En 12004 2001 Adhessives For Tiles Definitions and Specifica

BRITISH STANDARD BS EN
12004:2001
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
Adhesives for tiles —

Definitions and
specifications
The European Standard EN 12004:2001, with the incorporation of

amendment A1:2002, has the status of a British Standard
ICS 01.040.83; 01.040.91; 83.180; 91.100.10
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12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
Copyright European Committee for Standardization
Provided by IHS under license with CEN
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
BS EN 12004:2001
National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN 12004:2001, including amendment A1:2002. It supersedes
BS EN 1322:1999 which is withdrawn.
By the incorporation of amendment A1:2002, EN 12004:2001 becomes
candidate “harmonized” European Standard EN 12004:2001 which fully takes
into account the requirements of the European Commission mandate M127,
Construction adhesives, given under the EU Construction Products Directive
(89/106/EEC), and intended to lead to CE marking. The date of applicability of
EN 12004 as a “harmonized” European Standard, i.e. the date after which this
standard may be used for CE marking purposes, is subject to an announcement
in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
EN 12004:2001 is the subject of transitional arrangements agreed under the
European Commission mandate. The Member States have agreed a transition
period for the co-existence of harmonized European Standards and their
corresponding national standard(s). It is intended that this period will
comprise a nine month period, during which any required changes to national
regulations are to be made, followed by a further twelve month period, for the
implementation of CE marking. At the end of this co-existence period, the
national standard(s) will be withdrawn. In the UK, the corresponding national
standard is:
— BS 5980:1980, Specification for adhesives for use with ceramic tiles and
mosaics.
and based on this transition period of twenty-one months, BS 5980:1980 would
be withdrawn in March 2004.
NOTE This date is approximate. Users of this standard should contact BSI Customer Services
for confirmation of withdrawal.
The UK participation in the preparation of EN 12004:2001 was entrusted to
Technical Committee B/539, Ceramic tiles and other rigid tiling, which has the
responsibility to:
— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible European committee any enquiries on the
interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the UK interests
informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.
A list of organizations represented on these committees can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
This British Standard, having Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
been prepared under the from legal obligations.
direction of the Sector
Committee for Building and Summary of pages
Civil Engineering, was This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
published under the authority pages 2 to 22, an inside back cover and a back cover.
of the Standards Committee
and comes into effect on The BSI copyright date displayed in this document indicates when the
15 June 2001 document was last issued.
Amendments issued since publication

© BSI 1 November 2002
Amd. No. Date Comments
14005 1 November 2002 Addition of Annex ZA and National Annex NA
ISBN 0 580 37678 8
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EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12004
March 2001
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
+ A1
June 2002
ICS 83.180; 91.100.10
English version
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Adhesives for tiles — Definitions and specifications
(includes amendment A1:2002)
Colles à carrelage — Définitions et spécifications Mörtel und Klebstoffe für Fliesen und Platten —
(inclut l'amendement A1:2002) Definitionen und Spezifikationen
(enthält Änderung A1:2002)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 18 January 2001. Amendment A1 was approved by CEN on 11 April 2002.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
© 2001 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12004:2001 + A1:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Page 2
EN 12004:2001
Contents
Page
Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 4
1 Scope ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Normative references............................................................................................................................. 5
3 Terms and definitions ............................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 General.............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Products ............................................................................................................................................ 6
3.3 Tools and working methods .............................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Application properties........................................................................................................................ 6
3.5 Final properties.................................................................................................................................. 7
3.6 Failure pattern ................................................................................................................................... 7
3.7 Characteristics................................................................................................................................... 8
4 Specifications ......................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Cementitious adhesives (C) .............................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Dispersion adhesives (D) .................................................................................................................. 9
4.3 Reaction resin adhesives (R) .......................................................................................................... 10
5 Evaluation of conformity ..................................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Principle........................................................................................................................................... 11
5.2 Conditioning of the test specimen ................................................................................................... 11
5.3 Initial type testing............................................................................................................................. 11
5.4 Factory production control............................................................................................................... 12
5.5 Registration, traceability and nonconforming materials .................................................................. 13
6 Classification and designation ........................................................................................................... 14
7 Marking and labelling........................................................................................................................... 15
Annex A (normative) Failure patterns ...................................................................................................... 16
Annex ZA (informative) Adhesive for tiles — Definitions and specifications — Clauses of
this European Standard addressing the provisions of the EU Construction Products
Directive (89/106) ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Bibliography................................................................................................................................................. 21
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EN 12004:2001
Foreword
This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 67, Ceramic tiles, the
Secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard replaces EN 1322:1996.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2001, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by September 2001.
This standard is one of a series of standards on tile adhesives including:
EN 1308 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of slip.

