SECTION 12 36 00

COUNTERTOPS

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section specifies casework countertops with integral accessories.
B. Integral accessories include:
1. Sinks with traps and drains.
2. Mechanical Service fixtures.
3. Electrical Receptacles.
4. Hot Plates (Range)
1.2 RELATED WORK
A. Color and patterns of plastic laminate: SECTION 09 06 00, SCHEDULE FOR FINISHES.
B. DIVISION 22, PLUMBING.
C. DIVISION 26, ELECTRICAL.
D. Equipment Reference Manual for SECTION 12 36 00, COUNTERTOPS.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit in accordance with SECTION 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND
SAMPLES.
B. Shop Drawings
1. Show dimensions of section and method of assembly.
2. Show details of construction at 1/2 scale.
C. Samples:
1. 150 mm (6 inch) square samples each top.
2. Front edge, back splash, end splash and core with surface material and booking.
1.4 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. Publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. Publications are
referenced in the text by the basic designation only.
B. American Hardboard Association (AHA):
A135.4-95 ................................... Basic Hardboard
C. Composite Panel Association (CPA):
A208.1-09 ................................... Particleboard

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 D. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):
A112.18.1-05 .............................. Plumbing Supply Fittings
A112.1.2-04 ................................ Air Gaps in Plumbing System
A112.19.3-08(R2004) ................. Stainless Steel Plumbing Fixtures (Designed for Residential Use)
E. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):
A167-99 (R2009) ........................ Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium-Nickel Steel Plate, Sheet
and Strip
A1008-09 .................................... Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High Strength, Low
Alloy
D256-06 ...................................... Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastic
D570-98(R2005) ......................... Water Absorption of Plastics
D638-08 ...................................... Tensile Properties of Plastics
D785-08 ...................................... Rockwell Hardness of Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
D790-07 ...................................... Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and
Electrical Insulating Materials
D4690-99(2005) ......................... Urea-Formaldehyde Resin Adhesives
G21-96 (R2002).......................... Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi
F. Federal Specifications (FS):
A-A-1936 .................................... Adhesive, Contact, Neoprene Rubber
G. U.S. Department of Commerce, Product Standards (PS):
PS 1-95 ...................................... Construction and Industrial Plywood
H. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA):
LD 3-05 ....................................... High Pressure Decorative Laminates
LD 3.1-95 .................................... Performance, Application, Fabrication, and Installation of High
Pressure Decorative Laminates
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 MATERIALS
A. Plastic Laminate: NEMA LD 3.
1. Concealed backing sheet Type BKL.
2. Decorative surfaces:

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 a. Flat components: Type GP-HGL.
b. Post forming: Type PF-HGP.
3. Chemical Resistant Surfaces
a. Flat components: Type GP-HGL.
b. Post forming: Type PF-HGP.
c. Resistance to reagents:
1) Test with five 0.25 mil drops remaining on surface for 16 hours followed by washing off
with tap water, then cleaned with liquid soap and water, dried with soft cotton cloth
and then cleaned with naphtha.
2) No change in color, surface texture, and original protectability remaining from test
results of following reagents:

98% Acetic Acid Butyl Alcohol Acetone

90% Formic Acid-- Benzine Chloroform
28% Ammonium Hydroxide Xylene Carbon Tetrachloride
Zinc Chloride (Sat.) Toluene Cresol
Sodium Carbonate (Sat.) Gasoline Ether
Calcium Hypochlorite (Sat.) Kerosene Cottonseed Oil
Sodium Chloride (Sat.) Mineral Oil 40% Formaldehyde
Methyl Alcohol Ethyl Acetate Trichlorethylene
Ethyl Alcohol Amyl Acetate Monochlorobenzine

3) Superficial effects only: Slight color change, spot, or residue only with original
protectability remaining from test results of following reagents:

77% Sulfuric Acid 37% Hydrochloric Acid 85% Phenol

33% Sulfuric Acid 20% Nitric Acid Furfural
85% Phosphoric Acid 30% Nitric Acid Dioxane

4) Minimum height of impact resistance: 300 mm (12 inches).

