Knowledge Base

Performance Grading

Understanding the Raised Access Flooring Performance Grades

Not all raised access flooring systems are designed to withstand the same level of loading. To help architects, specifiers, contractors and end users select the most appropriate floor for each application, the industry uses a colour-coded performance grading system defined within the MOB PF2 PS/SPU Performance Specification.

Rather than describing the quality of a floor, these grades identify the load classification of the complete raised access flooring system. As the grade increases, so does the floor's ability to withstand higher static and dynamic loads, making it suitable for progressively more demanding environments.

The colour coding provides a simple visual method of identifying the performance classification specified for a project, helping ensure the correct flooring system is selected for its intended use.

The following list gives some guidance as to the working areas where the various structural grades may be used:

LIGHT - General office accommodation without heavy equipment.

MEDIUM - General office accommodation where it is expected that heavy office equipment will be in use. Data preparation areas. Educational accommodation. Public areas.

HEAVY - Data centres. Telephone exchanges. Public areas. Control rooms.

EXTRA-HEAVY - Computer rooms and special applications with heavy equipment.

Why Performance Grades Matter

Selecting the correct performance grade is essential to achieving the long-term reliability of a raised access floor. A system that is under-specified may suffer excessive deflection or damage during service, while an over-specified system can increase project costs unnecessarily.

Performance grades are determined through rigorous testing of the complete flooring system, including the panels, pedestals and associated components. Typical tests include:

Concentrated load resistance
Ultimate load capacity
Safety factor verification
Rolling load performance
Impact resistance
Pedestal strength
Stringer performance (where applicable)

These tests ensure that every classified system performs consistently under real-world service conditions.

Typical Applications

Different grades are specified according to the demands of the building and its intended use. Lower performance grades may be suitable for general office environments, while higher grades are commonly specified for:

Data centres
Control rooms
Plant rooms
Laboratories
Healthcare facilities
Telecommunications buildings
Areas subject to heavy equipment or high point loads

StarFix – Supporting Performance Grades

A raised access floor is only as reliable as the components that secure it. The StarFix range of pedestal adhesives, tanking systems, sealers and ancillary products has been developed to complement raised access flooring systems across all recognised performance grades, providing secure pedestal fixing, long-term durability and reliable performance throughout the design life of the installation.

By selecting the correct performance grade and combining it with proven installation products, specifiers and installers can be confident that the complete raised access flooring system will continue to perform safely and reliably for many years.