Wet pendulum slip testing

What is the wet pendulum test?

The wet pendulum test is the most widely used slip resistance test in Australia. A pendulum friction tester swings a standard rubber slider across a wetted surface. The result is a British Pendulum Number (BPN): the higher the number, the more grip the surface has.


For new surfaces under AS 4586, the mean result is classified from P0 to P5. For existing surfaces under AS 4663, results are reported as measured slip resistance values for each location.

When to use it

Use the wet pendulum test for any surface that is, or could become, wet:

Entries and foyers where rain is tracked in

Pool surrounds, change rooms and bathrooms

Stairs, ramps and landings

Balconies, outdoor paths and car park walkways

Commercial kitchens and food areas

Painted surfaces, line marking, car parks and pick-up bays

Train platforms, shared paths and bike lanes

P ratings

Rating

Pendulum mean BPN

Contribution to slip risk

P5

above 54

Very low

P4

45 to 54

Low

P3

35 to 44

Moderate

P2

25 to 34

High

P1

12 to 24

Very high

P0

below 12

Extremely high

Classifications from AS 4586-2013 (Slider 96). The rating an area needs depends on where it is and how it's used.

Slip testing in progress sign on a tiled walkway

What to expect on the day

Testing is non-destructive. We wet the surface with clean water, take a series of swings at each test location and record the surface type, temperature and conditions. Each location is photographed.


Very heavily profiled or textured surfaces don't always suit the pendulum. If that applies to your floor, we'll tell you before testing.

Common questions

Does wet pendulum testing damage the floor?

How many test locations do I need?

How does the wet pendulum test work?

Can you test ramps and sloped surfaces?

Does the wet pendulum test suit every surface?

Don't Risk It, Slip Test It

Find out how your floors measure up.

Tell us about your property or project and we'll come back with the right test and a quote.