Overview
EN ISO 26986:2012/A1:2022 (ISO 26986:2010/Amd 1:2022) is a CEN-adopted amendment to the international specification for resilient floor coverings made from expanded (cushioned) poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The standard defines the required characteristics for cushioned PVC floor coverings supplied as tiles or rolls, and retains the ISO classification system that rates products by intensity of use to indicate where they will give satisfactory service. Amendment A1 (published 2022) updates normative references and test-related requirements to reflect current test methods and clarifications.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and product type: Specification applies to expanded (cushioned) PVC resilient floor coverings in tile and roll formats.
- Use classification: Products are classified by intensity of use (serviceability categories) to guide selection for different traffic conditions; Amendment A1 removes the previous “Class 22+” entry from the table.
- Test methods and references: The amendment updates normative references:
- Replaces EN 424 reference with ISO 16581 (effect of simulated movement of a furniture leg).
- Replaces ISO/TR 4918 with ISO 4918.
- Continues to reference reaction-to-fire standards (ISO 9239‑1 and ISO 11925‑2) in Annex A (references adjusted).
- Adds a clarification for colourfastness testing to blue wool scale No. 6 per ISO 105‑B02 (test until blue wool scale No. 6, compared with a dark-stored reference).
- Document edits: Bibliography adjustments and deletion of obsolete references (e.g., EN 653 and some ASTM entries) to streamline the normative framework.
Practical applications and users
This standard is important for stakeholders involved in selection, manufacture, testing and specification of cushioned PVC flooring:
- Manufacturers - ensure product formulations, dimensions and performance claims meet the specification and classification for intended use.
- Testing laboratories - apply referenced ISO test methods (wear, colourfastness, furniture leg movement, reaction to fire) for conformity assessment.
- Architects & specifiers - select suitable cushioned PVC tiles or rolls based on classification (intensity of use) and fire/abrasion performance.
- Contractors & facility managers - use the classification to match product performance to traffic areas (residential, commercial, institutional).
- Regulators & procurement - reference EN ISO 26986:2012/A1 for public or commercial procurement and regulatory conformity.
Related standards
Keywords: resilient floor coverings, cushioned PVC, expanded poly(vinyl chloride), EN ISO 26986:2012/A1:2022, floor covering specification, intensity of use classification, ISO floor covering standard.
