Why is an Electrical Room Rubber Mat Placed Under Electrical Equipment?

Published On: November 14th, 2024By

An electrical room rubber mat is a safety equipment. Industrial facilities, workshops, commercial places as well as residential complexes use them for protection against high voltage.

  • But, have you ever thought why an electrical insulation mat for 11 kV or higher voltages is strategically placed only under electrical panels? Why not anywhere else?
  • What purpose does an electrical room rubber mat serve in defeating invisible electric current?

Duratuf brings you another innovative blog on this common question from the users. Our specialists believe that this writing will help you understand the rubber mat for electrical panel standard better and become a smarter buyer!
A rubber mat for electrical panel standard is divided into three types: IS 15652 (3.3 kV, 11 kV rubber mat, and 33 kV mats), IEC 61111:2009 insulation mat standard, and ASTM D178.

What are the Risks Of Electricity: Why Use an Electrical Room Rubber Mat?

Working with high-voltage electricity is risky. Some of the primary hazards involving your workers may include:

  • Minor Electric Shock

  • Electrocution

  • Burn and Painful Blisters
  • Fall after being electrocuted

Workers may also die if they receive a severe electric shock.
This is not all. High-voltage workplaces stay at a constant risk of short circuits and fire hazards.

Risks of electricity

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air.

How Does a Rubber Mat Electrical Work?

Before we proceed to the answer to our question- ‘Why is a rubber mat for electrical switch room placed under electrical equipment?’, let’s quickly go through the science of insulation.
Electrical insulating mats are made from elastomer- a rubber compound known for its high dielectric strength, which resists the flow of electric current. Fillers and other polymers are added to the base to add features like fire-oil-chemical-UV-Ozone resistance in the mats.
What truly makes an electrical insulation mat for 11kv and higher voltages resistant? Here’s a breakdown of the essential properties:

  • High Dielectric Strength of Rubber: Rubber has high electrical resistance, which prevents the current from flowing through the mat, even if it comes into contact with a live wire. Dielectric strength is a critical factor in the effectiveness and safety of electrical rubber mats.

  • Non-Conductive Surface Properties: Rubber mats, no matter the rubber mat for electrical panel standard, block electrical conductivity. They effectively isolate anyone standing on the mat from ground potential.
    This isolation prevents an electric circuit from forming between a person and the equipment in case of an accidental discharge.
  • Shock Absorption: Workers might get an electric shock even while standing on an electrical mat- regardless of the insulation mat standard.
RC Shock absorber

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air.

Rubber mats also provide shock absorption, protecting equipment from vibrations, which can cause sensitive electronics to malfunction.
This non-conductive barrier prevents electric current from passing through the human body, significantly reducing the risk of injury.
Now, coming to the main area of discussion:

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Why is an Electrical Room Rubber Mat placed Only Under the Electric Equipment?

Electrical mats are installed on the floors. Experts recommend placing them just in from of the electric equipment because they create a safety barrier for workers standing on them.
Static electricity, when released from a live wire or faulty parts of a machine, tends to flow through a conductive surface. The human body is a good conductor of electricity because of the water content in our cells.
There is personal protective gear like rubber gloves, dielectric boots, or jackets, but none of them redirect the current flow to the electricity-neutral ground. An electrical insulation mat for 11 kV or more voltage easily does that.
When workers perform routine maintenance, adjustments, or repairs, they are at risk of coming into contact with live equipment. By standing on an insulating mat, they have an additional layer of protection that minimizes the likelihood of an electric shock.
Other reasons to install crucial safety equipment like an electrical mat are:

  • Compliance with Safety Standards: Rubber mat for electrical panel standard IS 15652, ASTM D178 and IEC 61111 keep a workplace legally compliant. According to most labor laws, negligence toward worker safety can lead to penalties and fines.

  • Protection of Sensitive Equipment: Electric equipment is often sensitive to vibrations, dust, and moisture. Rubber mats provide a cushioned layer that absorbs vibrations, reducing wear and tear on sensitive components. An electrical room rubber mat safeguards them from water and fire, as well.
  • Fire Prevention: In case of a short circuit or electrical fault, insulating mats reduce the chances of sparking, which could lead to fires. Electrical rubber mats have flame-resistant properties and act as a fire retardant.
  • Increased Productivity and Confidence for Workers: When workers know that safety measures are in place, such as insulating mats, they are more confident while working with high-voltage equipment. This assurance leads to better productivity.

What is the Most Popular Rubber Mat for Electrical Panel Standard?

Buyers often think about what kind of mat will suit their regional and work requirements the most.
The IEC 61111:2009 electrical mats can be used globally. On the contrary, the IS 15652 electrical mats like electrical insulation mat for 11 kV are used only in India and the ASTM D178 electrical mats are suggested to be used in the North American areas only.
Hence, a rubber mat for electrical panel standard IEC is seemingly the most popular among the lot.
Some areas where they are placed are near Transformer units, Control panels, Switchboards, HT-LT panels, etc.

Rubber Mat for Electrical Panel

In a Nutshell

An electrical room rubber mat is a must-have safety gear that is placed only under the electrical equipment in a workplace. When placed rightly, it offers foolproof protection.
Are you looking for our electrical rubber mat price? Get in touch now!

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