What are the differences between electrical rubber mats and regular rubber mats?

Are you looking for suitable flooring to protect the operators from electric shock? 

What would you choose to ensure electrical safety—electrical rubber mats or regular rubber mats? 

As a first-time buyer, you might face difficulties in selecting which rubber mat to choose for your application. Electrical insulation rubber mat and regular rubber mat are closely associated terms. Thus, people often confuse themselves while purchasing. 

However, this blog is ideal for you as it will help you point out the differences between them. As a result, you can make a smart purchase. 

The following are the 

Differences between electrical rubber mats and regular rubber mats: 

1. Composition: 

Electrical rubber mats: 

The base polymer of an electrical insulation rubber mat is mainly composed of natural or synthetic rubber. The composition also includes fillers and plasticizers. In addition, the manufacturers add different accelerators and vulcanizing agents. There are different anti-aging agents and other additives. 

However, the electrical rubber mats undergo thorough dielectric testing to ensure their electrical properties. 

A rubber insulating mat has high dielectric strength. Its composition helps it withstand high working voltages without breaking down. 

Regular rubber mats: 

On the other hand, manufacturers make these mats with natural or other rubber materials like EPDM, Neoprene, Nitrile, and others. Besides, they add different additives and fillers to them. They are ideally more flexible than electrical mats. Besides, they have a dielectric breakdown when exposed to high voltages. 

2. Purpose: 

Electrical rubber mats: 

An electrical insulation rubber mat is protective equipment. Hence, its primary purpose is to ensure electrical safety. It shields people from electrical accidents like short circuits, arc flashes, and others. However, rubber mats in front of electrical panels are non-conductive. It prevents the current flow through unintended paths. 

Regular rubber mats: 

Whereas, regular rubber mats are not for safety purposes. It offers comfortable flooring. Thus, they help reduce the fatigue of people standing for extended hours. Besides, they have a textured surface. This helps reduce accidents like slipping and falling in damp environments. 

3. Thickness: 

Electrical rubber mats: 

The thickness of a rubber insulating mat determines its insulating properties. A thicker electrical insulation rubber mat has higher dielectric strength than a thinner mat. IEC 61111:2009 high-voltage rubber mats are 2 mm to 14 mm thick, approximately. 

Besides, the ASTM D-178 high-voltage insulating rubber mats are 3.2 mm to 12.7 mm thick, approximately. On the other hand, the IS 15652:2006 insulating mat electrical is 2 mm to 3 mm, thick, approximately. 

Regular rubber mats: 

On the other hand, the thickness of regular rubber mats does not influence their insulating properties. Thicker rubber mats offer better cushioning. Besides, you can custom-make your regular rubber mats according to your needs. Unlike electrical rubber mats, they do not have separate classes for mats with separate thicknesses. 

4. Application: 

Electrical rubber mats: 

People install rubber mats in front of electrical panels, switchboards, heavy machines, and others. Electrical accidents can take place in such high-voltage areas. You can find electrical rubber mats in different industries like the power, manufacturing, construction, and other sectors. 

Regular rubber mats: 

On the other hand, regular rubber mats are available in residents, hospitals, schools, and other places. They enhance the comfort of the people. In addition, different rubber mats have applications in the oil and gas sectors, retail, and others. 

In a nutshell, 

An electrical insulation rubber mat is primarily used to ensure electrical safety in high-voltage areas. Different standards have different standard thicknesses of electrical rubber mats. People use them in major industries starting from power to manufacturing units. 

On the other hand, regular rubber mats cannot shield you from electrical accidents. They offer cushioning and physical safety to the people. Besides, people also use them in residential areas, hospitals, and industries.

FAQ

Is the insulated rubber mat price higher than the regular rubber mat price?

Yes, the price of a rubber insulating mat is higher than the regular one. Higher classes of insulating mats have higher prices. In addition, the manufacturing process of insulating mats is more complex. However, insulating mats adhere to different industrial safety standards. This increases their price in the market.

What factors determine the authenticity of an electrical mat supplier?

You should consider the reputation of the supplier in the market. Besides, they should have positive reviews on different social media and e-commerce platforms. An authentic supplier offers proper test certificates and warranties to the customers. In addition, their electrical rubber mats have industrial safety standard compliance.

How to maintain a high voltage mat?

You have to conduct regular visual inspections of your electrical mat. Any signs of damage can hamper the insulating properties of the insulating mat. Moreover, you have to conduct periodic testing to check the performance of the electrical mats. You should immediately repair or replace your mats in case of any damage.