Traffic Class Explained ISO 10874 Use Classes · Residential vs. Commercial · How to Read the Numbers
Traffic class is a standardized use classification — most commonly ISO 10874 (formerly EN 685) — that describes what intensity of foot traffic and use conditions a flooring product is designed to withstand. For rigid core LVT, it is expressed as a two-digit code (e.g., 23, 31, 33) where the first digit indicates the use category and the second indicates traffic intensity. Not all manufacturers publish this rating, but understanding it helps match product selection to actual space conditions. Reference-only: no product recommendations.
Under ISO 10874, the first digit of the traffic class code describes the environment: 2 = residential, 3 = commercial. The second digit describes traffic intensity: 1 = moderate, 2 = general, 3 = heavy. A product rated Class 33 is designed for heavy commercial traffic; Class 23 handles heavy residential use. When no traffic class is published, wear layer thickness and warranty terms are the best available proxies.
How the Classification System Works
ISO 10874 — the standard behind the numbers
ISO 10874 (which replaced EN 685) is a performance classification standard that assigns flooring products a use class based on a comprehensive suite of tests, including wear resistance, indentation resistance under static and dynamic loads, dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and other properties. Products must pass all tests for their claimed class — it is not a single-test rating. The standard covers hard floor coverings including LVT, laminate, and hardwood, using a shared numerical framework. A product that meets Class 33 requirements has been tested across all applicable test methods for that class, not just one.
What the numbers represent
The first digit indicates the intended environment of use. Class 2x products are designed for residential settings — private homes, apartments, and similar light-use environments. Class 3x products are designed for commercial settings — offices, retail spaces, hospitality, healthcare, and public buildings. The second digit indicates traffic intensity within that environment: x1 = moderate, x2 = general, x3 = heavy. A product rated 23 handles heavy residential traffic (large households, high-use rooms); rated 31 handles moderate commercial traffic; rated 33 handles heavy commercial traffic. Some standards also define Class 34 (commercial very heavy) for extreme applications.
Use Class Reference
| Class | Environment | Traffic level | Typical spaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Residential | Moderate | Bedrooms, infrequently used rooms |
| 22 | Residential | General | Living rooms, dining rooms |
| 23 | Residential | Heavy | Hallways, kitchens, high-use areas |
| 31 | Commercial | Moderate | Hotel rooms, small offices |
| 32 | Commercial | General | Offices, classrooms, retail |
| 33 | Commercial | Heavy | High-traffic retail, corridors, healthcare |
| 34 | Commercial | Very heavy | Airports, transit facilities, heavy public use |
Spec Sheet Checklist
- Identify whether a traffic class is published and which standard it references (ISO 10874, EN 685, or other).
- Match the class to the intended installation space — a bedroom has very different requirements than a retail corridor.
- Check whether the commercial warranty aligns with the published traffic class — discrepancies are a red flag.
- For spaces with heavy wheeled traffic (office chairs, medical equipment), look specifically for castor chair test results (EN 425) — traffic class alone does not address rolling loads.
- When no traffic class is published, use wear layer thickness and warranty scope as proxies — 20 mil+ wear layer with commercial warranty is a reasonable commercial-grade indicator.
FAQ
Is traffic class the same as AC rating? ⌄
No — they are different systems. AC rating (Abrasion Class) is primarily associated with laminate flooring and measures surface abrasion resistance using a Taber test. Traffic class for LVT is based on ISO 10874 and uses a two-digit code that encodes use category and traffic intensity across a broader set of tests. Some LVT manufacturers publish AC ratings for marketing familiarity, but ISO 10874 traffic class is the more appropriate standard for vinyl flooring.
Do all LVT products have traffic class ratings? ⌄
Not all products publish a traffic class. Products sold through home improvement channels often describe suitability only as 'residential' or 'commercial' without a specific ISO class. Commercial and contract-market products are more likely to carry a published class. When traffic class is not stated, wear layer thickness and warranty terms are the most useful proxies.
What does Class 33 mean for LVT? ⌄
Under ISO 10874, Class 33 means 'commercial — heavy traffic.' The first digit (3) indicates commercial use; the second digit (3) indicates heavy traffic intensity. Class 33 products are intended for high-traffic commercial environments such as retail, corridors, and healthcare facilities. They must pass a comprehensive suite of tests at that level, not just a single measurement.
Does traffic class account for rolling loads and chair casters? ⌄
ISO 10874 traffic class does not directly test rolling load performance. Rolling load resistance from office chairs with hard casters is addressed separately under EN 425 (castor chair test). For office environments or spaces with significant wheeled traffic, look specifically for rolling load or castor chair test data in addition to the traffic class designation.
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Reference-Only Information
This page provides general informational reference about traffic class ratings for rigid core LVT. It does not provide installation guidance, professional advice, or product recommendations.