7 differences between an electrical insulation mat and an ESD mat

If yes, then you are at the right place.
An insulation mat, along with rubber gloves, dielectric boots, or jackets, provides worker safety. If used correctly, they minimize the risk of electrical accidents at an industrial facility that runs on high-voltage machines.

Nevertheless, have you thought about how to protect these high-voltage machines as well?

Insulation matting and ESD mats are mentioned in the same breath- but are they really the same? Well, our specialists unravel everything about high-voltage insulating mats and ESD matting in this blog.

Explore 7 key differences between the two major safety equipment, crucial at an industrial facility powered by machinery running on high electricity:

Electrical insulating rubber mats are made of elastomer- a rubber compound. This high-grade rubber compound adds dielectric strength to the insulation mats for electrical purposes. Furthermore, some other polymers are added to the mixture to make the insulation mat flame retardant and chemical-UV-Ozone resistant. Electrical insulation rubber mats do not have any insertion in them.

ESD or Electrostatic Discharge rubber mats are made of conductive or static-dissipative materials like vinyl or rubber with embedded carbon layers. These are 2-ply or two-layered rubber mats.

The primary use of insulation mats is to protect the workers from high electric power. When installed in switch rooms, control panels, switchboards, HT-LT panels, and transportation maintenance bays, they act as a barrier between the ground and any electrical leakage that may occur.

On the other hand, ESD rubber mats are designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment from electricity. When humans move around, their movement generates static electricity. This static electricity can damage sensitive components of machines like circuit boards. ESD mats prevent the buildup of static electricity.

Can insulation matting withstand high voltage and save workers standing on them? Yes, they do. An insulation mat not only prevents high-voltage current from harming the worker, but it also channels the static electricity into the electricity-neutral ground. The electric rubber mats are classified according to their voltage classes.

An IS 15652 electric mat, typically used in India comes in 3 classes for 3.3 kV, 11 kV, and 33 kV.

An ESD mat is not designed to withstand high voltages. Instead, they are meant to dissipate low-level static charges. While electrical insulation mats are rated for their voltage-resisting capability, ESD mats are rated based on their static dissipation properties (usually measured in ohms).

Used to minimize electrical hazards at a workplace, the insulation mats for electric purposes are installed in and near:

Did you know electric rubber mats can also be installed on a ship?

On the other hand, ESD mats are typically found in electronic manufacturing plants, assembly lines, laboratories, and other areas where workers handle sensitive electronic equipment. These mats are commonly used when you deal in computer hardware, semiconductors, and other delicate electronic components.

Insulation mats for electrical purposes are made according to the main 3 standards- IS 15652, IEC 61111, and ASTM D178. The IS 15652 standard is accepted in the Indian subcontinent. Some parts of Malaysia or Indonesia may also use them. ASTM D178 standard is for use in North America and the USA. Nonetheless, the IEC 61111 electrical mat regulation is accepted globally. Furthermore, regional standards like BS EN 61111 or SIRIM are also there.

Are you thinking about what type of mat to choose in GCC countries?

ESD mats follow standards set by bodies like the ESD Association (ESDA) or IEC 61340-5-1, which define the resistivity ranges necessary for effective static dissipation. These standards ensure that the ESD rubber matting is fully compliant, and tested and will always provide adequate protection.

The insulating mats have a textured or fine-ribbed surface. They can also have anti-fatigue cushioning that offers lower leg comfort to the workers standing on them. The bottom surface of the insulation mats for concrete also has an anti-slip feature.
The ESD mats do not have textured surfaces, instead they have a plain surface to facilitate easy cleaning. The smooth surface ensures there are no points of high resistance that could impede static discharge.

Electric insulation rubber mats are thicker and heavier as they are used as floor covers in front of high-voltage machinery. The thickness range is different for different regulation standards. For example, an IS 15652 insulation mat comes in thicknesses 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm. The thickness range for IEC mats is between 2 mm to 5 mm.
EDS mats are thinner as they are used in handling sensitive equipment. Their thickness ranges from 1mm to 3mm, as their primary function is static discharge, not voltage insulation. Their lightweight construction makes them ideal for tabletop use or flooring in areas where electronics are handled.

An insulation mat and an ESD mat- both ensure high productivity at your workplace. The former one safeguards your workers by reducing electrical accidents and the latter one protects sensitive equipment from damage.
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