Traffic Class Explained Glue-Down LVT · ISO 10874 · EN 685 · Use Class 31 / 32 / 33
Traffic class (or use class) is a standardized rating system under ISO 10874 and EN 685 that classifies LVT products by their suitability for different levels of foot traffic and use intensity — from moderate residential to heavy commercial. The classification is based on a battery of performance tests across multiple properties, not just one measurement. Glue-down LVT products specified for commercial projects are commonly rated Class 31 through 33. Reference-only: no product recommendations.
ISO 10874 / EN 685 use classes for LVT: Class 21–23 (residential, moderate to heavy), Class 31 (light commercial), Class 32 (general commercial — offices, hotels, retail), Class 33 (heavy commercial — high-traffic retail, healthcare, institutional). Class 33 is the most demanding commercial rating for standard LVT. Each class requires meeting tested thresholds across abrasion, indentation, castor chair, and dimensional stability properties.
ISO 10874 Use Classes for LVT
| Class | Category | Typical Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Moderate residential | Bedrooms, low-traffic areas |
| 22 | General residential | Living rooms, hallways |
| 23 | Heavy residential | Kitchens, entrances, home offices |
| 31 | Light commercial | Small offices, reception areas |
| 32 | General commercial | Open-plan offices, hotels, restaurants, retail |
| 33 | Heavy commercial | High-traffic retail, healthcare corridors, schools |
How Use Classification Works
A product's use class is not determined by a single test — it requires meeting performance thresholds across multiple tests simultaneously. For a Class 33 rating, a product must achieve: a defined minimum wear resistance (abrasion loss per EN ISO 10582), maximum residual indentation per EN ISO 24343-1, a pass result on the EN 425 castor chair test, and compliance with dimensional stability per ISO 23999, among other properties. A product that passes one test at a Class 33 level but fails another can only be declared at the class where all tests pass. This multi-property approach means traffic class is a more meaningful composite performance indicator than any single specification value.
Spec Sheet Checklist
- Identify the use class rating and the standard under which it is reported (ISO 10874 / EN 685 is most common for LVT).
- Match the use class to the intended space type — Class 32 for most commercial; Class 33 for high-traffic or healthcare environments.
- Confirm the rating is supported by accredited laboratory testing, not a self-declaration.
- Check that wear layer thickness and other specs are consistent with the declared use class.
- Review the commercial warranty — coverage duration and conditions should align with the use class.
FAQ
Is traffic class the same as AC rating? ⌄
No. AC rating (Abrasion Class) is a wear resistance classification used specifically for laminate flooring under EN 13329, based on the Taber abrasion test. Traffic class under ISO 10874 / EN 685 is a broader use classification for resilient flooring that encompasses multiple tested properties including abrasion resistance, indentation, castor chair performance, and dimensional stability — not just surface abrasion. Comparing AC ratings on laminate to traffic class on LVT is not valid because the standards, tests, and products differ.
Do all LVT products have traffic class ratings? ⌄
Not always. Traffic class ratings under ISO 10874 / EN 685 are most commonly reported on European-tested products and those sold into commercial markets with specified performance requirements. Some products — especially lower-tier residential products — may not carry a formal use class rating. For commercial project specifications that require a specific use class, the product must carry a verified use class rating rather than just a manufacturer's use description.
What is the difference between Class 32 and Class 33 for glue-down LVT? ⌄
Class 32 (general commercial) covers office environments, hotel corridors, restaurants, and retail spaces with moderate foot traffic. Class 33 (heavy commercial) covers high-traffic retail, healthcare corridors, institutional spaces, and environments with continuous heavy foot traffic or rolling loads. The distinction involves tested performance thresholds across multiple properties — including lower maximum residual indentation, higher abrasion resistance, and a castor chair requirement. A product rated Class 33 has been verified to meet all Class 33 thresholds across all required tests.
Is traffic class tested or self-declared by manufacturers? ⌄
Properly certified use class ratings under EN 685 require testing by an accredited laboratory and declaration per the applicable European product standard — they are not self-declared. In the North American market, traffic class or use class designations are sometimes used descriptively by manufacturers without full EN 685 testing backing. For project submittals requiring verified use class, the manufacturer should be able to provide test reports or a CE declaration of performance that references the specific use class.
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Reference-Only Information
This page provides general informational reference about traffic class ratings for glue-down LVT. It does not provide installation guidance, professional advice, or product recommendations.