Tech Note:

Grade labels and certification

From Section 9 of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) for Ceramic tile installation.

PURPOSE OF GRADE MARKING
Grade marking is fundamental to an understanding of tile grades, to the proper and satisfactory use of tile, to gaining consumer good will, and to the fullest development of the ceramic tile industry. Various grade names used by architects, manufacturers and contractors without definition or specifications are confusing and tend to encourage misrepresentation and substitution. Grade marking that is practical and understandable prevents tampering, discourages the shipping of mixed grades in the same container, establishes the responsibility, and serves as a protection to the consumer.

DEFINITION OF GRADES
Standard Grade: Ceramic tile that meets the requirements of these specifications. Second Grade (Seconds): Ceramic tile that meets all of the requirements of these specifications except that inspection of facial defects is conducted at a distance of 10 feet instead of 3 feet.

LABELING PROCEDURES
Quarry Tile: Quarry tile required to be in accordance with this standard shall be shipped in sealed packages with the claim of grade conformance either imprinted on the package or on a paper label adhesively attached to the package according to the manufacturers practice. The paper color of the label shall be blue for Standard Grade and yellow for Second Grade. When a label is used, it shall be adhered to the package so that the package cannot be opened without breaking the label.

CERTIFICATION
Certification of each shipment of tile shall be in accordance with the Master Grade Certificate. A Master Grade Certificate is issued by the tile manufacturer to the tile contractor only upon the contractor's request before shipment is made and is used to certify a particular shipment. These certificates shall give adequate information to identify the specific containers to which they apply.