EN 1323 Adhesives for tiles — Concrete slabs for tests.
EN 1324:1996 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of shear adhesion strength of dispersion adhesives.
EN 1346 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of open time.
EN 1347 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of wetting capability.
EN 1348:1997 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of tensile adhesion strength for cementitious
adhesives.
EN 12002 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of transverse deformation for cementitious adhesives
and grouts.
EN 12003 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of shear adhesion strength of reaction resin
adhesives.
EN 12004 Adhesives for tiles — Specifications and requirements.
EN 12808-1 Adhesives and grouts for tiles — Determination of chemical resistance of reaction resin
mortars.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Foreword to amendment A1
This document (EN 12004:2001/A1:2002) has been prepared by CEN/TC 67, Ceramic tiles, the
Secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2002, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by March 2004.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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EN 12004:2001
Introduction
The characteristics of the construction products defined in this standard have to consider that the normal
stresses due to the works for which they are intended, assembled or installed, can be properly
accommodated. Some special characteristics will take into account the type of substrate and that the
adhesives should resist the degrading actions of climate, etc.
Many properties of adhesives for tiling are mainly determined by the type of binders used.
Different types of tile adhesives are defined according to the chemical nature of their binders.
The different types have specific characteristics in terms of their application properties and final
performance.
The relationship between characteristics and the working conditions (dry or humid conditions, hot climate,
fast setting, etc.) is not given in this standard.
The manufacturer should give information about the use of the product and the correct conditions of use.
The specifier should evaluate the state of the job site (mechanical and thermal influences) and choose
the appropriate product considering all the possible risks.
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EN 12004:2001
1 Scope
This European Standard is applicable to ceramic tile adhesives for internal and external tile installations
on walls and floors.
This standard gives the terminology concerning the products, working methods, application properties,
etc, for ceramic tile adhesives.
This European Standard specifies the values of performance requirements for ceramic tile
adhesives (cementitious, dispersion and reaction resin adhesives).
This European Standard does not provide criteria or recommendations for the design and installation of
ceramic tiles.
NOTE Ceramic tile adhesives may also be used for other types of tiles (natural and
agglomerated stones, etc.), where these do not adversely affect these materials.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated
references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 87 Ceramic floor and wall tiles — Definitions, classification and marking.
EN 1308 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of slip.
EN 1324:1996 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of shear adhesion strength of dispersion
adhesives.
EN 1346 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of open time.
EN 1347 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of wetting capability.
EN 1348:1997 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of tensile adhesion strength of cementitious
adhesives.
EN 12002 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of transverse deformation for cementitious
adhesives and grouts.
EN 12003 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of shear adhesion strength of reaction resin
adhesives.
EN 12808-1 Adhesives and grouts for tiles — Determination of chemical resistance of reaction resin
mortars.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this standard the following terms and definitions are given.
3.1 General
3.1.1
thin bed method
method used for installing tiles onto a plane surface with an adhesive
The adhesive is usually applied with a trowel to obtain a layer and then combed with a notched trowel to
achieve the right thickness and planarity.
3.1.2
fixing surface
plane rigid surface upon which the tile is fixed
3.1.3
wall and floor tiles
tiles made out of ceramic (see EN 87) or natural and agglomerated stones
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EN 12004:2001
3.2 Products
3.2.1
cementitious adhesive (C)
mixture of hydraulic binding agents, aggregates, and organic additives, which is mixed with water or liquid
admix just before use
3.2.2
dispersion adhesive (D)
mixture of organic binding agent(s) in the form of an aqueous polymer dispersion, organic additives and
mineral fillers, which is ready for use.
3.2.3
reaction resin adhesive (R)
mixture of synthetic resin, mineral fillers and organic additives in which hardening occurs by chemical
reaction, available in one or more component forms
3.3 Tools and working methods

3.3.1
notched trowel
toothed tool, which makes it possible to apply the adhesive as a series of ribs of a uniform thickness onto
the fixing surface and/or the reverse face of the tile
3.3.2
application to one surface only, “Notched trowel” or “Floating method”
adhesive applied only to the fixing surface, usually with a trowel to obtain a uniform layer and then
combed with a notched trowel (see 3.1.1)
The tiles are then fixed before a film forms on the surface of the adhesive.
3.3.3
application to both surfaces, “Floating and buttering method”
adhesive applied to the fixing surface and to the reverse of the tiles
The combined layer of adhesive does not exceed the maximum recommended thickness. The tiles are
then fixed before a film forms on the surface of the adhesive.
3.4 Application properties