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 B. Molded Resin:
1. Non-glare epoxy resin or furan resin compounded and cured for minimum physical properties
specified:

Flexural strength 70 MPa (10,000 psi) ASTM D790

Rockwell hardness 105 ASTM D785
Water absorption, 14 hours .01% ASTM D570
(weight)

2. Material of uniform mixture throughout.

C. Stainless Steel: ASTM A167, Type 304.
D. Sheet Steel: ASTM A1008, cold rolled, Class 1 finish, stretcher leveled.
E. Particleboard: CPA A208.1, Grade 2-M-2.
F. Plywood: PS 1, Exterior type, veneer grade AC not less than five ply construction.
G. Hardwood Countertop: Solid maple, clear grade except where other wise specified.
H. Hardboard: ANSI/AHA A135.4, Type I, tempered, fire retardant treated, smooth surface one side.
I. Adhesive
1. For plastic laminate FS A-A-1936.
2. For wood products: ASTM D4690, unextended urea resin or unextended melamine resin,
phenol resin, or resorcinol resin.
3. For Field Joints:
a. Epoxy type, resistant to chemicals as specified for plastic laminate laboratory surfaces.
b. Fungi resistant: ASTM G-21, rating of 0.
J. Fasteners:
1. Metals used for welding same metal as materials joined.
2. Use studs, bolts, spaces, threaded rods with nuts or screws suitable for materials being joined
with metal splice plates, channels or other supporting shape.
K. Solid Polymer Material:
1. Filled Methyl Methacrylic Polymer.

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 2. Performance properties required:

Property Result Test

Elongation 0.3% min. ASTM D638
Hardness 90 Rockwell M ASTM D785
Gloss (600 Gordon) 5-20 NEMA LD3.1
Color stability No change NEMA LD3 except 200
hour
Abrasion resistance No loss of pattern NEMA LD3
Max wear depth 0.0762 mm (0.003
in) - 10000 cycles
Water absorption weight 24 hours 0.9 ASTM D-570
(5 max)
Izod impact 14 N·m/m ASTM D256
(0.25 ft-lb/in) (Method A)
Impact resistance No fracture NEMA LD-3 900 mm (36")
drop 1 kg
(2 lb.) ball
Boiling water surface No visible change NEMA LD3
resistance
High temperature Slight surface dulling NEMA LD3
resistance

3. Cast into sheet form and bowl form.

4. Color throughout with subtle veining through thickness.
5. Joint adhesive and sealer: Manufacturers silicone adhesive and sealant for joining methyl
methacrylic polymer sheet.
6. Bio-based products will be preferred.
L. Laminar Flow Control Device
1. Smooth bright stainless steel or satin finish, chrome plated metal laminar flow device shall
provide non-aeration, clear, coherent laminar flow that will not splash in basin. Device shall
also have a flow control restrictor and have vandal resistant housing.
2. Flow Control Restrictor:

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 a. Capable of restricting flow of 7.5 to 8.5 Lpm (2.0 to 2.2 gpm) for sinks provided in
paragraph 2.2D.
b. Compensates for pressure fluctuation maintaining flow rate specified above within 10
percent between 175 and 550 kPa (25 and 80 psi).
c. Operates by expansion and contraction, eliminates mineral/sediment building up with self
clearing action, and is capable of easy manual cleaning.
2.2 SINKS
A. Molded Resin:
1. Cast or molded in one piece with interior corners 25 mm (one inch) minimum radius.
2. Minimum thickness of sides and ends 13 mm (1/2 inch), bottom 16 mm (5/8 inch).
3. Molded resin outlet for drain and standpipe overflow.
4. Provide clamping collar permitting connection to 38 mm (1-1/2 inch) or 50 mm (2 inch) waste
outlet and trap, making sealed but not permanent connection.
B. Sinks of Methyl Methacrylic Polymer:
1. Minimum 19 mm (3/4 inch) thick, cast into bowl shape with overflow to drain.
2. Provide for underhung installation to countertop.
3. Provide openings for drain.
2.3 TRAPS AND FITTINGS
A. Material as specified in DIVISION 22, PLUMBING.
B. For Molded Resin Sinks:
1. Chemical resisting P-traps and fittings for chemical waste service.
2. Provide traps with cleanout plug easily removable without tools.
C. Plaster traps:
1. Cast iron body with porcelain enamel exterior finish.
2. 50 mm (2 inch) female threaded side inlet and outlet.
3. Removable galvanized cage having integral baffles and replaceable brass screens.
4. Removable gasketed cover.
5. Minimum overall dimensions: 350 x 350 x 400 mm high (14 x 14 x 16 inches) with 175 mm (7
inch) water seal.
6. Non-siphoning and easily accessible for cleaning.

