What are the differences between a 3.3 kV, 11 kV, and 33 kV insulation mat?

Do you buy IS 15652 electrical mats for your business? Or, are you planning to buy them for the first time? Are you finding it overwhelming to choose between a 3.3 kV, 11 kV, and a 33 kV insulation mat?
An electrical mat of the IS 15652 standard is classified into A, B, and C based on working voltages, sizes, and some other factors. While it is easy to differentiate between these classes based on their working voltages- there is much more to it. Apart from the working voltages, you have to know about other necessary technical specifications of them.
We can ensure that after going through this blog- picking the right rubber mat won’t be as difficult as it seems now.

1. What are the different standards for insulating mats?

2. Difference between 3.3 kV, 11 kV, and 33 kV insulation mat:

• Class
• Voltage withstanding capacity
• AC proof voltage
• Dielectric strength
• Standard thickness
• Price
• Things to check before buying electrical mats
• Our ERDA-certificate sample

3. Conclusion

Primarily, insulating mats have three standards- IEC 61111:2009, IS 15652:2006, and ASTM D-178 standards. The IEC 61111:2009 and ASTM D-178 standards have 1000 V rubber matting to 36000 V rubber matting. The IEC 61111 standard is accepted all over the world. Nonetheless, the North American industries mostly rely on the ASTM D178 mats. Which of these two standards are accepted in the GCC countries- IEC 61111:2009 or ASTM D178?
On the other hand, the IS 15652:2006 standard, which is used in the Indian subcontinent has a 3.3 kV to 33 kV insulation mat.

Class:

The IS 15652:2006 standard for insulating mats has been set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. They are categorized into three different classes. These classes have electrical safety matting for specific working voltages. Class A comprises a 3.3 kV insulation mat, Class B has an 11 kV insulation mat, and Class C has a 33 kV insulation mat.
Although they are under the same roof of standards, they have different classes. Duratuf’s IS 15652:2006 compliant electrical mats have separate product codes (SKUs) for each class. For example, the product code for Class A is IM-XV-CA, Class B is IM-XV-CB, and IM-XV-CC.

Voltage withstanding capacity:

Insulated matting of different classes has different voltage-withstanding capacities. They can provide insulation for applications with specific working voltages. Beyond their rated working voltage limit, they will fail to provide insulation and break down. A 3.3 kV electrical mat of Class A can withstand voltage up to 3.3 kV. An 11 kV insulating mat can withstand voltage up to 11 kV. A 33 kV insulation mat can endure up to 33 kV of working voltage. Their dielectric voltages are 30 kV, 45 kV, and 65 kV, respectively.

When you subject an 11 kV insulation matting for a 33 kV application, your mat will break down. The mat can ensure electrical safety for applications with a working voltage of up to 11 kV. It will wear out when subjected to a voltage higher than the rated one.
Thus, for a 33 kV application, you can use a 33 kV insulation mat. The 33 kV rubber mat price is higher than the 11 kV rubber mat price. This is for its higher voltage-withstanding capacities.
To adhere to the electrical safety parameters, you will have to know about the essential regulations of the insulating mats.

AC proof voltage:

It is a crucial test for insulating materials. It is the specific AC voltage subjected to an electrical safety matting for a particular time to check if it is breaking down. Industrial applications require higher AC-proof voltages. A 3.3 kV, 11 kV, and 33 kV insulation mat have different AC-proof voltages.
The AC-proof voltage for Duratuf’s 3.3 kV rubber safety matting is 10 kV. On the other hand, for the 11 kV electrical safety matting, it is 22 kV. Whereas, the AC-proof voltage of the 33 kV insulation mat is 36 kV. Beyond these specified voltages, the electrical insulation rubber mats will break down. Among the three, the 33 kV rubber mat price is higher due to its high AC-proof voltage.

Dielectric strength:

Dielectric strength determines the electrical strength of an electrical panel mat. Dielectric strength is the maximum voltage required to cause a dielectric breakdown of an insulating mat. The dielectric strength of 3.3 kV, 11 kV, and 33 kV insulation mat is different.
The 3.3 kV insulation matting has a dielectric strength of 30 kV. On the other hand, it is 45 kV for an 11 kV electrical mat. Whereas, the dielectric strength of a 33 kV insulation mat is 65 kV. It has the highest dielectric strength suitable for enormous voltage applications in industries. Due to this, the 33 kV rubber mat price is more than that of the 3.3 kV or 11 kV rubber mat price.

Standard thickness:

The thickness of electrical insulation rubber mats determines its insulating properties. Thicker safety mats have higher insulating properties. Different classes of the IS 15652:2006 standard have different standard thicknesses.
A 3.3 kV insulating mat has a standard thickness of 2.0 mm. On the other hand, the standard thickness for 11 kV insulation mat is 2.5 mm. A 33 kV insulation mat has a standard thickness of 3.0 mm. It has the maximum thickness.

Price:

The prices of a 3.3 kV insulation mat, 11 kV insulation mat, and 33 kV insulation mat are different. The 33 kV rubber mat price is higher than the 3.3 kV and 11 kV rubber mat price. This is because a 33 kV insulating mat has a higher voltage withstanding capacity. It has a higher AC-proof voltage and dielectric strength. It has higher insulating properties as it has the maximum thickness.

We can assure you in this regard. Not only all our products are quality-certified, but we are recognized as a trusted manufacturer and supplier of electrical mats all over the world. For the last 14+ years, we have supplied our products to more than 3655 customers worldwide!
We have a tech-backed customer support system and hassle-free return-refund policies, too.
Download the sample copy of our Class A X-Volt Electrical Mats now! (give auto-download link of certificate)

3.3 kV, 11 kV, and 33 kV electrical mats have many differences that you need to know as a buyer. If you require application-based guidance, reach out to our specialists now!