An electrical mat is a safety barrier near high-voltage machines. They channelize static electricity to electricity-neutral Earth when someone standing on them gets a shock.
Some facts about rubber mats are believed to be true because of their popularity. Come, let’s dive deeper into the topic:
Common Features of an Electrical Rubber Mat
Conductivity, di-electrical strength, flexibility, thickness as well and resistance to heat, chemical, and UV rays are the features of electrical protective mats. These features contribute to their performance, safety, and durability.
Conductivity- the key component
Due to the material composition of an electrical rubber mat, these mats have a non-conductive surface. Protective rubber matting is made of rubber, which is a natural insulator. Its molecular structure does not allow the passing of free electrons and thus resists electricity flow. Simply speaking, elastomer (rubber) and some other special compounds in the rubber mats for electrical environments do not allow free passage for electricity.
Rubber does not have any free electrons in its atomic structure to conduct electricity.
Di-electrical Strength
Di-electrical strength means how strong an electrical insulator is. An electrical insulation mat has high dielectric strength. In an electrical mat, the di-electrical is measured in kilovolts (kV). Rubber mat electrical specialists recommend that you should not expose the electrical rubber mat beyond its di-electric voltage- or else it will break down.
An IS 15652 electrical mat has a di-electric voltage of up to 65 kV(maximum). On the other hand, an 11 kV rubber mat has lesser di-electric strength. Explore the full features of our IS 15652 industrial rubber mats for electrical safety by clicking here.
Flexibility and Thickness
A good electrical mat should be flexible but not too much. Optimum flexibility ensures they have a good grip on the ground. Same with the thickness. Thicker electric hazard mats provide better insulation. On the other hand, thicker mats are also heavier and more problematic to handle.
Users opting for Class 4 of the IEC 61111 or ASTM D178 rubber mat electrical options often complain about this. Duratuf mats are different. Although their thickness is as recommended in the ASTM D178 or IEC 61111 standard, they are not the same.
Resistance to UV rays, Ozone, Heat, and Puncture
Electrical Mats, especially the IEC 61111 electrical mat have tested resistance against UV rays, Ozone, and Heat. The ASTM D178 type II variants can also withstand these physical elements. Owing to the superior build, a good quality electrical mat should also be puncture-resistant.
Ensure global safety with the right electrical mat- click to discover the power of IEC 61111 standards!
Rubber Mat Electrical Standards and Certifications
Certificates are considered essential in determining the quality of the voltage-specific safety mats. To get certified, an electrical mat has to pass through rigorous checks like aging tests, elongation at break, and tensile strength.
Popularly, electrical mat certification guidelines are fixed by 3 standards:
- IS 15652: Applicable only for India
- ASTM D178: Applicable to the North American Regions
- IEC 61111: Applicable globally
The steps to getting a rubber mat electrical certification are as follows:
- Overall inspection of the manufacturing unit, reviewing whether it can produce compliant electrical rubber parts
- Submission of documents
- Sample processing for testing
- Testing
- Report generation
Which of the following electrical rubber mat features is false?
Well, in 14 years of being one of the most trusted insulating mat manufacturers and electrical rubber mat manufacturers in India, we have catered to more than 5000 customers.
We have come across many perceptions of the customers regarding electrical rubber mats. Some of which are not right. Here are a few highlighted:
Electrical mats can prevent electrical conductivity
An electrical rubber mat, on the contrary, can resist the flow of static electricity, but it cannot prevent its conductivity. Rubber, being a natural insulator, does not allow the flow of free electrons through an electrical insulation mat. This is why an electrical rubber mat can minimize accidents but cannot entirely stop them.It is easier to learn about their properties from our clickable insulating mat catalogs. By clicking here, know 5 superb benefits you get from our interactive electrical mat catalogs.
An 11 kV rubber mat can be used for higher voltages also
11 kV means 11000 Volts. Hence, it can be used instead of a 3.3 kV electrical mat but not for voltages higher than 11 kV.
Electrical mats are not chemically resistant
Yes, they are. Electrical protective mats can prevent mild chemicals. But not all of them.
Product certificates are awarded to electrical suppliers, distributors, or whole sellers
No, product certificates are not issued to any one other than rubber mat electrical manufacturers.
Electrical mats are highly flexible
The electrical mats are used for electrical insulation, not for multipurpose applications. Hence, they are not that flexible, and you cannot fold them when not in use. Duratuf’s protective rubber matting has enough flexibility to cover the high-voltage application areas.
In a Nutshell: Why accurate knowledge about an electrical mat is important
Accurate knowledge about insulation mats is essential for ensuring safety in environments where electrical work is conducted. By understanding the key features and distinguishing between true and false claims, you can make informed decisions when selecting insulation mats for your needs.
Why choose Duratuf for di-electrical rubber mats? Uncover the benefits of trusting us by clicking here.
Are you interested in such topics and want to know more? Reach out to our team now!