3.4.1
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shelf life
time of storage under stated conditions during which an adhesive may be expected to maintain its
working properties
3.4.2
maturing time
interval between the time when the cementitious adhesive is mixed and the time when it is ready for use
3.4.3
pot-life
maximum time interval during which the adhesive can be used after mixing
3.4.4
open time
maximum interval after application at which tiles can be embedded in the applied adhesive and meet the
specified tensile adhesion strength requirement, which is measured following EN 1346

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EN 12004:2001
3.4.5
wetting capability
ability of a combed adhesive layer to wet the tile, which is measured following EN 1347
3.4.6
slip
downward movement of a tile applied to a combed adhesive layer on a vertical or inclined surface, which
is measured following EN 1308
3.4.7
adjustability
maximum time interval after which the tile’s position in the adhesive layer can be adjusted without
significant loss of adhesion strength
3.5 Final properties

3.5.1
adhesion strength
maximum strength per unit surface area which can be measured by shear or tensile testing
It is measured following EN 1348:1997, EN 1324:1996 or EN 12003:1997 depending on the type of

adhesive.
3.5.2
deformability
capacity of a hardened adhesive to be deformed by stresses between the tile and the fixing surface
without damage to the installed surface
3.5.3
transverse deformation
deflection recorded at the centre when a beam of hardened adhesive is subjected to three point loading,
used to evaluate the deformability of the adhesive
It is measured following EN 12002.
3.6 Failure pattern

3.6.1
adhesion failure (AF-S or AF-T)
when failure occurs at the interface between adhesive and substrate the notation AF-S is used; when it
occurs between tile and adhesive the notation AF-T is used and in both cases the test values equal the
adhesion strength - see Figure A.1 and Figure A.2
In some cases failure may occur in the adhesive layer between the tile and the pull-head plate. In this
case the notation BT is used, see Figure A.3, and the adhesion strength is greater than the test value.
The test should preferably be repeated.
3.6.2
cohesive failure within the adhesive (CF-A)
when failure occurs within the adhesive layer, see Figure A.4
3.6.3
cohesive failure in the substrate or in the tile (CF-S or CF-T)
when failure occurs within the substrate the notation CF-S is used, see Figure A.5; when it happens
within the body of the tile the notation CF-T is used, see Figure A.6
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In this case the strength of the adhesive is greater than the test value.

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EN 12004:2001
3.7 Characteristics
3.7.1
fundamental characteristics
characteristics that an adhesive absolutely has to have
3.7.2 Optional characteristics
3.7.2.1
additional characteristics
characteristics for specific service conditions where enhanced levels of performance are required
3.7.2.2
special characteristics
characteristics of the adhesive which provide further information about its general performance
4 Specifications
4.1 Cementitious Adhesives (C)
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The normal setting cementitious adhesives shall comply with the characteristics reported in Table 1a,
while the fast setting cementitious adhesives shall comply with Table 1b.
Tables 1c, 1d and 1e report the optional characteristics that can be required for special service
conditions.
For the characteristics of wetting capability (measured in accordance with EN 1347) and transverse
deformation (measured in accordance with EN 12002) there are no limit values, but it is left to the
producer to declare the values to provide further information.
The amount of water and/or liquid admix required for preparing the cementitious adhesive shall be the
same for all tests.

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EN 12004:2001
Table 1 — Specifications for Cementitious Adhesives (C)

FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
1a NORMAL SETTING ADHESIVES
Characteristic Requirement Test Method
2
Initial tensile adhesion strength ³ 0,5 N/mm 8.2 of EN 1348:1997
2
Tensile adhesion strength after water immersion ³ 0,5 N/mm 8.3 of EN 1348:1997
2
Tensile adhesion strength after heat ageing ³ 0,5 N/mm 8.4 of EN 1348:1997
2
Tensile adhesion strength after freeze-thaw cycles ³ 0,5 N/mm 8.5 of EN 1348:1997
2
Open time: tensile adhesion strength ³ 0,5 N/mm after not less than 20 min EN 1346
1b FAST SETTING ADHESIVES
2
Early tensile adhesion strength ³ 0,5 N/mm after not more than 24 h 8.2 of EN 1348:1997
2
Open time: tensile adhesion strength ³ 0,5 N/mm after not less than10 min EN 1346
All other requirements as in Table 1a EN 1348:1997
OPTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
1c SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Slip £ 0,5 mm EN 1308
1d ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
2
High initial tensile adhesion strength ³ 1 N/mm 8.2 of EN 1348:1997
2
High tensile adhesion strength after water immersion ³ 1 N/mm 8.3 of EN 1348:1997
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2
High tensile adhesion strength after heat ageing ³ 1 N/mm 8.4 of EN 1348:1997
2
High tensile adhesion strength after freeze-thaw cycles ³ 1 N/mm 8.5 of EN 1348:1997
1e ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
2
Extended open time: tensile adhesion strength ³ 0,5 N/mm after not less than 30 min EN 1346
4.2 Dispersion Adhesives (D)
All the dispersion adhesives shall comply with the characteristics reported in Table 2a. Tables 2b, 2c and
2d report the optional characteristics that can be required for special service conditions.

