Concerned with workplace electrical safety? Worried about regulatory government inspection? Well, it’s time to invest in an upgraded version of the electrical rubber mat. Choosing the one that suits your purpose, business and budget can be a tough decision. So, here you go! Decoding different types of insulating mats, their best usage, and benefits. Read on.
Huge electrical equipment constitutes a prominent role in factories and workplaces across almost every industry or niche. Live electrical equipment is quintessential for the efficient functioning of the workplace. Other areas where insulating mats are required range from electrical substations to transformers, lift rooms, generators, and in-front of switchboards to name among a few. Ensuring workers or employees who work in the live electrical equipment are safe has led to the importance of electrical rubber mats.
Industry Reports suggest the electrical insulation material market is projected to grow up to USD 9.58 Billion by 2021. It means electrical insulating mats are going to be the preferred choice when it comes to ensuring safety from electrical hazards in workplaces. It is considered a mandatory safety protection material for ensuring occupational safety.
Before businesses decide to invest money in the purchase of an electrical mat, a comparative study is desirable to identify which type of insulation mat suits your business the most. Even though working personnel may wear insulating boots, gloves, and jackets; the level of protection provided by insulated rubber mat through organized earthing deserves appreciation.
There are six different types of electrical insulating mats in the industry. Various factors should be taken into consideration before choosing a particular class and standard of rubber mats for electrical panels.
- The insulation level requirements for live working
- Determining the highest voltage of the system
- The work practices the employer adheres to and utilized by an employee
- Insulation level that is needed for live working
- The national regulatory requirements
Six types of rubber mats for electrical panels are as follows.
- X-Volt Insulating Mats (IS 15652: 2006)
- Safevolt Insulation Mats (IS 15652: 2006)
- Electrical Checker Mats (IS 5424: 1969)
- Electrical Rubber Mats (IEC 61111: 2009)
- Switchboard Mats (ASTM-D178)
- Electrical Safety Mats (AS/NZS-2978:1995)
X-Volt Electrical Insulating Mats (IS 15652: 2006)
X-Volt Electrical Insulating Mats are designed as a means to comply with the latest Indian standards IS 15652:2006. This type of electrical rubber mat consists of technically advanced features and is able to withstand stringent industrial conditions with ease. Staff such as electricians, technicians, laborers, and workmen can be assured of enhanced safety with this type of electrical mat. The mat is made up of elastomer which is a combination of rubber, elastomeric compounds, and PVC. The presence of anti-skid properties helps any sort of slippage while the electricians work atop these mats.
Features of X-Volt Electrical Insulating Mats at a Glance
- ISI Marked
- BIS Approved
- High Voltage Resistant
- Type Tested
Safevolt Insulation Mats (IS 15652: 2006)
It is mainly used for the prevention of electrical shocks from control panels. It is applied to the floor below the control panels. It protects laborers and electricians from any sort of unexpected leakage in the current. Compared to X-Volt electrical insulating mats, this one features a more premium anti-skid dotted design that looks visually appealing. The mat also features non-conductive matting characteristics which obstruct the electrical energy to flow from the electrical source to the earth via the human body. It is also composed of elastomer.
It is an ideal option for commercial businesses looking for safety mats with visually appealing and sturdy designs along with approvals from third-party testing agencies such as CPRI and ERDA. Businesses will also get a manufacturer’s test certificate.
Features of Safevolt Insulation Mats at a Glance
- CPRI/ERDA Type Tested
- ISI Marked
- BIS Approved
- High Voltage Resistant
Electrical Checker Mats (IS 5424:1969)
This type of mat is one of the most economical grade mats available in the market. It is also the most widely used electrical rubber mat on the market. These safety mats are of high quality, durable, and comprise easy-to-use features. It offers enhanced protection for workmen against electrical shocks. It is made up of natural rubber and is designed to be highly electrical resistant.
However, it has to be taken note that these electrical checker mats are manufactured based on the old Indian standards. That is 5424 of 1969. Currently, it has already been replaced by IS 15652:2006. For those who are looking for enhanced electrical protection for their workmen, electricians, and laborers, we recommend using highly protective and reliable X-Volt Insulating Mats or Safevolt Insulation Mats as mentioned above.
Electrical Rubber Mats (IEC 61111:2009)
This electrical rubber mat is composed of a special rubber compound and is manufactured according to the standard set by the International Electro-Technical Commission. According to the voltage resistance requirements, these mats can be customized. The mats are made available in different colors, custom shapes, and lengths. This mat provides enhanced safety for electrical workers and laborers by acting as protective gear for them from electric shocks.
A number of features make it distinct from other electrical insulating mats.
- High-Quality Dielectric Rubber
- IEC Compliant
- High Voltage Resistant
- Water-Resistant
- Oil Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Acid Resistant
Switchboard Mats (ASTM-D178)
Unlike the rest of the electrical mat, this mat is manufactured according to the ASTM-D178 standard also known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. It recommends a thickness ranging from 3.2 mm to 12.7 mm.
Key features of ASTM-D178
- ASTM Compliant
- High-Quality Di-electrical Rubber
- Type-1 grade switchboard mats are water-resistant
- Type-2 grade switchboard mats are ozone, flame, and oil resistant
- Anti-skid texture on the upper and lower surface
Electrical Safety Mats (AS/NZS-2978:1995)
This insulated rubber mat is manufactured as per AS/NZS2978:1995 which is set by Joint Standards Australia/New Zealand Committee EL/4. This electrical mat is available in two types namely Class A and Class B. Class A type of mats are thicker mats whereas Class B type of mats is lightweight mats.
Key Features of Electrical Safety Mats (AS/NZS-2978:1995)
- AZ/NZS Compliant
- High-Quality Di-electrical Rubber
- High Voltage Resistant
- Anti-Skid Design
For detailed specifications and characteristics of the six different types of electrical insulating mats, refer to the chart below.
Image Source: Duratuf Products Pvt Ltd
If businesses in India are considered, then the best electrical rubber mat would be either X-Volt Insulating Mats or Safevolt Insulation Mats compared to economical grade electrical checker mats. However, if businesses are looking for an electrical mat that is compliant with International Standards such as IEC Compliant, ASTM Compliant, or AZ/NZS Compliant; then the ideal option would be Electrical Rubber Mats (IEC 61111:2009), Switchboard Mats (ASTM-D178) or Electrical Safety Mats (AS/NZS-2978:1995).