BOT-3000E – ANSI A326.3

BOT-3000E – What is it?

  • The BOT-3000E, made by Regan Scientific Instruments, is a precision digital tribometer used to measure the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) in both lab and field settings. It is the designated device under ANSI A326.3 and A137.1 for classifying hard surface flooring, particularly ceramic tile.

  • While it can measure both DCOF and SCOF, only DCOF is relevant to current standards. SCOF is outdated and not recognized for safety assessments.

  • At Walkway Management South Florida, we use the BOT-3000E to monitor floor performance over time—after installation or treatment. For assessing actual slip safety, we rely on the British Pendulum Test (ASTM E303), which better simulates real-world walking conditions.

Walkway Management BOT 3000e tribometer used for slip testing
bot 3000e and ANSI A326.3 standard print out, dcof measurement

Benefits of using the BOT-3000E

ANSI A326.3 Standard

  • Test method measures Dynamic Coefficient of Friction

  • Three (3) samples taken for each test.

  • All three (3) samples must be above threshold.

  • Test Method identifies Five (5) Product Use Categories

  • Created for Hard Surface Flooring Testing

  • Test calls for tribometer to be validated with the A326.3 Validation surface.

  • Processed & Approved by the ASC A108 Committee

product classifications or categories for the ANSI A326.3 standard. DCOF for exterior surfaces, for interior surfaces and other areas.

Organizations Involved with A326.3

  • ASC A108

  • Ceramic Tile & Stone Consultants

  • Ceramic Tile Distributors Association

  • Ceramic Tile Education Foundation

  • Dal-Tile International

  • David Allen Company

  • National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association

  • National Tile Contractors Association

  • National Stone Institute

  • Construction Inspection Institute

  • SCS Global Services

  • Florida Tile, Inc.

  • Forensic Tile Consultants

  • Int. Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers

  • ISO TC-189 Committee

  • Laticrete International, INC.

  • Moore Engineering Services

  • National Association of Home Builders

  • National Gypsum Company

  • Tile Council North America (TCNA)

  • Tile Contractors Association of America

  • TCA Team, LLC

Regan Scientific Instruments (RSI)

In 2023, Regan Scientific Instruments (RSI) was acquired by Walkway Management Group, Inc. As a company dedicated to advancing the science and application of tribology, RSI developed the BOT-3000E—a digital tribometer designed specifically to meet the requirements of the ANSI A326.3 Standard, officially adopted in 2021 as the U.S. test method for measuring the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) on hard surface flooring.

While the BOT-3000E is not a predictive tool for slip events, it remains the standard instrument for comparing surface friction values under controlled conditions and for monitoring changes in surface performance over time. When used appropriately and with proper training, it is a powerful asset in any proactive floor safety program.

For assessing safety, we recommend first using the British Pendulum as it is more precise and capable of assessing safety. The BOT-3000E is for comparing the slip resistance readings over time, not assessing safety.