When does an Electrical Insulating Mat Start Conducting Electricity?

 

What if your electrical insulating mat starts conducting electricity? 

Will it be able to ensure your electrical safety? 

What makes an electrical insulating mat conductive?

As a user, you should be aware of the factors that can make your electrical insulating mat conductive. Electrical insulating mats are insulators. They are made of rubber and have a negligible number of charge carriers. This prevents the free movement of electrons. Hence, they are used to protect people from dangerous power hazards like arc flashes, short circuits, and others. 

Let us now check the

Factors that make an electrical insulating rubber mat conductive:

1. Voltage withstanding level: 

Insulating mats have different classes. Each class has different voltage-withstanding capacities. Mismatch of working voltages with the voltage rating of the insulating mats will damage them. As a result, they will start to conduct electricity. 

Suppose, you are using an 11 kV mat for a working voltage of 33 kV. What will happen next? The electrical insulating rubber mat will become conductive. It will fail to resist the flow of excessive current during an electrical accident. Thus, it will fail to serve its purpose as protective equipment. 

2. Moisture: 

Water can conduct electricity. Thus, if your insulating mats are exposed to moisture, they will become conductive. Water reduces the insulating properties of the electrical insulating safety matting. This is the reason why you should always keep your mat dry. Even after cleaning, you should make sure to completely dry your mat before installing it. 

3. Damage: 

Harsh chemicals or huge physical stress can damage insulating mats. If your insulating mat has any wear and tear, then it starts to conduct electricity. The damaged electrical insulating rubber mat does not offer full coverage in the high-voltage area. Thus, you should immediately repair or replace your electrical insulating mat to ensure electrical safety. 

4. Extreme Temperature: 

An electrical insulating mat disintegrates when exposed to extreme temperatures for a long time. Due to disintegration, it will fail to offer a barrier between the source and the ground. Thus, the electrical insulating mats start to conduct electricity. 

Besides, extreme cold can cause cracks in your electrical insulating mat. Cracks and damaged parts can conduct electricity. Hence, you should regularly inspect your insulating mats and have a routine for their maintenance. 

6. Dielectric strength: 

Different insulating mats have different dielectric strengths. Thus, they have different electric field-withstanding capacities. When an electrical insulating mat is subjected to electric fields higher than its rating, it will have a dielectric breakdown. Hence, it will start to conduct electricity after breaking down. 

7. Aging: 

Insulating mats age due to different operational or environmental factors. With aging, an electrical insulating mat develops cracks and deforms. In addition, the dielectric strength also decreases by a great amount. As a result, it breaks down easily and starts to conduct electricity. 

To conclude, 

An electrical insulating rubber mat starts to conduct electricity after a dielectric breakdown. Cracks and disintegration can increase the conductivity of the mat. If you subject your mat to extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical stress, your insulating mat will break down. Thus, it will gradually age and become conductive in nature. 

FAQ

How does an electrical insulation mat decrease downtime in the industries?

During an electrical hazard, workers can get severe injuries. Thus, they retract from working due to their medical condition. The lack of manpower lags the industrial processes. Besides, the industries have to cover their medical expenses. Electrical insulating mats are protective equipment. They protect people from power hazards and reduce industrial downtime.

Which manufacturer should you purchase from in the electrical insulating mats market?

You should choose a well-reputed manufacturer. Before your purchase, you should check their reviews and testimonials. They should have industrial standard compliance. Besides, they should offer test certifications and safety regulation compliance. Hence, you should thoroughly compare their quoted prices with others to make a decision.

What factors determine the electrical insulating mats price?

The electrical insulating mats price in India and other countries depends on some common factors. First, the quality of the electrical mats. Higher-quality mats usually have higher costs. Second, the prices also depend on the quantity. Bulk purchase reduces the per unit price of the mats. Besides, other factors like customization and additional services can increase the total prices. Shipping and delivery costs also add to the total cost of the electrical mats.