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EN 12004:2001
Table 2 — Specifications for Dispersion Adhesives (D)
2a FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
2
Initial shear adhesion strength ³ 1 N/mm 7.2 of EN 1324:1996
2
Shear adhesion strength after heat ageing ³ 1 N/mm 7.4 of EN 1324:1996
2
2b SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Slip £ 0,5 mm EN 1308
2c ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
2
Adhesion strength after water immersion ³ 0,5 N/mm 7.3 of EN 1324:1996
2
Adhesion at elevated temperature ³ 1 N/mm 7.5 of EN 1324:1996
2d ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
2
Extended open time: tensile adhesion strength ³ 0,5 N/mm after not less than 30 min EN 1346
4.3 Reaction Resin Adhesives (R)
All the reaction resin adhesives for tiles shall comply with the characteristics reported in Table 3a.
Tables 3b and 3c report the optional characteristics that can be required for special service conditions.
Regarding the characteristic of chemical resistance (see EN 12808-1) there is no indication of limit value
or chemical agent. The test media shall consist of the media to which the chemical resistant materials are
to be exposed in service and the test conditions (temperature, concentration, etc.) shall simulate the
anticipated service and exposure conditions as closely as possible.
Table 3 — Specifications for Reaction Resin Adhesives (R)
3a FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

2
Initial shear adhesion strength ³ 2 N/mm 7.3 of EN 12003:1997
2
Shear adhesion strength after water immersion ³ 2 N/mm 7.4 of EN 12003:1997
2
3b SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Slip £ 0,5 mm EN 1308
3c ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
2
Shear adhesion strength after thermal shock ³ 2 N/mm 7.5 of EN 12003:1997
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EN 12004:2001
5 Evaluation of conformity
5.1 Principle
The scheme for the evaluation of conformity includes the following tasks:
· initial tests;
· factory production control (FPC);
· registration and traceability.
NOTE Manufacturers having a Quality System complying with EN ISO 9001 or EN ISO 9002, are
assumed to meet the requirements related to Factory Production Control systems by including this
standard in their Quality System.
5.2 Conditioning of the test specimen
When the test specimen has to be conditioned following the test method, the tolerance in the time of
conditioning for all test specimens shall be as follows:
Conditioning Tolerance
24 h ±0,5 h
7 days ±3 h
14 days ±6 h
21 days ±9 h
28 days ±2 h
5.3 Initial type testing
On first evaluation of a product to the requirements of this standard, or before the beginning of sale of a new
product, appropriate initial type testing shall be carried out to confirm that the characteristics of the product
meet the requirements of this standard. Tests which have previously been performed in accordance with the
provisions of this standard (same product, same characteristic, test method, sampling procedure, etc.) may
be taken into account for the purpose of demonstrating satisfactory initial type testing.
Initial type tests shall also be carried out on existing products after any change in raw materials or
manufacturing procedures that can modify the declared values of the characteristics or application
properties.
In these cases the appropriate initial type testing to be carried out are those for the characteristics and
properties that can be affected and need confirmation; any new property or properties arising from a change
of formulation or manufacturing procedure shall be tested and the results reported.
The initial type testing shall be performed as listed in Table 4.
The results of initial type testing shall be recorded and be available for inspection.
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EN 12004:2001
Table 4 — Initial tests

Characteristic Test method Type of adhesive
Cementitious Dispersion Reaction Resin
Open time EN 1346 y y y
Slip EN 1308 (y) (y) (y)
Tensile adhesion strength EN 1348:1997 y
Early tensile adhesion strength EN 1348:1997 (y)
Shear adhesion strength EN 1324:1996 y
Shear adhesion strength EN 12003:1997 y
Transverse deformation EN 12002 (y)
Chemical resistance EN 12808-1 (y)
Wetting capability* EN 1347 (y) (y) (y)
NOTE y means “yes”
(y) means “yes, if relevant for the product”
*This characteristic can be verified even if it is not requested for product specifications.
5.4 Factory production control
A factory production control (FPC) plan shall be established and documented in a manual.
Any change in raw materials, manufacturing procedures or control plan that can affect the properties of the
product shall be recorded.
The manual shall include the FPC procedures relevant to the declared properties, as confirmed by the initial
tests.
The FPC procedures shall consist of a system for the production quality control to ensure that the product
conforms with this standard.
The production control shall consist of the following main phases:
A. Inspection and testing of raw materials;

