Knowledge Base

MOB PF2/SPU

The Benchmark for Raised Access Flooring Performance

MOB PF2/SPU is one of the UK's most widely recognised performance specifications for raised access flooring systems. First introduced in 1982 by The Property-Services Agency (PSA) and published by the Manufacturing Organisation of the British Raised Access Flooring Association (MOB), the specification defines the minimum structural, safety and performance requirements that a raised access floor must satisfy before it can be specified for commercial use.

Click here to download your copy of the MOB PF2 PS specification document from the Access Flooring Association website

Rather than testing individual components in isolation, MOB PF2/SPU assesses the performance of the complete raised access flooring system, including panels, pedestals, stringers, fixings and installation methods. The specification provides architects, consultants, contractors and end users with confidence that a floor has been independently tested to withstand the demands of modern commercial buildings.

Today, PF2/SPU remains the reference standard for raised access flooring installations throughout offices, data centres, control rooms, education facilities, hospitals and other commercial environments.

Why is PF2/SPU Important?

A raised access floor is far more than a collection of panels and pedestals. Once installed, it must safely support thousands of individual loads throughout its service life, including:

Continuous pedestrian traffic
Wheeled office furniture
Server cabinets and IT equipment
Mobile access equipment
Maintenance activities
Dynamic impact loading
Lateral forces during use

The PF2/SPU specification ensures that every component works together as a complete structural system capable of performing safely under these demanding conditions.

What Does PF2/SPU Test?

The specification includes a comprehensive range of performance tests designed to evaluate every critical aspect of a raised access flooring installation.

Typical testing includes:

Static Load Testing

Verifies that floor panels can safely support their specified design loads without excessive deflection or permanent deformation.

Ultimate Load Testing

Determines the maximum load the floor system can withstand before structural failure occurs, ensuring an appropriate factor of safety.

Impact Testing

Assesses the floor's ability to resist sudden impact loads without damage.

Swing Bag Testing (P4.06 – T42.00)

Evaluates the performance of pedestal structures and fixings under repeated dynamic loading by simulating the effects of real-world impacts and sudden loading.

Horizontal Load Testing (P4.07 – T15.00)

Measures the resistance of pedestal structures and their fixing systems to lateral forces that occur during normal building use.

Rolling Load Testing

Confirms that the floor can withstand repeated movement of wheeled equipment without deterioration.

Pedestal Strength Testing

Evaluates the structural strength and stability of individual pedestal assemblies under applied loads.

Why Pedestal Adhesives Matter

Although floor panels and pedestals often receive the greatest attention, the adhesive used to bond each pedestal to the subfloor is a critical structural component of the entire system.

A high-performance pedestal adhesive must:

Provide exceptional bond strength
Resist vertical and horizontal loading
Absorb vibration and dynamic impacts
Maintain long-term durability
Perform reliably throughout the building's service life

If the adhesive bond fails, the performance of the entire raised access flooring system may be compromised, regardless of the quality of the panels or pedestals themselves.

The Role of StarFix®

The StarFix® range of pedestal adhesives has been specifically developed for raised access flooring installations and are designed to provide the secure, durable bond required by modern flooring systems.

StarFix® adhesives are engineered to deliver:

Excellent adhesion to concrete, steel and common construction substrates
High shear and tensile strength
Outstanding resistance to dynamic loading
Long-term durability
Fast installation with dependable curing performance
Consistent results across a wide range of environmental conditions

When used as part of a properly designed flooring system, StarFix® adhesives help maintain the structural integrity required for demanding commercial installations.

Confidence Through Independent Testing

Compliance with the MOB PF2/SPU specification provides confidence that a raised access flooring system has been rigorously evaluated against recognised industry performance criteria.

At Star Uretech, we understand that every component contributes to the safety and reliability of the finished installation. That is why our StarFix® pedestal adhesives are developed specifically for the raised access flooring industry, combining advanced polyurethane technology with proven performance to help support systems designed to meet the demanding requirements of the PF2/SPU specification.

Building for Long-Term Performance

Whether installed within a data centre, commercial office, hospital or education facility, a raised access floor is expected to perform reliably for decades.

By combining high-quality pedestals, floor panels and StarFix® high-performance pedestal adhesives, installers can achieve durable, stable and reliable flooring systems capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern commercial environments and the recognised performance expectations of the MOB PF2/SPU specification.