What are the Different Types of High Voltage Insulation Mat Available?
Do you know why a high voltage insulation mat is used? If your answer is ‘yes’, then congratulations. You are already one step ahead.
However, getting slightly deeper- do you find the process of buying insulated floor mats a little confusing?
It is obvious. There are different separate safety standards to be followed while manufacturing safety mats. Specifically, each continent has one! These standards talk about the varying thicknesses, surface textures, working voltage, and many other things.
The world of electrical safety is vast and varied, and selecting the right insulation mat is a critical decision. How do you know which type suits your needs best?
In this blog, you will get quick and compact information on the different popular types of high voltage insulation mats.
Before beginning, let’s throw a little light on ‘ what are the key benefits of using insulated floor mats?’
The answer lies in their ability to protect workers from electrical shocks and provide a reliable barrier against high voltage.
Made of dielectric compounds, the rubber electrical insulating mat acts as a barrier between the human body and the current. It channelizes the electric current into Earth, which is electrically neutral. As a result, the worker handling high-voltage equipment stays safe from electricity as powerful as even 440 volts.
Now, getting back to the topic, walk through 3 types of high voltage insulation mats used in the industries- segregated by the Compliance Standards.
You must have always come across options like the IS 15652, ASTM D178, or the IEC 61111 safety mats.
What is the IEC standard for insulation mats? Moreover, what is ASTM D178 or IS 15652?
These are nothing but the names of the compliance standards that an electrical mat manufacturer follows while making electrical safety mats.
#1 IEC 61111: 2009 High Voltage Insulation Mat
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) operates on a global scale but it is considered as the European standard by the masses. It applies to the electrical safety mats made of elastomer(free from any insertion). The first edition of the IEC 61111 standard was published in 1992, followed by an amendment in 2002 and the final one in 2009.
According to the IEC 61111 standard for insulated floor mats, there are 5 classes of electrical safety mats- starting from class 0 up to class 4. The maximum working voltage is 36 kV. However, some manufacturers offer customizations.
#2 ASTM D178 Switchboard Matting
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) focuses on developing standards for materials, products, systems, and services. The electrical safety mats prepared following the ASTM D178 safety standard are also locally known as switchboard matting. While ASTM D-178 mats offer some level of electrical insulation, they may not meet the same stringent electrical safety requirements as IEC or IS mats
Are switchboard matting helpful? Yes. They are, if you choose reliable and
recognized high voltage insulation mat suppliers with an unparalleled track record.
According to the ASTM D178 safety mat standard, there are also 5 classes of insulating mats.
However, there are two types of these mats.
- First, Type I has only electrical insulation properties.
- Second, Type II has additional properties like ozone, flame, or oil resistance.
#3 IS 15652 Electrical Mats
IS 15652, also known as the “Insulating Mats for Electrical Purposes — Specification,” is an Indian standard formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The IS 15652 is likely to provide guidelines regarding the dimensions of a high voltage insulation mat, ensuring they are suitable for their intended applications.
Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and hardness are also outlined in the specifications.
There are 4 classes of IS 15652 insulated floor mats as per the standard. The minimum working voltage of the IS 15652 electrical mat is 3.3 kV and the maximum is 33 kV.
What Are The Applications Of A High Voltage Insulation Mat?
The key role of the safety mats is to provide electrical safety to the workers near high-voltage equipment.
Some examples of some places in an industrial set-up are:
- Electrical Substations
- Power Generation Plants
- Switchgear Rooms
- Industrial Panels and Control Rooms
- Electrical Laboratories
- Data Centers
- Telecommunication Facilities and many more
The Bottom Line
Compliance standards such as IS 15652, IEC, and ASTM serve as cornerstones, providing electrical safety guidelines. A high voltage insulation mat makes the electrical systems more reliable, as well. Manufacturers and users alike must stay abreast of these standards, ensuring that their practices align with the latest safety requirements.
Whether you’re looking to comply with Indian standards, adopt global best practices through IEC, or ensure material quality via ASTM, a comprehensive understanding of these standards is vital.