B. Inspection and testing of production equipment and process;
C. Inspection and testing on finished products.
5.4.1 Production
5.4.1.1 Raw materials
The manufacturer shall define the acceptance criteria and control procedures for incoming materials to
ensure that these are not used until it has been verified that they conform to the required specifications.
5.4.1.2 Production process
The manufacturer shall identify and define the plant and production processes and ensure that the
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processes are carried out under controlled conditions clearly described in procedures. The processes are
verified by means of inspections and testing documented in a plan, as frequency and values or criteria
required, both on equipment and on operations in the process.
The action to be taken when control values or criteria are not obtained shall be given.
5.4.2 Finished products
The number and size of the samples, the frequency of sampling, the tests performed and the results
obtained, shall be recorded.
The tests shall be performed at least with the frequency described in Table 5.
These records shall be available for inspection by relevant parties.

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EN 12004:2001
Table 5 — Production control frequency
Characteristic Test Frequency of test

method Monthly At six month
interval
Open time EN 1346 y
Slip EN 1308 (y)
Initial tensile adhesion (cementitious adhesives) EN 1348:1997 y
Early tensile adhesion (fast setting cementitious EN 1348:1997 (y)
adhesives)
Initial shear adhesion (dispersion adhesives) EN 1324:1996 y
Initial shear adhesion (reaction resin adhesives) EN 12003:1997 y
Tensile adhesion after conditioning (cementitious EN 1348:1997 y
adhesives)
Shear adhesion after conditioning (dispersion EN 1324:1996 y
adhesives)
Shear adhesion after conditioning (reaction resin EN 12003:1997 y
adhesives)
Transverse deformation EN 12002 (y)
Chemical resistance EN 12808-1 (y)
Wetting capability EN 1347 (y)
NOTE y means “yes”
(y) means “yes, if relevant for the product”
NOTE Alternative tests: when alternative tests to reference tests are used, the test methods with the
demonstration of correlation of the results obtained with both tests, will be recorded, maintained and
be made available on request from a relevant party.
5.4.3 Equipment
All the measuring instruments used for production or testing shall be identified, calibrated and kept in good
order, in accordance with documented procedures and instructions.
The manufacturer shall establish an appropriate plan detailing the procedures and frequency of these checks
and shall maintain the registrations. Test equipment shall be calibrated to traceable standards.
5.4.4 Statistical techniques
Where and when possible and applicable, the results of inspections and testing shall be interpreted by
means of statistical techniques, by attributes or by variables, to verify the product characteristics and to
determine if the production conforms with the compliance criteria and the product conforms with the declared
values.
5.5 Registration, traceability and nonconforming materials
5.5.1 Registration
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The records of inspections and testing shall be collected, stored and retained in a way to prevent damage,
deterioration or loss.
These records shall be maintained for 5 years and shall be made available on request from a relevant party.

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EN 12004:2001
5.5.2 Identification and traceability
Where appropriate, the manufacturer shall establish and maintain in the FPC manual suitable procedures for
the identification and traceability of materials from receipt of raw materials and during all stages of production
and delivery.
5.5.2 Nonconforming materials and corrective actions
The manufacturer shall ensure by means of procedures, documented in the FPC manual, that the materials
(raw materials, packaging, finished products) that do not conform to the specified requirements are clearly
identified and/or segregated to prevent their use or despatch.
The nonconforming material may be reworked to meet the specifications, reclassified under a concessionary
system or rejected and discarded, with a corrective action described and recorded in a nonconformity report.
5.5.4 Management and personnel
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The management activities to ensure that all of the above requirements operate shall be described in the
manual.
The manufacturer shall ensure that all personnel involved in the process receive the appropriate training to
perform their duties.
Where appropriate, all educational and training activities shall be recorded to prove the personnel
qualification.
The job description and the responsibilities of the operatives shall be given in the FPC manual.
6 Classification and designation
Tile adhesives are defined in three types, according with the definitions reported in 3.2.
C Cementitious adhesive.
D Dispersion adhesive.
R Reaction resin adhesive.
For each type it is possible to have different classes, related to the different optional characteristics,
according to Tables 1, 2 and 3. These classes are designated with the following abbreviations:
1 normal adhesive;
2 improved adhesive (meets the requirements for additional characteristic);
F fast setting adhesive;
T adhesive with reduced slip;
E adhesive with extended open time (only for improved cementitious adhesives;
and improved dispersion adhesives).
The designation of the adhesive is done with the symbol of the type (C, D or R), followed by the abbreviation
of the class or classes it belongs to. The following table describes the designation of tile adhesives.

