2026-10-24T09:22:36

Tile Adhesive Classification C2TE: What C1, C2, T, E and S1 Mean (EN 12004)

瓷砖胶分类 C2TE 是什么意思：EN 12004 的 C1、C2、T、E、S1 代码解读

A code such as C2TE S1 on an adhesive bag is not a marketing label: it comes from the tile adhesive classification in EN 12004 and ISO 13007. In short, C1 means a tensile adhesion strength of at least 0.5 N/mm², C2 at least 1 N/mm², T means the tiles do not slide on walls, E means a longer open time, and S1/S2 mean the adhesive is deformable. Pick the code that suits the tile size and area, then check it against the manufacturer's TDS.

Tile adhesive classification C2TE: cement adhesive combed with a notched trowel under a porcelain tile

Tile adhesive classification: type, class and special characteristics

LATICRETE's TDS 137ISO explains how the code is built. The first letter is the type: C for cementitious adhesives, D for dispersion (ready-mixed) adhesives and R for reaction resin adhesives such as epoxy. The number that follows is the class: 1 for normal adhesives and 2 for improved adhesives. Optional letters may come next: F (fast setting), T (slip resistant), E (extended open time) and S1 or S2 (deformable).

Minimum values in EN 12004-1:2017

Code	Main requirement (cementitious adhesives)
C1	Initial tensile adhesion and tensile adhesion after water immersion, heat ageing and freeze–thaw cycles each ≥ 0.5 N/mm²; open time: ≥ 0.5 N/mm² after at least 20 minutes
C2	All four tensile adhesion values above ≥ 1 N/mm²
F	Early tensile adhesion ≥ 0.5 N/mm² after no more than 6 hours; open time at least 10 minutes
T	Slip ≤ 0.5 mm
E	≥ 0.5 N/mm² after an open time of at least 30 minutes
S1 / S2	Transverse deformation ≥ 2.5 mm and < 5 mm (S1); ≥ 5 mm (S2)

The ISO 13007-1:2014 preview lists the same values for C1 (0.5 N/mm²) and C2 (1.0 N/mm²).

Examples on the Indonesian market

A Sika Indonesia article (21 April 2025) groups its products by tile size and area: SikaCeram-200 TA for submerged areas such as pools and bathrooms up to 120 x 120 cm, and SikaCeram-255 Big Slab for slabs from 120 x 240 to 160 x 320 cm, which the article says meets C2TE S1 under EN 12004. The same article says tiles do not need soaking and grouting should wait at least 24 hours after installation.

The TDS for MU-400 GranitFix LowDust from Saint-Gobain Indonesia (issued 21 July 2025) does not state a class code. It gives a bond strength of > 0.5 N/mm² at 28 days and an open time of 20 minutes, both tested to EN 12004-2, interior use up to 60 cm and exterior use up to 80 cm on the longest tile side, and recommends double buttering for tiles larger than 60 x 60 cm.

How to use the tile adhesive classification when buying

Look for the full code on the bag or TDS, for example C2TE S1, together with the standard number and the TDS issue date.
For wall tiles, the T letter helps keep tiles from sliding.
For large areas, the E letter gives a longer working time.
For large porcelain tiles and big slabs, follow the size limits in the TDS and the manufacturer's advice on double buttering.
If a TDS only gives numbers, compare them with the table above, but do not assume a class the manufacturer has not written.

Get an adhesive quote from homeX

homeX is a one-stop building materials and furniture platform in Indonesia with a showroom, warehousing and delivery. Send the tile size, area and project location via WhatsApp +62 821 1818 998; our team can prepare a comparison of several brands with their TDS. homeX showroom: Priskilla Tower 6th floor, Jl. Atang Sanjaya No.21, Benda, Kota Tangerang, Banten 15125. Visit the homeX showroom.

Note: standard values are taken from official iTeh previews and manufacturer TDS; we did not read the full standards. Confirm specifications with the manufacturer before buying. Data as of 24 October 2026.

FAQ

What does C2TE S1 mean on a tile adhesive? C2 is a cementitious adhesive with tensile adhesion of at least 1 N/mm², T means slip of no more than 0.5 mm, E means an open time of at least 30 minutes, and S1 means a transverse deformation from 2.5 to under 5 mm, per EN 12004-1:2017.

Is a C1 adhesive enough for 60 x 60 porcelain tiles? The standard does not set tile sizes. Size limits come from the manufacturer's TDS; for example, the MU-400 TDS allows interior use up to 60 cm on the longest side. Follow the TDS of the product you buy.

What is the difference between C and R adhesives? C adhesives are cement based, while R adhesives are reaction resins such as epoxy.