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 E. Air Gap Fittings: ASME A112.1.2.
F. Methyl Methacrylic Polymer Sink Traps:
1. Cast or wrought brass with flat grid strainer, off-set tail piece, adjustable 38 x 32 mm (1-1/2 x 1
1/4-inch) P trap.
2. Chromium plated finish.
2.4 WATER FAUCETS
A. ASME A112.18.1.
1. Cast or forged brass, compression type with replaceable seat and stem assembly or
replaceable cartridge.
2. Indexed four-arm lever handles either with or without head.
3. Gooseneck minimum clearance above countertop of 190 mm (7-1/2 inches), bent 180 degrees
for vertical discharge.
4. Swing spouts elevated to clear handles.
5. Exposed brass surfaces chromium plated.
6. Cast combination hot and cold fixture with one piece body for multiple outlets.
7. Adapter type connection which will permit field conversion of swing spouts to fixed or
gooseneck grouts or vice versa.
8. Pedestals Top for Laboratory or Pharmacy:
a. Modern design tapered to a round base, factory assembled and tested.
b. Brass shanks, locknuts and washers for attaching to top or curbs.
B. Laminar flow control device on spouts.
C. Automatic Controlled Faucets.
1. Infra-red photocell sensor and a solenoid valve to control water flow automatically.
2. Breaking light beam activates water flow.
3. Water stops when user moves away from light beam.
D. Vanity or Lavatory Faucets in Methyl Methacrylic Polymer tops:
1. Extra long center set single lever handle control.
2. Cast or wrought copper alloy, vandal resistant.
3. Stainless steel ball type with replaceable non-metallic seats, stainless steel lined sockets.
4. Handle always returning to the neutral position or cartridge body construction.

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 5. Provide laminar flow control device.
2.5 ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES
A. Curb Mounted Receptacles:
1. NEMA 5-20R duplex in galvanized steel box.
2. Chromium plated brass or steel face plate.
B. Pedestal Mounted Receptacles:
1. NEMA 5-20R duplex installed in double faces.
2. Polished stainless steel or aluminum, or chromium plated brass pedestal.
2.6 COUNTERTOPS
A. Fabricate in largest sections practicable.
B. Fabricate with joints flush on top surface.
C. Fabricate countertops to overhang front of cabinets and end of assemblies 25 mm (one inch)
except where against walls or cabinets.
D. Provide 1 mm (0.039 inch) thick metal plate connectors or fastening devices (except epoxy resin
tops).
E. Join edges in a chemical resistant waterproof cement or epoxy cement, except weld metal tops.
F. Fabricate with end splashes where against walls or cabinets.
G. Splash Backs and End Splashes:
1. Not less than 19 mm (3/4 inch) thick.
2. Height 100 mm (4 inches) unless noted otherwise.
3. Laboratories and pharmacy heights or where fixtures or outlets occur: Not less than 150 mm
(6 inches) unless noted otherwise.
4. Fabricate epoxy splash back in maximum lengths practical of the same material.
H. Drill or cutout for sinks, and penetrations.
1. Accurately cut for size of penetration.
2. Cutout for VL 81 photographic enlarger cabinet.
a. Finish cutout to fit flush with vertical side of cabinet, allowing adjustable shelf to fit into
cutout space of cabinet at counter top level. Finish cutout surface as an exposed edge.
b. Provide braces under enlarger space to support not less than 45 kg (100 pounds)
centered on opening side along backsplash.