Page 15
EN 12004:2001
Table 6 — Classification and designation
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
TYPE CLASS
C 1 Normal setting cementitious adhesive
C 1F Fast setting cementitious adhesive
C 1T Normal setting cementitious adhesive with reduced slip
C 1FT Fast setting cementitious adhesive with reduced slip
C 2 Improved cementitious adhesive with additional characteristics
C 2E Improved cementitious adhesive with additional characteristic extended open time
C 2F Improved fast setting cementitious adhesive with additional characteristics
C 2T Improved cementitious adhesive with additional characteristics and reduced slip
C 2TE Improved cementitious adhesive with additional characteristics, reduced slip and
extended open time
C 2FT Improved fast setting cementitious adhesive with additional characteristics and reduced
slip
D 1 Normal dispersion adhesive
D 1T Normal dispersion adhesive with reduced slip
D 2 Improved dispersion adhesive with additional characteristics
D 2T Improved dispersion adhesive with additional characteristics and reduced slip
D 2TE Improved dispersion adhesive with additional characteristics, reduced slip and extended
open time
R 1 Normal reaction resin adhesive
R 1T Normal reaction resin adhesive with reduced slip
R 2 Improved reaction resin adhesive with additional characteristics
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R 2T Improved reaction resin adhesive with additional characteristics and reduced slip
NOTE Additional designations can be inserted according to the combination of the different symbols of
the characteristics.
7 Marking and labelling

Products complying with the requirements of this European Standard shall be clearly marked with the
following information.
a) Name of the product.

b) Manufacturer’s mark and place of origin.
c) Date or code of production, shelf life and conditions of storage.
d) Number of this EN and date of issue.
e) Type of adhesive according to 6 (using symbols reported in 6).
f) Instructions for use: - mix proportions (where applicable);
- maturing time (where applicable);
- pot life;
- mode of application;
- open time;
- delay for grouting and for opening to traffic (where applicable);
- field of application (internal or external tile installation, on wall or floor,
etc.).
NOTE In the designation of an adhesive, information about special properties may be included when
the product is intended for use in specific applications.
This information shall be marked on the packaging and/or on the product’s technical data sheet.
This does not remove the requirement that all manufacturers claiming compliance with this standard shall
state declared values for the properties of their products, when required.

Page 16
EN 12004:2001
Annex A
(normative)
Failure patterns
Figure 1 — Figure 2 —
Adhesive failure between adhesive and substrate Adhesive failure between tile and adhesive
(AF-S) (AF-T)
Adhesive failure between tile and pull head plate Cohesive failure within the adhesive
(BT) (CF-A)
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Cohesive failure within the substrate Cohesive failure within the tile
(CF-S) (CF-T)
Key
1 Pull head plate
2 Tile
3 Adhesive
4 Substrate (Concrete slab)

Page 17
EN 12004:2001
Annex ZA
(informative)
Adhesives for tiles — Definitions and specifications —

Clauses of this European Standard addressing the provisions of the EU Construction Products
Directive (89/106)
Scope
With reference to Clause 1, this Annex ZA applies to adhesives for use in the construction field for fixing the
upper finishing of flooring and wall (internal and external) executed with ceramic, natural stones tiles and
assimilated product finishes.
Adhesives for other finishes of flooring and walls like rubber, plastic, textiles tiles or sheets are excluded.
ZA.1 Clauses of this European Standard addressing the provisions of the EU Construction Products
Directive
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association.
The clauses of this European Standard, shown in the table below, meet the requirements of the mandate
M/127, Construction adhesives given under the EU Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC).
Compliance with these clauses confers a presumption of fitness of the construction product covered by this
European Standard for its intended use(s).
WARNING: Other requirements and other EU Directives, not affecting the fitness for intended use(s),
can be applicable to the construction products falling within the scope of this European Standard.
NOTE In addition to any specific clauses relating to dangerous substances contained in this European Standard, there may be other
requirements applicable to the products falling within its scope (e.g. transposed European legislation and national laws, regulations and
administrative provisions). In order to meet the provisions of the EU Construction Products Directive, these requirements need also to
be complied with, when and where they apply. An informative database of European and national provisions on dangerous substances
is available at the Construction web site on EUROPA (CREATE, accessed through http://europa.eu.int).
Construction product(s): Adhesives for tiles in form of (see Clause 3.2):

· Cementitious adhesives
· Dispersion adhesive
· Reaction resin adhesives
NOTE Ceramic tile adhesives may also be used for other types of tiles (natural and agglomerated
stones, etc.), where these do not adversely affect the materials:
Intended use(s): Internal and external floorings and internal and external wall and ceiling
finishes.
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Page 18
EN 12004:2001
Table ZA.1 — Relevant clauses

