity Centre Side Warpage
AIa P, AIb P ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ± 1 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.8 %
AIa N, AIb N ± 10 % ± 0.6 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %
AIIa-1 P ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ± 1 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.8 %
AIIa-1 N ± 10 % ± 0.6 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %
AIIa-2 P ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 %
AIIa-2 N ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %
AIIb-1 P
AIIb-2 P
AIII P ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 %
AIIb-1 N
AIIb-2 N
AIII N ± 10 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 % ± 1.5 %
S≤90
(1)
± 10 % ± 0.75 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % ± 1 % 90<S≤190 ± 10 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 %
190<S≤410 ± 5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 %
BIa
BIb
BIIa
BIIb
S>410 ± 5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.6 % ± 0.5 % ± 0.5 % ± 0,5 %
BIII(2)
WITHOUT
SPACER LUGS ± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.5 %
+ 0.5 %- 0.3 %
+ 0.5 %- 0.3 %
± 0.5 %
BIII (2)
S ≤ 250
WITH SPACER LUGS ± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.3 %
+ 0.8 %
- 0.2 %
+ 0.8 mm
- 0.2 mm± 0.5 mm
BIII (2)
S > 250
WITH SPACER LUGS ± 10 % ± 0.3 % ± 0.3 %
+ 0.8 %- 0.2 %
+ 0.8 mm- 0.2 mm
± 0.75 mm
(1) S: tile surface in cm2
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICSENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411
CHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD R EFERENCE IN
EN 14411
EXPRESSION OF
R ESULTS EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
DIMENSIONS ►
Length and width
► Thickness►
Straightness of sides
►
Rectangularity► Flatness
ISO 10545-2
Compulsory►
For all tile types
► For all serviceapplications
Tolerances
in% or mm
► Fundamental to the tile installation process because they condition theselection of the materials and the technique, as well as the quality of the
tiling finish (alignment of the joint pattern and flatness). They conditionthe tile installation mode (joint width, joint layout, etc.)
SURFACE
QUALITY ISO 10545-2 Idem ‘dimensions’
First quality
max. 5% defective► This affects the quality of the tiling finish in regard to uniform appearance
and absence of surface defects
WATER ABSORPTION
CAPACITY ISO 10545-3
►
Boiling method iscompulsory
►
Defines the product
Group
E in %
DEFINES THE
PRODUCT GROUPS
► Fundamental to foreseeing the type of adhesion and, hence, selection ofthe materials and tile installation technique
►
Directly related to other characteristics and to durability (frost resistance)
LINEAR THERMAL
EXPANSION ISO 10545-8
Voluntary characteristicfor the manufacturer
C-1
or K -1
(e.g.: 4.8x10
-6K
-1)
►
The maximum temperature swings in a tiling and this coefficient allow themaximum lengthening and shortening per linear metre to be established.
Together with moisture expansion, this characteristic helps plan the position of the movement joints
MOISTURE EXPANSION ISO 10545-10Voluntary characteristic
for the manufacturer% or mm/m
► Essential coefficient for establishing the position and width of the
movement joints, in some cases with an influence 10 times greater thanthat of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion
BENDING STRENGTH ISO 10545-4
► Idem ‘dimensions’►
Expression of force (S)and modulus of rupture(R )
► CЄ mark
[1]
S in newton (N)
R in N/mm2
► Allows the ceramic tiles intended for wall tiling to be distinguished from
those intended for flooring►
A high value of S (e.g. S>2000 N) will assure good performance inflooring intended for not exclusively pedestrian traffic
[1] The CЄ
mark requires statement of the breaking strength for all tiles intended for flooring or roofing, whatever their commercial class
Chart 5 (I)
Physico-chemical characteristics 8
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICSENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411
R EFERENCE IN EXPRESSION OFCHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD
EN 14411 R ESULTS EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
R ESISTANCE TO DEEP
ABRASION
(UGL tiles)ISO 10545-6
Compulsory for all typesof UGL tiles intended for
flooringmm
3
► Linked to the mechanical strength of the ceramic body. The smaller theremoved volume in mm3, the greater the toughness
► It identifies UGL ceramic tile resistance to impairment of appearance bymechanical action (scratching and abrasion)
R ESISTANCE TO
SURFACE ABRASION
(GL tiles)ISO 10545-7
Compulsory for all typesof GL tiles intended for
flooring
To be stated:Class:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5
Number of cycles:
100, 150, 600,...6000, 12000
►
Linked to the mechanical resistance to impairment of appearance (surfaceabrasion of GL ceramic tiles intended for flooring
► Together with scratch resistance, loss of gloss, and stain resistance after thevisible stage of surface abrasion, it helps select the tile for the intendedlocation and foreseeable type of traffic
SCRATCH R ESISTANCE EN 67-101-92 Not envisaged
Mohs scale
from 1 to 10
► Provides information on the resistance to impairment of appearance bygouging or scratching of GL ceramic tiles intended for flooring
►
Should be taken into account when a tile is to be selected for flooring witha low level of traffic (hardness 4) or intermediate or high level of traffic(minimum hardness 6)
LOSS OF GLOSS ISO 2813 Not envisagedAdimensional
number
►
Provides information on gloss loss by surface abrasion in GL tiles. In UGL tiles, the mirror gloss achieved by mechanical polishing is lost (>15) with
surface abrasion of 600 cycles► Gloss loss above 15 involves visually perceivable surface deterioration,
based on the contrasting, altered surface
IMPACT R ESISTANCE ISO 10545-5Voluntary for the
manufacturer
Adimensionalnumber from 0 to 1
(Coefficient ofrestitution)
►
Provides information on ceramic tile performance (especially GL tiles)when impacted by blunt objects. Interesting information for thespecifications writer and designer.
