Complying with SIRIM Standards: A Guide to Choosing the Right Electrical Insulation Rubber Mat in Malaysia
What is the SIRIM standard for electrical safety matting?
What is the right electrical insulation rubber mat for you? Does your mat follow the SIRIM standard?
Check this blog if you have these questions in your mind. This blog is the ultimate guide for choosing the right insulating mat. It helps you choose a suitable safety mat for your industrial application. Your safety mats should comply with the SIRIM standard for efficient performance. You should see if your electrical mats are compatible with your working voltage.
What do you mean by SIRIM standards of electrical insulation rubber mats?
An electrical insulating mat is extensively used across different industries in Malaysia. It is a safety equipment that protects people from electric hazards. The Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia has set the SIRIM standards. It is concerned with the safety standards of the electrical mats. This standard emphasizes on quality improvement of insulating mats used in Malaysia.
SIRIM standard’s electrical insulation rubber mat ensures the maintenance of their services. The standard assures the efficient performance of the electrical safety matting. It ensures that the safety mat is performing as promised by the standard. The SIRIM standard does not solely have a standard for insulating mats. However, the SIRIM standards adapt or reference the IEC 61111 standard for electrical safety mats.
- The electrical insulation rubber mat of the IEC 61111 standard has high dielectric strength. It can withstand a high amount of electricity without degrading. It can work under high temperatures without breaking down.
- The insulating mats of the IEC 61111 standard are divided into different classes. This categorization depends on their voltage-withstanding capacities. The different classes are Class 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Class 0 has the least high voltage withstanding capacity. Class 4 has the most high-voltage withstanding capacity.
- It has high water resistance. Oil exposure does not affect the performance of the electrical insulation rubber mat.
- The recommended thickness of IEC 61111-compliant mats is approximately the same as IEC 61111. The minimum recommended thickness is 3.2 mm. The maximum is approximately 12.7 mm.
- When the insulating mats comply with international safety standards, the manufacturers seek SIRIM certifications.
Often people wonder if rubber safety mats are suitable for outdoor applications.
Rubber safety mats outdoors can withstand high temperatures without disintegrating. They remain unaffected by UV rays and ozone. This makes them suitable for outdoor applications. Their physical and insulation properties do not hamper in such conditions.
- SIRIM standards offer certification to ensure its compliance with electrical panel mat. Electrical safety mats of the SIRIM standard offer testing services. These advanced tests check their compliance with safety standards.
- SIRIM — compliant electrical panel mat has high resistance against strong acids. It has phenomenal chemical properties.
- An electrical safety matting complaint with SIRIM standard has high tensile strength. It does not wear and tear under high physical stress.
- People install rubber safety mats for play areas as their corrugated texture prevents children from slipping while playing.
- The electrical mats following the SIRIM standard have flame retardance properties. It does not allow the starting and spreading of fire in case of a fire outbreak.
Check out some interesting trivia about electrical insulation rubber mat:
1. Why do electrical insulation rubber mats have high dielectric strength?
Ans: People use an electrical insulation rubber mat for high-voltage applications. It has high dielectric strength to offer insulation in high electric fields. This property promises the withstanding of high-voltages without insulation breakdown. High-voltage applications can stem several electrical faults. They result in causing electric shocks and arc flashes. Electrical safety matting with high dielectric strength can offer protection to people vulnerable to such hazards.
2. Why should we install a rubber mat for electrical room?
Ans: An electrical room has several heavy machinery and circuits. It also contains protection systems and appliances working at high voltage. These high-voltage appliances can discharge excessive current due to faults. A rubber mat for electrical room offers a non-conductive barrier to such current. It protects people from getting injuries or burns due to excessive current. A rubber mat for electrical room saves the lives of people operating high-voltage equipment.
3. What are the benefits of using an electrical panel mat?
Ans: An electrical panel monitors and controls several high-voltage electrical devices. People can get an electric shock while working with live electrical equipment. An electrical panel mat is beneficial as it prevents shock. It does not allow current to pass through the operator’s body.
An insulating mat offers anti-skid properties. It enhances traction to the feet of the operators. It saves them from falling or slipping.
An electrical panel mat can resist fire outbreaks and spread. It saves people and equipment from devastating damage due to fire.
So, choose the right electrical insulation rubber mat for your application. Make sure that it is compliant with the SIRIM safety standards. It will help you navigate the service and quality of the material with its rated one. If not, then consult a reliable insulating mats manufacturer and do the needful!
Stay safe with SIRIM - compliant electrical insulating mats!