List of Requirements, clause in this or other Mandated Notes
requirements/ European standards levels Test method
characteristics and/or
considered in the classes
mandate M/127
Bond strength a) for cementitious adhesives:
(shear adhesion, — initial and early tensile
tensile adhesion, adhesion strength: Clause 4.1, Table 1 EN 1348, p.8.2
etc.) b) for dispersion adhesives:
— initial shear adhesion
strength: Clause 4.2, Table 2 EN 1324, p.7.2
c) for reaction resin adhesives:
— initial shear adhesion
strength: Clause 4.3, Table 3 EN 12003, p.7.2
Durability
Climate/heat a) for cementitious adhesives:
ageing action — tensile adhesion
strength after climate/heat
ageing action: Declared value …
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(*) or NPD(*) EN 1348, p.8.4
b) for dispersion adhesives:
— shear adhesion strength after
climate/heat ageing action, and EN 1324, p.7.4
— shear adhesion strength
at elevated temperatures: Clause 4.2, Table 2 EN 1324, p.7.5
after thermal shock: Clause 4.3, Table 3 EN 12003, p.7.5
Water humidity a) for cementitious adhesives:
action — tensile adhesion strength
after water immersion: Clause 4.1, Table 1 EN 1348, p.8.3
b) for dispersion adhesives:
Freeze-thaw cycle for cementitious adhesives:
— tensile adhesion strength
after freeze-thaw cycle: Declared value ….
(*) or NPD(*) EN 1348, p.8.5
Chemical attack for reaction resin adhesives:
— chemical resistance: Clause 4.3, Table 3 EN 12808-1
(*) See note to Table ZA.3.2
ZA.2 Procedures for the attestation of conformity of products
Adhesive for the intended use listed above, shall follow the system of attestation of conformity shown
in Table ZA.2
Table ZA.2 — Attestation of conformity systems

Product(s) Intended use(s) Level(s) or class(es) Attestation of
conformity system(s)
Adhesives for tiles Construction uses — 3(*)
(*) System 3: see CPD Annex III.2.(ii), second possibility
The evaluation of conformity of the adhesives for tiles, covered by this standard, in respect of the
characteristics identified in Table ZA.1, shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of Clause 5.

Page 19
EN 12004:2001
ZA.3 CE marking and labelling
ZA.3.1 CE marking
The CE conformity marking, consists exclusively of the letters “CE” in the specified form of the directive
93/68/EEC and the identification number of the notified body, where relevant.
CE marking for construction adhesives shall be accompanied by the information shown below:
— CE marking (reproducing the logo of the CPD);

— the name or identifying mark of the producer;
— the last two digits of the year in which the marking was affixed;
— reference to this EN 12004;
— the product name and description;
— end use;
— the indications to identify the characteristics of the products on the basis of the technical
specifications (see Table ZA.1).
ZA.3.2 Example of reference model for the marking and labelling
Reference standard: EN 12004

CEType of adhesive: cementitious adhesive
Year: 01 End uses: internal/external floorings or wall finishes*
Name and address of the producer: (…..)
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List of the characteristics Declared values Test methods

Bond strength (shear adhesion, — Initial tensile adhesion strength: EN 1348, Clause 8.2
tensile adhesion, etc.) Type C1T of EN 12004
— Early tensile adhesion strength:
Type C1T of EN 12004
Durability
Climate/heat ageing action — Tensile adhesion strength after heat EN 1348, Clause 8.4
ageing:
Type C1T of EN 12004 or
2(*)
declared value … N/mm or
NPD (*)
Water humidity action — Tensile adhesion strength after water EN 1324, Clause 7.3
immersion:
Type C1T of EN 12004
Freeze-thaw cycle — Tensile adhesion strength after EN 1348, Clause 8.5
freeze-thaw cycles:
Type C1T of EN 12004 or
2(*)
declared value … N/mm or
NPD (*)
(*) Where the manufacturer uses the NPD (No Performance Determined) option for climate/heat ageing
and/or for freeze-thaw cycling, or where the declared value does not meet the requirement of the
standard, the end uses shall say “not suitable for external uses”.

Page 20
EN 12004:2001
In addition to any specific information relating to dangerous substances shown above, the product should
also be accompanied, when and where required and in the appropriate form, by documentation listing any
other legislation on dangerous substances for which compliance is claimed, together with any information
required by that legislation.
NOTE European legislation without national derogations need not be mentioned.
ZA.4 EC Declaration of conformity
When compliance with this Annex is achieved, the manufacturer or his agent established in the EEA shall
prepare and retain a declaration of conformity (EC Declaration of conformity), which authorizes the affixing of
the CE marking. This declaration shall include:
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— name and address of the manufacturer, or his authorized representative established in the EEA,
and place of production;
— description of the product (type, identification, use …), and a copy of the information
accompanying the CE marking;
— provisions to which the product conforms (e.g. Annex ZA to this EN);
— particular conditions applicable to the use of the product (e.g. provisions for use under certain
conditions, etc.);
— name of, and position held by, the person empowered to sign the declaration on behalf of the
manufacturer or of his authorized representative.
The above mentioned declaration shall be presented in the official language or languages of the Member
State in which the product is to be used.

