Can You Get an Electric Shock While Standing On An Electrical Mat?

Electricity is both powerful and dangerous. Therefore, we often use different kinds of personal protective equipment to keep ourselves safe. An electrical mat is one such safety gear.

Well, if it has, then we know how to help you! Go through this blog, compiled by rubber industry specialists. We are sure that you will have the answer about the effectiveness of rubber mat electrical applications by the end of this writing!

You must have heard that industrial safety floor mats for electrical safety are non-conductive. What does non-conductive mean?
Every solid, liquid, and gas (matter) is made of up atoms. In the atomic structure, lie three subatomic particles- electrons, protons, and neutrons. While the neutrons are neutral, electrons are negatively charged, and the protons bear a positive charge. When the number of protons and electrons in an atom is equal, the atom is electrically neutral. This means it has no net electric charge.
The electrical conductivity of a matter depends on the number of free electrons it has. When an electric field is applied to a material, these free electrons are pushed in a specific direction, creating an electric current.
Yes, rubber is non-conductive. That means it has no free-flowing electrons. Therefore, when you stand on an electrical mat while working near high-voltage equipment, they do not get electrically charged. On the contrary, the electrical insulation matting channel electric current passing through the human body to the Earth-saving the human from an unfortunate accident.
Not all non-conductive electrical mats are effective. Whether they will work or not depends on some other factors too.
Did you know glass, ceramics, and plastic are also non-conductive? But which is the best of them? Find out by clicking here.

*Working voltage is the maximum electrical potential electrical hazard mats can safely withstand without breaking down.
Similarly, the quality of the di-electrical rubber mats is equally crucial. A low-quality, often ‘cheap’ electrical mat may not be tested thoroughly and break down abruptly.

The sharp edges of the dirt particles cause pinholes in the mats. Oil and grease fade the color of the electrical rubber mat or cause staining. This not only damages the aesthetic outlook but may also alter the functionality of industrial rubber mats for electrical safety.

Moreover, high humidity can introduce moisture into the rubber, fast-tracking the aging process in the rubber mats.
An electrical mat 11 kV is particularly used in India. Although, they are used keeping the South-Asian factory conditions in mind, you cannot use them in Singapore or other Asian countries.
It is easy to keep the functionality of an electrical mat in check.

An electrical rubber mat provides adequate electrical protection. However, an IEC 61111 electrical mat or an 11 kV electrical mat may not provide complete safety. You have to use the full PPE set for it- dielectric boots, rubber gloves, arc flash body suits, etc for it.
Nonetheless, keeping your electrical rubber mat functional is also important. Follow the steps to stay stress-free in that responsibility:

Safety is a combination of the right tools, regular maintenance, and informed practices. Rubber mats are a valuable part of this toolkit, but they must be used properly and as part of a broader safety strategy.
While you may not get an electric shock while standing on an electrical rubber mat, you can still be injured. To make sure that your electrical mat is providing adequate safety, always check for their quality certificates while buying them in the first place. Specialists recommend you get an expert opinion while choosing the class variant of the electrical mats.
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