Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to
information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities,
in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority,
and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest
to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of
education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the
timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.
1 +, 1 +

01 ' 5

The Right to Information, The Right to Live

Step Out From the Old to the New

Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan

Jawaharlal Nehru

IS 13712 (2006): Ceramic tiles - Definitions,

classifications, characteristics and marking [CED 5:
Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing]

! $ ' +-
Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda

Invent a New India Using Knowledge

! > 0 B

BharthariNtiatakam

Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen

IS 13712:2006

Indian Standard
CEWMIC

TILES DEF~ITIONS,
CLASSIFICATIONS,
CHAWCTE~STICS
AND MA~WG
(First Revision)

ICS 01 .020; 91.100.23

0 BIS 2006

BUREAU
MANAK

August 2006

OF
BHAVAN,

INDIAN

STANDARDS

9 BAHADUR
SHAH
NEW DELHI 110002

ZAFAR

MARG

Price Group 2

Flooring, Wall Finishing and .Roofing Sectional Committee, CED 5

FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (First Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by
the Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering
Division Council.
This standard was first published in 1993. In the formulation of this standard considerable assistance have been
derived from the following standard:
1S0 13006:1998

Ceramic tiles Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking

Since the first publication of the standard pertaining to the specification of ceramic tiles, several new technologies
and product categories have emerged. This revised standard has been designed to reflect-these changes, namely
degree of variation of water absorption depending on degree of vitrification of the tiles.
With the rapid increase in the consumption and usage of ceramic tiles and with the emergence of new categories
oft iIes, it was felt that the classification of tiles needs to be made more consumer-friendly. Accordingly, a tradebased nomenclature along with water absorption has been introduced for identification of the various groups of
tiles.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value,
observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance
with 1S 2: 1960 Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised. The number of significant places retained
in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

IS 13712:2006

Indian Standard
CEMMIC

TILES DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS,

CHAWCTEMSTICS
AND MAKING
(First Revision)
3.5 Twice Fired Glazed after a first firing, then
fired a second time.

1 SCOPE
1.1 This standard gives definitions, classifications,
characteristics and marking requirements for ceramic
tiles generally used for floor and wall surfaces. Ceramic
tiles also include mosaics, factory slabs, pavers and
components for swimming pools as well as the
corresponding accessories (edge, corner and skirting
and beads and other pieces).

3.6 Extruded Tiles (Shaping A) Tiles whose body

is shaped in the plastic state in an extruder, the column
obtained being cut into tiles of predetermined length.
3.6.1 Split Tiles (Split Pattern) Formed as double
tiles that are separated after firing to obtain single tiles.
They can be glazed or unglazed and have characteristic
parallel ridges on the back.

1.2 This standard applies to tiles of the best quality

(first quality) unless otherwise specified in the relevant
product standard.

3.6.2 Quary Tiles Tiles that are cut in succession

from a single extruded column and are either pressed
or not pressed and are sometimes glazed.

2 REFERENCES

3.7 Pressed Tiles (Shaping B) Tiles formed from

a body reduced to powder or small grains and shaped
in moulds at high pressure. They may be glazed or
unglazed.

The standards listed in Annex A contain provisions

which through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this standard. At the time of publication,
the editions indicated were valid. All standards are
subject to revision and parties to agreements basal on
this standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the
standards indicated in Annex A.

3.8 Cast Tiles (Shaping C) The body is cast into a

mould or on to a porous refractory batt that absorbs
the water. They can be glazed or unglazed.
3.9 Water Absorption The water absorption
(percent by mass) measured in accordance with
IS 13630 (Part 2).

3 DEFINITIONS
Tiles Thin slabs made from clays,
silica, fluxes, colouring and other mineral raw materials,
generally used as coverings for floors, walls or facades.
They are prepared by grinding, sieving, mixing,
moistening etc, and are shaped by pressing, extruding,
casting or other processes, usually at room temperamre.
They are then dried and subsequently fired at a high
temperature. Tiles may be glazed (CL), unglazed
(UGL) or engobed and are incombustible
and
unaffected by light. Dependi~
on degree of
vitrification, water absorption may vary. A low water
absorption tile is also called porcelain tile. An
extremely low water absorption tite is called .a fully
vitrified tile and this may be either in polished or
unpolished form.