Page 21
EN 12004:2001
Bibliography
EN ISO 9001 Quality systems — Model for quality assurance in design/development, production,
installation and servicing (ISO 9001:1994).
EN ISO 9002 Quality systems — Model for quality assurance in production, installation and servicing
(ISO 9002:1994).

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Page 22
BS EN 12004:2001
National Annex NA
(informative)
Additional information for UK users
NA.1 Introduction
This harmonized edition of BS EN 12004 does not include all the test methods described in the
corresponding national standard BS 5980 and the classification and performance of the adhesives also
differs.
The BS 5980 tests for excessive strain development and mould growth are not included in EN 12004. In
EN 12004 the minimum adhesion values are higher after both wet and dry storage conditions during the
test procedure, whereas BS 5980 allowed a reduction in the minimum adhesion after wetting.
NA.2 Classification
In BS 5980 adhesives were classified into five types. In EN 12004 the adhesives are classified into three
types in accordance with Clause 6:
— cementitious adhesives (Type C);

— dispersion adhesives (Type D);
— reaction resin adhesive (Type R).
These adhesive types are further classified into two classes, those that meet the fundamental
requirements and those that have optional (either additional or special) characteristics. Examples are
listed in Clause 6 and Table 6.
NA.3 Selection
The manufacturer's classification of the adhesive will be based on performance and this will enable the
user to select an adhesive suitable for the type of tile being fixed, the exposure of the installed tiling, etc.
For example, dense and heavy ceramic wall tiles of low porosity will normally require the use of improved
adhesives with reduced slip, e.g. a 2CT classification.
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NA.4 Marking
For sale within the EC, and where conformity with the “harmonized” requirements of the normative text
referred to by Annex ZA is required, all products will bear (in accordance with Clause 7) the CE mark in
conjunction with the standard number (EN 12004).
Compliance with these clauses confers a presumption of fitness of the ceramic tile adhesive covered by
this European Standard for its intended use(s), in accordance with the European Commission mandate
for this type of product, M127, Construction adhesives.
The significance of this marking is that the manufacturer claims compliance with the “harmonized”
requirements, but not necessarily with all of the requirements, of the normative text of the standard.

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Provided by IHS under license with CEN blank
BS EN
12004:2001
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BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

Adhesives for tiles —

The European Standard EN 12004:2001, with the incorporation of

ICS 01.040.83; 01.040.91; 83.180; 91.100.10

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

Amendments issued since publication

Copyright European Committee for Standardization

ICS 83.180; 91.100.10

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

Copyright European Committee for Standardization

This European Standard replaces EN 1322:1996.

This standard is one of a series of standards on tile adhesives including:

EN 1308 Adhesives for tiles — Determination of slip.

© BSI 1 November 2002

Copyright European Committee for Standardization

© BSI 1 November 2002

3 Terms and definitions

© BSI 1 November 2002 --```,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright European Committee for Standardization

3.3 Tools and working methods

3.4 Application properties

© BSI 1 November 2002

3.5 Final properties

It is measured following EN 1348:1997, EN 1324:1996 or EN 12003:1997 depending on the type of

It is measured following EN 12002.

3.6 Failure pattern

© BSI 1 November 2002

3.7.2 Optional characteristics

4.1 Cementitious Adhesives (C)

© BSI 1 November 2002

Table 1 — Specifications for Cementitious Adhesives (C)

4.2 Dispersion Adhesives (D)

© BSI 1 November 2002

Table 2 — Specifications for Dispersion Adhesives (D)

4.3 Reaction Resin Adhesives (R)

Table 3 — Specifications for Reaction Resin Adhesives (R)

Characteristic Requirement Test Method

5.2 Conditioning of the test specimen

5.3 Initial type testing

The initial type testing shall be performed as listed in Table 4.

© BSI 1 November 2002 --```,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright European Committee for Standardization

Table 4 — Initial tests

5.4 Factory production control

The production control shall consist of the following main phases:

A. Inspection and testing of raw materials;

5.4.1.1 Raw materials

5.4.1.2 Production process

5.4.2 Finished products

These records shall be available for inspection by relevant parties.

© BSI 1 November 2002

Table 5 — Production control frequency

Characteristic Test Frequency of test

5.4.4 Statistical techniques

5.5 Registration, traceability and nonconforming materials

© BSI 1 November 2002

5.5.2 Identification and traceability

5.5.2 Nonconforming materials and corrective actions

5.5.4 Management and personnel

6 Classification and designation

© BSI 1 November 2002

Table 6 — Classification and designation