► In UGL tiles it may be of interest to know the result of the heavy impact test ( Annexe 7 of Cahier 2998 of the French CSTB)
Chart 5 (II)
Physico-chemical characteristics 9
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
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PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICSENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411
R EFERENCE IN EXPRESSION OFCHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD
EN 14411 R ESULTS EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
R ESISTANCE TO
R OLLING ACTION
Annexe 6 ,Cahier 2898
CSTB (France) Not envisaged
Passes or does not
pass the test
► Characteristic related to UGL ceramic tiles intended for flooring subject tolive loads (rolling actions)
► Competence of the designer or specifications writer for industrial flooringor publicly trafficked architecture
FROST R ESISTANCE ISO 10545-12
►
Compulsory for AIa,AIb, BIa and BIb
► Voluntary for theremaining groups
►
BIa and BIb shall pass the test
► For AIa, AIb stateresult
►
Fundamental characteristic of ceramic tiles intended for exteriors inclimates with frost risk
► Selection of tiles that at least pass the test or, for greater safety, tiles AIa or
BIa in exteriors with greater risk (areas Y and Z) according to NBE-CT-79
CRAZING R ESISTANCE ISO 10545-11Compulsory for all GL
tilesPasses or does not
pass the test
►
Passing the test does not assure absence of delayed crazing, which isrelated to the coefficient of moisture expansion, dimensional stability ofthe fixing background, and tile installation technique
CHEMICAL R ESISTANCE ISO 10545-13Compulsory or voluntarydepending on type of tile
and test
Codes in PDF onChemical
resistance (I)
►
Linked to the chemical resistance to impairment of appearance as a result
of attack by products that alter the ceramic tile surface (discoloration, lossof gloss and/or surface corrosion)
► Knowing the resistance to chemical attack of a wall tile or floor tile helpsselect a tile for an intended use
STAIN R ESISTANCE ISO 10545-14
► Compulsory for GL tiles
► Voluntary for UGL tiles
Classes
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
► Linked to tile cleanability before the tile installation►
Related to performance with time of tiles intended for flooring, in regard totheir cleanability after processes of mechanical and/or chemical aggression
LEAD AND CADMIUM
R ELEASE ISO 10545-15
Voluntary for themanufacturer
mg/dm2 ►
Characteristic only to be envisaged for GL tiles that will be in directcontact with food. In this case, they shall bear the CЄ mark
Chart 5 (III)
Physico-chemical characteristics 10
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
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Physico-chemical characteristics 11
Characteristics in standard EN 14411
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICSENVISAGED IN STANDARD EN 14411
CHARACTERISTIC TEST METHOD R EFERENCE IN
EN 14411
EXPRESSION OF
R ESULTS EFFECT ON TILE INSTALLATION AND/OR DURABILITY
ISO/DIS 10545-17 Not envisagedCOF. CLASS 2
COF. CLASS 1
SLIP R ESISTANCE
UNE-ENV 12633 Not envisagedCLASSES
[2]
3, 2, 1
► Essential characteristic for evaluating safety in regard to the slip risk oftiles intended for flooring
► Greater or lesser slip resistance shall be assessed as a function of slip risk(presence of water and/or substances that foster slipping)
►
There are also national standards that delimit the anti-slip capacity ofceramic tiles, and tables that relate that capacity to the type of flooring(location and traffic)
[2] According to document SUA 1 of the new Spanish Technical Building Code
Chart 5 (IV)