6 Different Types of Electrical Insulating Mats – A Comparative Study

Go through this quick read, it will help you choose the right electrical mats.

An electrical mat is essential safety equipment. Various workplace regulatory agencies like OSHA (USA), HSE (UK) and DGFASLI (India) mandate the use of safety-compliant protective gear.
An electrical rubber mat is also called an insulating mat, an electrical mat, a switchboard mat, an electrical safety mat, checker mat. Just like the names, there are many electrical rubber mat types, as well.
If you search across the web or with the electrical mat suppliers near you, you will get plenty of options. They will showcase electrical safety mats compliant with the ASTM D178, IEC 61111, AS/NZS-2978:1995 and IS 5424: 1969 standards.
Furthermore, all these types of electrical safety mats can be classified according to their voltage classes.
Indeed, it can all feel confusing for a new buyer. Seasoned buyers also have to spend their precious time sometimes, to choose from the variants.
Even though working personnel may wear insulating boots, gloves, and jackets; the level of protection provided by insulated rubber mats 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 insulated rubber mats for electrical purpose.

• 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

We believe this piece of writing on different types of electrical insulation mats might help you.
To explore this content more easily, you can refer to this index:

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. The IEC 61111 electrical mat is composed primarily of elastomer and mixed with some other compounds.

These compounds further strengthen the resistance capacity of the electrical mats, making them able to withstand chemicals, oil and water.
There are 5 classes of the IEC 61111 electrical mats. The IEC standard recommends the below thickness requirements for each class:

• Class 0: 2.0 mm
• Class 1: 2.0 mm
• Class 2: 3.0 mm
• Class 3: 4.0 mm
• Class 4: 5.0 mm

According to the voltage resistance requirements, these mats can be customized. The mats are made available in different colours, custom shapes, and lengths. This mat provides enhanced safety for electrical workers and labourers by acting as protective gear for them from electric shocks.
A number of features make it distinct from other electrical insulating mats. For comprehensive details, visit iec 61111 insulating matting blog..

• High-Quality Dielectric Rubber
• IEC Compliant
• High Voltage Resistant
• Water-Resistant
• Oil Resistant
• Fire Resistant
• Acid Resistant

An electrical mat is also called a switchboard mat in the USA. The switchboard mats can be further divided into Type 1 and Type 2.
Type I ASTM D178 switchboard rubber matting offers only electrical resistance and limited moisture resistance. On the other hand, the type II switchboard mats come with some additional properties like Ozone, Flame and Oil resistance.

The ASTM D178 electrical switchboard mats are available in textured and fine-ribbed surfaces. The finely ribbed mats are better than the textured ones as they are lighter, easy to install and clean.
The thickness of these mats are 3.2 mm, 4.8 mm, 6.4 mm, 9.5 mm and 12.7 mm. Thicker mats offer greater electrical resistance. However, that does not mean that users should overlap the mats. It may lead to an electrical hazard.
The Duratuf insulating mats are lightweight.
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

The IS 15652 electrical insulating mats is compliant with the Indian Safety standard. It is widely accepted in the Indian subcontinent for minimizing the electrical hazards at industrial facilities, and commercial or residential settings.
The IS 15652 electrical mat is available in 3 classes starting from Class A, Class B and Class C. These insulating mats can be used in low-voltage, medium voltage and high voltage application areas. The thickness and the maximum use voltage also increase with the class.

• Class A X-Volt electrical rubber mat is resistant to up to 3.3 kV of electric current and is 2.0 mm thick.
• Class B X-Volt electrical rubber mat can resist up to 11 kV of voltage and is 2.5 mm thick.
• Finally, Class C, offering the highest electrical resistance can withstand up to 33 kV of high-voltage and is 3 mm thick.

The X-Volt electrical mat is prized across industries like manufacturing, construction, power generation, oil and chemical, food processing etc. Manufactured as per the latest IS 15652:2006 standard, the X-Volt electrical mats are BIS compliant.
They are resistant to moisture, water, and mild chemicals. Due to an anti-skid dotted/ textured surface, these electrical mats can also reduce the risk of falls, slips and trips in high-traffic areas.
Some additional features of these electrical safety mats are:

• ERDA type-test certified
• BIS identification labels every one meter
• High-voltage resistance

Safevolt insulation mats are 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 insulated safety matting 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

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. Electrical Checker Mats are of high quality, durable, and comprise easy-to-use features.
It offers protection for workmen against electrical shocks. Workers operating with a high working voltage of up to 33 kV require safety measures to protect themselves from electrocution. Electrical safety mats guarantee their safety. 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.
The IS 5424 electrical checker mat has limited resistance to moisture, water, chemicals and oil. Hence, it cannot escape the effects of weather, as well. Moreover, with the increased complexities in high-voltage electrical equipment nowadays, the electrical checker mat can be insufficient when there is a current leakage from the switchboards, control panels or electricity distribution units.
Thus, electrical mat manufacturers and suppliers do not stock these electrical insulating mats now.
For those who are looking for enhanced electrical protection for their workmen, electricians, and labourers, we recommend using highly protective and reliable X-Volt Insulating Mats as mentioned above.

This insulated rubber mat is manufactured as per AS/NZS-2978:1995 Electrical Safety Mats 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

Take a glimpse of the difference between 5 types of electrical rubber mats with the help of this chart. Do you want to know how to store, install and transport an electrical rubber mat? Find your answer by clicking here.

An electrical mat is installed near high-voltage machines like the control panels, switchboard rooms, transformers, busbar areas etc. They are placed on the ground and workers stand on them while operating these machines.
When a worker, standing on the mat, comes in contact with a live wire with electricity flowing through it, the electrical rubber mat channelises the static electricity to the Earth.

If you want to buy an electrical rubber mat for businesses in India, then the best electrical rubber mat would be the X-Volt Insulating Mats compared to economical grade electrical checker mats.
However, if you 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).
You should also consider the test certificates for insulating mats to verify their electrical safety standard compliances.
Reach out to us if you want to get a quote or have any further questions!