Which Is The Best Electrical Insulator- Rubber, Glass, Plastic Or Ceramics?

Electricity powers the world. It is essential to keep life moving. From huge machines at the factories to the lights at homes, without electricity, everything seems to come to a standstill. However, electricity can lead to accidents when not managed carefully. This is where an electrical insulator comes into the picture.
Electrical rubber mats are widely used for insulating purposes.

An electrical insulator is a type of material that does not allow the flow of electricity through it. The reason behind it lies in the composition of the insulator material. They do not have any free-flowing electrons in them.

Curious about insulation resistance and why it matters? Discover the fascinating details here!

Some of the common electrical insulators that we will discuss here are-

On the contrary, conductive materials mean electricity can pass through them because of their electron composition- loose electrons and a weak attraction between the nucleus and electrons.

Rubber has excellent flexibility and proven insulation resistance. Electrical rubber mats are used for industrial insulation solutions.

Industrial safety compliance of electrical mats:

Insulating mats are primarily of IS 15652:2006, IEC 61111:2009, and ASTM D-178 standards. The IS 15652:2006 compliant mats can withstand voltages ranging from approximately 3.3 kV to 33 kV. IEC 61111:2009 and ASTM D-178 compliant dielectric mats have 1000 volt rubber matting to 36000 volt rubber matting.

Properties:

• Di-electric strength:

  Dielectric strength refers to the maximum electric field a material can withstand before it breaks down and starts conducting electricity. The dielectric strength of a rubber mat as an electrical insulator material depends on its class as decided through testing standards. Before purchasing dielectric mats, it is important to check their dielectric strength and voltage withstanding capability. The testing standards for electrical mats are IS 15652, ASTM D178, and IEC 61111.

• Flexibility:

  Rubber is flexible, and so is an electrical safety mat. Hence, they can be used in a wide number of applications.

• Durability:

  High-quality electrical mats can sustain wear-tear and the effects of weather, and moisture.

If you want to know about 6 commonly used electrical mats, click here!

Applications:

Electrical rubber mats are placed near high-voltage equipment like switchboards, LT-HT panels, Busbars, transformer units, etc.

Other than electrical rubber mats, rubber is used to make

• Electrical Insulation Tape:

  Used to insulate electrical wires and other conductive materials.

• Electrical Floor Heat Mats:

  Common in residential and industrial settings for underfloor heating technology, providing warm floor solutions and insulation resistance.

• Cable Insulation:

  Frequently used to insulate wires and cables in various settings.

Sand, soda ash, and limestone are heated at a high temperature to make glass. On heating, the electrons in glass get tightly bound to each other- this is how it loses conductive features:

Properties:

• Thermal heating resistance:

  Glass can withstand high temperatures without degrading or breaking down.

• Non-Porous:

  Its surface does not have pores on it because of a tighter composition.

• Brittleness:

  While a good insulator, glass is fragile and can break easily.

Uses:

Glass is chosen as an electrical insulator in:

• Power lines and substations:

  Used in power lines and substations to insulate electrical conductors.

• Transformer Bushings:

  Insulate connections to high-voltage transformers.

• Lighting Systems:

  Integral in insulating components within lamps and bulbs.

Plastic is a synthetic material having large molecules called polymers. They can be molded, extruded, or pressed into a wide variety of shapes and forms.

Properties:

• Lightweight:

  Plastic is lightweight, hence it is easy to handle and install.

• Highly moldable:

  On application of heat or cold, plastic can be reshaped.

• Corrosion-resistant:

  Does not corrode when exposed to chemicals or environmental conditions.

Uses:

• Wire and Cable Insulation:

  Commonly used in both household and industrial wires.

• Circuit Boards:

  Provides an insulating layer in electronic devices.

• Electrical Enclosures:

  Used for plastic cases and enclosures for electrical components.

Ceramics are typically made from inorganic compounds like oxides, nitrides, and carbides. Common materials used in ceramic production include clay, silica, and alumina.

Properties:

• Di-electric stability:

  Similar to rubber, ceramics also have good di-electric strength.

• Thermal stability:

  Ceramics do not get affected when exposed to high temperatures.

• Chemical stability:

  Ceramics do not react when they come in contact with chemicals.

Uses:

• High-Voltage Insulators:

  Used in power transmission and distribution systems.

• Spark Plugs:

  Insulate the central electrode of spark plugs in combustion engines.

• Capacitors:

  Integral in electronic circuits to provide insulation.

While there are many types of electrical insulators, we have compared them based on:

Choosing the right electrical insulator depends on your intended application. Rubber, glass, plastic, and ceramics- all of them have different properties. However, if you are seeking a balance between functionality, cost, and versatility- rubber should be your choice. Rubber is used as a high voltage insulator due to its high voltage withstanding capacity.

You will find a electrical rubber mat buyer's guide by clicking here!

We can help you with the best electrical rubber mat prices if you are going with rubber. Connect with our experts today!