What Is Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Why Does It Matter?
If you have ever received a quote for anti-slip treatment, you may have encountered the term Coefficient of Friction (COF). Understanding COF is essential for evaluating floor safety and the effectiveness of anti-slip solutions. This guide explains COF in simple terms for Indian property owners and facility managers.
What Is Coefficient of Friction?
The Coefficient of Friction (COF) is a number that measures how much grip a surface provides. It is the ratio of the force required to slide an object across a surface to the weight of that object. In practical floor safety terms:
- COF below 0.3: Extremely slippery – like ice
- COF 0.3 to 0.49: Slippery – high risk of falls
- COF 0.5 to 0.59: Acceptable – minimum safe level for wet surfaces
- COF 0.6 to 0.79: Good – safe for most wet conditions
- COF 0.8 and above: Excellent – highly slip resistant
Indian Standards for Floor Slip Resistance
Indian Standard IS 15197 specifies minimum COF requirements for different environments:
- Dry indoor areas: Minimum COF 0.4
- Wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens): Minimum COF 0.5
- Hospital and healthcare: Minimum COF 0.5 (wet)
- Industrial and high-risk areas: Minimum COF 0.6
How Is COF Measured?
There are several methods for measuring floor COF. The most widely accepted method in India is the Pendulum Test (using the Pendulum Test Unit or PTU), which measures the dynamic COF under wet conditions. This test is used by:
- NABH inspectors for hospital accreditation
- Insurance companies for liability assessment
- Oxon Technology for pre and post-treatment certification
Typical COF Values for Common Indian Floor Surfaces
| Surface Type | COF (Wet) Before Treatment | COF (Wet) After Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Polished Marble | 0.12 – 0.25 | 0.55 – 0.70 |
| Polished Granite | 0.18 – 0.30 | 0.55 – 0.75 |
| Vitrified Tiles | 0.20 – 0.35 | 0.55 – 0.70 |
| Ceramic Tiles | 0.30 – 0.45 | 0.55 – 0.70 |
| Concrete | 0.35 – 0.50 | 0.65 – 0.80 |
Requesting a COF Test for Your Property
If you want to know the current slip risk level of your floors, Oxon Technology provides professional COF testing using calibrated pendulum test equipment. We issue a written test report with COF values for each tested area, along with recommendations for treatment where values fall below safe thresholds.
Know your floor safety rating. Book a professional COF floor safety test →