Electrical Matting FAQ.

Specifically designed for use in front of high-voltage equipment such as switchboards, electrical safety matting is a special grade of rubber in mat

form that has excellent insulating properties. Providing safety for operators and maintenance staff from electrical shock, it should be used in any area

where the health and safety risk assessment has shown possible exposure to high-voltage shock.

How do rubber safety mats work?

Rubber is a natural dielectric material and will therefore inhibit the flow of electric charge as a result of its molecular structure preventing the free

flow of electrons. The dielectric and electrically resistant properties of Rubber make it an ideal insulator. This, combined with the flexibility and

cushioning nature of the material make it a perfect choice for electrical safety matting.

Rubber, due to its properties of resistivity, is used in many applications throughout industry to insulate and protect; it is an obvious choice for

electrical safety matting and is tested vigorously to ensure the level of protection is met.

Maintaining the insulating properties of the Rubber is intrinsically linked with the construction of the compound. Any additives (dyes, fillers,

preservatives and curatives) can all affect the electrical resistance, hence the need for strict quality control standards to be applied throughout

manufacture to maintain the insulation performance.

How are our mats manufactured?

Mixing: The ingredients are accurately weighted according to the formula, pre-heated to between 95°C and 104°C and thoroughly mixed. This

compound is then put through a roller to remove air and produce an unvulcanised sheet 2mm-3mm thicker than the finished requirement. It is then

left to cure for 3-4 days.

Calendering: Rolls are formed by calendaring, where the compound passes between more rollers to the correct thickness. This flattens and mixes

the compound. The pre-heating treatment ensures steady operation of the calendar and minimizes shrinkage. The roller surface temperature is

controlled to +/- 1°C. Sheeting is usually produced using a vertical calender with thickness control.

Rotocuring: The second part of the calendaring process is preformed on rotocures, where a ribbed pattern is applied to the top surface and

identifying tape is applied to the underside.

Drying & Testing: The rolls are then air-dried before passing through a 2-electrode testing station to ensure every running meter complies to the

correct electrical specification according to the thickness; 11kv at 6mm and 15kv at 9.5mm.

Finishing: Following these processes, the finished material is wound into rolls. We are able to supply in these full rolls, or cut to the size ordered.

Electrical Safety Matting IS:15652:2006 IS:15652:2006

What protection does an electrical mat offer?

Important safety information!

Electrical safety floor mats can only protect against earth contact through the floor: -

It is important to note that electrical mats will not provide any protection against electric shock if the operator or user simultaneously touches a large

area of metal likely to have an earth (such as those found on control panels)and an exposed live conductor.

Persons could receive a lethal shock unless they are also protected by personal protective equipment such as our electrical safety gloves.

Only suitably qualified personnel should work on electrical equipment.

We would strongly recommend that if you are responsible for Health & Safety in an environment where there is risk of electric shock you should

research the following resources:

The Health and Safety Executive have a useful section on their website regarding Electrical Safety

They also publish HSE Information Sheet EIS 37 Safety in electrical testing: Switchgear and control gear

Where should I use the mat?

Wherever there is a risk of electrical shock a safety mat should be deployed and used at the location. Such locations can include:

In front of switchboards

In front of machine control gear

In plant rooms

In lift control gear rooms

As portable protection for site engineers working on live equipment

How do I use an electrical safety mat?

In combination with personal protection equipment (electrically insulated gloves) the operator or user should stand on the mat in front of the

electrical equipment. This will avoid a direct short through their body to the ground.

Which product should I choose?(British Standard) IEC EN61111:2009 ( Suspending old standard BS (921:1976)

There is now only one industry standard for Electrical Safety Matting, following the withdrawal of BS921:1976 in January 2013. This BS standard has

now been replaced with an EU-wide standard, itself in place since 1992 but previously in place alongside the BS921:1976 standard. This

harmonization means only the IEC EN61111:2009 Live Working - Electrical Insulating Matting is current under CENELEC regulations.

What is IS: 15652:2006 (Suspending old standard 5424:1969)

The Indian standard had suspended old standard IS: 5424:1969 with new standard IS: 15652:2006 & now there are three classes.

Class A 2mm 3.3 KV Class B 2.5mm 11 KV Class C 3mm 33KV) Standard size in meters is 1 meter wide x 2meter long)