AC hardness ratings are a standardized measure adopted by The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF). The AC measure rates abrasion resistance, impact resistance, resistance to staining and cigarette burns, and thickness swelling along edges. If laminate flooring cannot meet the requirements for each of these ratings, approval for a given AC rating will be denied. AC1 is suitable for lighter, more infrequent traffic, e.g. a bedroom. AC2 is suitable for general residential use in living rooms and dining rooms. AC3 can be applied to more varied locations, such as small offices and other light commercial locati AC4 can be installed in higher traffic commercial areas such as boutiques, busier offices, and restau AC5 is more durable still and can withstand the traffic of heavier commercial areas such as departm buildings.