3.1 Ceramic

3.10 Coordinating Size The size of coordinating

dimension, seeIS 4993.
3.11 Nominal Size The size used to describe the
product.
3.12 Work Size The size of a tile specified for
manufacturing to which the actual size has to conform
within specified permissible deviations.
3.13 Actual Size The size obtained by measuring
a tile in accordance with IS 13630 (Part 1).
3.14 Tolerances The difference between actual and
permissible limits of size.
3.15 Sizes
NOTE These are only defined for rectangular tiles. If the
sizes of non-rectangular tiles are required, they are defined by
the smallest rectangle into which they will fit.

3.2 -Glaze A vitrified covering that is practically

impermeable.
3.3 Engobe A clay-based covering with a matt
finish which can be permeable or impermeable.

3,15.1 Modular Sizes This covers tiles and sizes

based on M (see IS 10316 where M = 100 mm), ??,!,
3M and 5M and also their multiples or submultip!cs or

3.4 Once Fired Glazed before firing.

1

IS 13712:2006
except for tiles with a surface area of

sub-divisjons,

a)

Manufacturers mark andor a suitable works

mark and the country of origin;
b) Quality;
c) Reference to the standard with which they
comply;
d) Nominal size and work size, modular (M) or
non-modular, for example
M 100mm X 100mm(W=98mm
X98 mm)
or 152mm X 152mm (W= 152.4m.m X
152.4 mm); and

less than 9000 rntrt2.

,

NOTE The most important examples of modular sizes are

listed in the individual product standards. A general definition
of dimensions is given in Table1.

3.15.2 Non-modular Sizes The sizes excluding

those that are based on M.
4 CLASSIFICATION
Ceramic tiles are divided into groups according to their
method of manufacture and their water absorption
(see 3.9 and Table 2). The groups do not presuppose
the usage of the products.

e)

Nature of the tile surface, that is, whether

glazed or unglazed.

4.1 Methods of Manufacture

6.2 Specification

See 3.6 to 3.8.

A brief specification shall be supplied which shall

include the following:

4.2 Water Absorption

Groups

Description of the tile, for example, split, dust

pressed etc;
b) Number of the relevant standard;
c) Classification as given in this standard (see
Table 2);
a)

4.2.1 Tiles of Very Low and Low Water Absorption

(Group g

a)

ES 0.08 percent (Group BIa) Ceramic fully

b)

vitrified tiles, and

0.08 percent <ES 3 percent (Group Bib)
Ceramic porcelain tiles.

4.2.2 Tiles of Medium Water Absorption

d) Nominal size and the work size; and

e) Nature of tile surface: whether glazed or
unglazed,

(Group 1~

3 percent< E <6 percent (Group BII) Ceramic floor

tiles.

4.2.3 Rles of High Water Absorption

7 ORDER~G,
CONDITIONS

(Group 11~

SAMPUNG

AND ACCEPTANCE

7.1 When an order is placed, items such as size,

thickness, nature of surface, colour, relief and any
special properties shall be agreed by the parties
concerned.

E >10 percent (Group BIII) Ceramic wall tiles.

5 CHARACTERISTICS
Characteristics for different applications of ceramic
floor and wall tiles are given in Table 3.

6.1 Marking

7.2 Reference shall be made to the individual product

standards, which deal with the appropriate tolerances,
requirements and acceptance conditions for each
producer group.

Ceramic tiles andor their packaging shall be marked

as follows:

7.3 Sampling and basis for acceptance are described

in a separate standard [see IS 13630 (Part 15)].

6 MARKING

AND SPECIFICATION

Table 1 General Definition

of Dimensions

(Clause 3.15.1)
Dimensions

Symbol

Modular

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

W+J

N+Jor
W+J

N,

W+J

N2

Nz W

Work dimension

Joint width

Coordinating dimension

Nominal dimension

Non-modular

.
.-

----- .

..-

1S 13712:2006
Table 2 Classification

of Ceramic Tiles According

to Their Group

[Clauses 4 and 6.2(c)]

.
GroupIa

Water Absorption
Shaping

Group lb

E < 0.08V0

Group II

0.08%< E <370

3~o

Group 111

E> 10%

<E<670

Group AIa

Group AIb

Group AII

Group AIII

Group B1a

Group BIb

Group BII

Group BII1

Group CIa

Group C1b

Group CI1

Group CIII

Table 3 Characteristics

for Different Application

(Clause 5)

Floors

Characteristics

(1)

Walls

Interior

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Methods of lest,
Ref to Part of
IS 13630