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 I. Plastic Laminate Countertops:
1. Fabricate plastic laminate on five-ply plywood or particleboard core 19 mm (3/4 inch) thick with
plastic laminate backing sheet.
2. Front edge over cabinets not less than 38 mm (1-1/2 inches) thick except where plastic "T"
insert is used, not less than 19 mm (3/4 inch) thick.
3. Exposed Surface and edges of decorative laminated plastic or laboratory chemical resistant
surface.
a. Use chemical resistant surface on tops 6A, 6B, and 6C.
b. Use decorative surface tops when noted plastic laminate, for tops 10A, 10B and 10C.
J. Molded Resin Tops:
1. Molded resin with drip groove cut on underside of overhanging edge.
2. Finish thickness of top minimum 25 mm (1 inch).
3. Joints: Epoxy Type.
4. Secure reagent shelves to counter tops with fasteners from underside and seal seam.
K. Maple tops:
1. Fabricate in one piece of solid laminated tongue and groove maple strips, not more than three
inches in width, glued under pressure to a thickness 45 mm (1-3/4 inches).
2. Edges and ends of clear maple wood. Make splash backs and splash ends of 19 mm (3/4
inch) thick maple and secure to counter tops with concealed metal fasteners and with contact
surfaces set in waterproof glue.
3. Round exposed edges of maple tops and backs to approximate 9 mm (3/8 inch) radius.
4. Sand exposed surfaces smooth and even and apply two coats of boiled linseed oil. Rub in
each coat and allow 48 hours to lapse between coats.
L.. Methyl Methacrylic Polymer Tops:
1. Fabricate countertop of methyl methacrylic polymer cast sheet, 19 mm (3/4 inch) thick.
2. Fabricate back splash and end splash to height shown.
3. Fabricate skirt to depth shown.
4. Fabricate with marine edge where sinks occur.
5. Fabricate in one piece for full length from corner to corner up to 3600 mm (12 feet).
6. Join pieces with adhesive sealant.

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 7. Cut out countertop for lavatories, plumbing trim.
8. Provide concealed fasteners and epoxy cement for anchorage of sinks to countertop.
R. Counter Tops for Interchangeable Furniture: Counter tops, unless otherwise shown, are to be
capable of vertical adjustment of 150 mm (6 inches). Fabricate tops, except CRS, in increments of
units over which they fit with maximum length not to exceed 1950 mm (78 inches). Top section
shall cover as many cabinet units as possible. Horizontal joints in counter tops at service strip and
across depth of counter are be watertight when in place but of a type that can be easily separated
and reset when counter top is moved up or down. Fabricate CRS tops in maximum lengths
practicable, with field joints welded and ground smooth to match adjacent surfaces. Securely
fasten to supporting rails with heavy metal fastening devices, or with screws, through pierced slots
in such rails. Fabricate vertical splash back and reagent shelf in maximum length practicable of
same material as working surface, except finish thickness shall be 19 mm (3/4 inch).
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Before installing countertops verify that wall surfaces have been finished as specified and that
mechanical and electrical service locations are as required.
B. Secure countertops to supporting rails of cabinets with metal fastening devices, or screws through
pierced slots in rails.
1. Where type, size or spacing of fastenings is not shown or specified, submit shop drawings
showing proposed fastenings and method of installation.
2. Use round head bolts or screws.
3. Use epoxy or silicone to fasten the epoxy resin countertops to the cabinets.
4. Use wood or sheet metal screws for wood or plastic laminate tops; minimum penetration into
top 16 mm (5/8 inch), screw size No 8, or 10.
C. Rubber Moldings:
1. Where shown install molding with butt joints in horizontal runs and mitered joints at corners
where ceramic tile occurs omit molding.
2. Fasten molding to wall and to splashbacks and splashends with adhesive.
D. Sinks

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 1. Install stainless steel sink in plastic laminate tops with epoxy compound to form watertight seal
under shelf rim.
a. In laboratory and pharmacy fit stainless steel sink with overflow standpipe.
b. Install faucets and fittings on sink ledges with watertight seals where shown.
2. Install molded resin sinks with epoxy compound to form watertight seal with underside of
molded resin top.
a. Install sink with not less than two channel supports with threaded rods and nuts at each
end, expansion bolted to molded resin top.
b. Design support for a twice the full sink weight.
c. Install with overflow standpipes.
3. Install methyl methacrylic polymer sinks in manufacturers recommended adhesive sealer or
epoxy compound to underside of methyl methacrylic polymer countertop.
a. Bolt or screw to countertop to prevent separation of bowl and fracture of adhesive sealant
joint.
b. Install drain and traps to sink.
E. Faucets, Fixtures, and Outlets:
1. Seal opening between fixture and top.
2. Secure to top with manufacturers standard fittings.
F. Range Tops, Electrical Outlets, Film Viewer:
1. Set in cutouts with manufacturers gasket sealing joint with top to prevent water leakage.
2. Install control unit and electric outlets where shown. Seal escutcheon plate at lap if on counter
or top to prevent water leakage.
3.2 PROTECTION AND CLEANING
A. Tightly cover and protect against dirt, water, and chemical or mechanical injury.
B. Clean at completion of work.
---END---

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