General explanation
The UPEC classification for floor tiles is a usage- and function-related categorisation of floor coverings and applies in France.
The UPEC classification is performed by the CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment, Scientific and Technical Building Centre) in Paris and is primarily aimed at intensively frequented rooms.
The four letters U, P, E and C stand for:
U: Step-related wear
P: Impressions made by furniture and other fixed or mobile units (objects)
E: Behaviour in relation to water
C: Behaviour in relation to chemicals
Both the rooms and the floor coverings are UPECclassified and the floor covering should comply at least with the UPEC classification of the room. The rooms and floor coverings are characterised using a combination of these four indexed letters, whereby a larger numeric value of the indices corresponds to higher toughness.
The data sheet “Dünne Bodenbeläge. Merkblatt zur UPEC Klassifizierung und UPEC Klassifizierung von Räumlichkeiten” (Thin floor coverings: datasheet on the UPEC classification and the UPEC classification of rooms” is available.
“U” specifies the wear resistance and corresponds to the wear groups as per EN ISO 10545-7 (see chapter on technical properties for wear/abrasion):
U2 corresponds to wear-resistance group 2 PEI 2 for glazed tiles
U2s corresponds to wear-resistance group 3 PEI 3 for glazed tiles
U3 corresponds to wear-resistance group 4 PEI 4 for glazed tiles
U3s corresponds to wear-resistance group 5 PEI 5 for glazed tiles
U4 applies to unglazed porcelain stoneware which does not have a corresponding wear-resistance group.
These data are provided for information purposes only. In no way do they replace the official result of the CSTB.
Index 1 is insignificant due to the minimal toughness in regular building practice.
“P” covers mechanical effects following the installation and use of furniture or other fixed (= impressioncausing) or moveable objects (= that cause roller and scub marks) or as a consequence of objects of various weights being handled or falling down. It is also defined using the bending (tensile) strength.
In practice the five indices 2, 3, 4, 4+ and 4s (highest toughness) are assigned.
As with the “U”, index 1 is not used here either due to its insufficient toughness.
E describes the covering’s behaviour in relation to water.
The highest index 3 is always assigned to ceramic tiles.
C” takes into account the consequences of the chemical or photochemical effect of substances that have a negative effect on the durability of the covering (stains, attacks that penetrate to various depths etc.)
Indices 0,1,2 and in exceptional cases 3 are assigned.
A floor covering will only be awarded index 3, which is assigned to certain rooms laboratories, workshops etc.), after special tests dependent on the description of these rooms (for example laboratories for medical analyses, hairdressing salons) have been conducted.
All tiles from Villeroy & Boch are C2-classified and thus offer a very high chemical resistance, in particular as regards acids, lyes and stains.
Villeroy & Boch has been assigned the following number:
121 512/104
for its MERZIG factory.
This certification guarantees
• that the tiles comply with the EN 14411 standard, Parts G and H,
• that the tiles actually possess the specified wear-resistance characteristics,
• as defined by the UPEC classification (regular checking by an independent laboratory)
• and that the tiles originate from a production line which is continuously subject to extremely strict rules and regulations.
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