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

dimensions and Surface Quality

a)

hngth and width

b)

Thickness

c)
d)

Straightness of sides
Rectangularity

e)

Surface flatness (curvature and warpage)

Surface quality

Part 1

hysical Properties
g)

Water absorption

Part 2

h)

Modulus of rupture

Part 6

j)
k)

Linear thermalexpansion
Resistance to thermal shock

Part 4

Part 5

m) Crwirrg resistance glued tiles

Part 9

n)

Frost resistance

Pan 10

p)

Moisture expansion

.x

q)

Resistance to surface abrasion of glaed tiles

r)

Resistance to deep abrasion of unglaed tiles

s)

Scratch hardness of surface

t)

Impact Resistance

Part 3
Part 11
Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Chemical Properties

u)

Resistance to staining of gl~d

v)

Resistance to household chemicals and

swimming pool water cleansers

tiles

Resistance to alkalis

Part 8

(Part 7 and

w) Resistance to acids
y)

x
x

NOTE Frost resistance is an optional test,

Part 8)
}

IS 13712:2006

ANNEX A
(Clause 2)
LIST OF REFERRED

Is No.
4993:1983

Title

Glossary of terms relating to

modular co-ordination (second
revision)

10316:1986

13630
(Part 1): 2006
(Part 2): 2006
(Part 3): 2006

(Part 4): 2006

(Part 5): 2006
(Part 6): 2006

Recommendations for modular coordination Basic module and submodular increments

Ceramic tiles Methods of test,
sampling and basis for acceptance:
Determination of dimensions and
surface quality @rst revision)
Determination of water absorption
and bulk density ~rst revision)
Determination
of moisture
expansion using boiling water
Unglazed tiles ~rst revision)
Determination of linear thermal
expansion ~rst revision)
Determination of resistance to
thermal shock @rst revision)
Determination
of modulus of
rupture and breaking strength @rst
revision)

INDIAN STANDARDS

B No.
(Part 7): 2006
(Part 8): 2006
(Part 9): 2006
(Part 10): 2006

Title

Determination of chemicalresistance
Unglazed tiles @rst revision)
Determinationofchemical resistance
Glmd tiles @rst revision)
Determination of crazing resistance
Glazed tiles @rst revision)
Determination of frost resistance
~rst revision)

(Part 11): 2006

(Part 12) :2006

Determination of resistance of
surface abrasion Glazed tiles
~rst revision)
Determination of resistance to deep
abrasion Unglazed tiles @rst
revision)

(Part 13) :2006

Determination of scratch hardness

of surface according to Mobs ~rst
revision)

(Part 14) :2006

(Part 15) :2006

Determination of impact resistance

by measurement of coefficient of
restitution
Sampling and basis for acceptance
(Superseding IS 13711)

Bureau of Indian Standards

BIS is a statutory institution established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986to promote
harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods
and attending to connected matters in the country.
Copyright
BIS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form
without the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of
implementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade designations.
Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS.
Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewed
periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes are
needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standards
should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of
BIS Catalogue and Standards : Monthly Additions.
This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc : NO. CED 5 (7323).

Amendments

Amend No.

Issued Srnce Publication

Date of Issue

Text Affected

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

Headquarters :
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002
Telephones :23230131,23233375,2323
9402
Regional Offices :

Telegrams : Manaksanstha
(Common to all offices)
Telephone

Central

: Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg

NEW DELHI 110002

Eastern

: 1/14 C.I.T. Scheme VII M, V. I. P. Road, Kankurgachi

KOLKATA 700054

Northern

: SCO 335-336, Sector 34-A, CHANDIGARH 160022

Southern

: C.I.T. Campus, IV Cross Road, CHENNA1600 113

22541216,22541442
{ 22542519,22542315

Western

: Manakalaya, E9 MIDC, Marol, Andheri (East)

MUMBAI 400093

28329295,28327858
{ 28327891,28327892

23237617
{ 23233841
23378499,23378561
{ 23378626,23-379120
2603843
{ 2609285

Branches : AHMEDABAD. BANGALORE. BHOPAL. BHUBANESHWAR. COIMBATORE. FARIDABAD.

GHAZIABAD. GUWAHATI. HYDERABAD. JAIPUR. KANPUR. LUCKNOW. NA-GPUR.
NALAGARH. PATNA. PUNE. RAJKOT. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. VISAKHAPATNAM.
Pr]nted at Rabhat Ofiset Press, New Delhi-k