What are the different rubber mats for electrical safety available in Singapore?

Rubber Safety Mats

Every now and then, we hear and read about dangerous electrical accidents in workplaces. Like every other country, Singapore has its share of electrical hazards too. In the previous year, there was a headline about the electrocution of a group of workers in Singapore. This happened while they were installing solar panels. 

News like this drives industries to prioritize electrical safety in workplaces. Rubber mats for electrical safety have high demand. Factories and industries in Singapore heavily rely on them to ensure electrical safety in the workplace. Living in Singapore, do you know which rubber mats for electrical safety are available? 

Explore the Different Standard-Compliant Rubber Mats for Electrical Safety in Singapore

1) IEC 61111:2009 Rubber Mats for Electrical Safety

The International Electrotechnical Commission has set the IEC 61111:2009 standard.

A) Classes: 

i) Class 0: Class 0 rubber safety mat is for working voltages up to 1 kV. 

ii) Class 1: It is for applications with working voltages up to 7.5 kV. 

iii) Class 2: A Class 2 rubber safety mat is suitable for working voltages up to 17 kV. 

iv) Class 3: For applications with working voltages up to 26.5 kV. 

v) Class 4: A rubber safety mat of Class 4 can endure working voltages up to 36 kV. 

B) Thicknesses: 

The thicknesses of IEC 61111:2009 rubber mats for electrical safety range from 2 mm to 5 mm.
 
i) Class 0: They have a 2 mm thickness. 

ii) Class 1: Their thickness is 2 mm.

iii) Class 2: They are 3 mm thick.
 
iv) Class 3: They have a 4 mm thickness. 

v) Class 4: Their thickness is 5 mm. 

C) Other Properties: 

i) Temperature resistance: An IEC 61111-compliant rubber safety mat can endure temperatures ranging from -25 degrees to +55 degrees centigrade. 

ii) Mechanical puncture & slip resistance: These electrical mats safety have 70 N mechanical puncture resistance. In addition, it has a minimum slip resistance of 50 N. 

iii) Color coding: The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) suggests the use of color codes. Each of their electrical safety matting classes has different color-coded labels. For example, it is red for a Class 0 rubber safety mat. For Class 1, the color code is white. Besides, it is yellow for Class 2 insulating mats. The color code is green for Class 3. In addition, it is orange for Class 4 mats. 

2) ASTM D-178 Rubber Mats for Electrical Safety 

The American Society for Testing and Materials has set the ASTM D-178 standard.

A) Types and Classes: 

They have classes the same as the IEC 61111:2009 standard. Thus, they have electrical safety matting 1000 V to 36000 V. However, these rubber mats for electrical safety have two types. The two types are Type I and Type II. They have different properties.

B) Thicknesses: 

i) Class 0: Class 0 ASTM D-178 compliant rubber mats for electrical safety 3.2 mm thick.
 
ii) Class 1: They have a thickness of 4.8 mm. 

iii) Class 2: Their thickness is 6.4 mm. 

iv) Class 3: These electrical mats safety are 9.5 mm thick. 

v) Class 4: Their thickness is 12.7 mm. 

C) Other Properties:

i) Tensile strength: The minimum tensile strength of an ASTM D-178 rubber safety mat is 4.83 MPa. 

ii) Elongation at break: It has a minimum of 250% elongation at break. 

iii) Resistance properties: The Type II ASTM D-178 rubber mats for electrical safety have ozone, oil, and flame resistance properties. 

To sum up, 

Different resellers from Singapore also buy rubber mats for electrical safety for business. On the other hand, there are end-users who install them in their factories or workplaces. The IEC 61111:2009 and ASTM D-178 mats are available. Though they serve the same purpose, your supplier may recommend them according to your needs.

FAQ

Why should people pay high prices for a safety rubber mat?

The rubber safety mat price may range from moderate to high. Its installation is mandatory in major industries. However, it justifies its prices. It offers superior protection against electrical hazards and physical accidents. Besides, it saves unnecessary downtime costs. An electrical mat has high durability and longevity. Thus, it does not require frequent repair or replacement. It is cost-effective in the long run.

Is the corrugated surface texture of an electrical safety rubber mat just for looks?

Electrical safety matting may come with a ribbed or dotted texture. It is just not for aesthetic purposes, it has a huge benefit. The corrugated surface texture is actually an anti-skid design. It increases the friction of the feet of the workers to the mat's surface. As a result, they do not slip and fall during movement. This protects people from severe injuries from physical accidents.

What are the features of IS 15652:2006 insulating mats?

An IS 15652:2006 insulating mats adheres to the Bureau of Indian Standards. They have classes- A, B, and C. Class A insulating mats are for working voltages up to 3.3 kV. On the other hand, Class B mats are for working voltages up to 11 kV. Whereas, Class C mats are suitable for working voltages up to 33 kV. Besides, they have dielectric strength ranging from 30 kV to 65 kV. They also have anti-skid surface texture.

Location: Tampines, Singapore

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