What Makes Rubber Ideal For the Composition of Electrical Switchboard Mats?

https://insulatingmats.com/blogs/electrical-insulating-mats-buyers-guide/

Why are switchboard mats only made of rubber? Why can't manufacturers choose other insulating materials like glass, ceramics, and plastic?

We know how rubber is a famous material for residential and commercial flooring. But it sure is renowned for its insulating properties. What makes rubber the best choice for making such a critical safety gear? There is more to it. Read to know more:

Role of Rubber in Making Switchboard Mats "Trustworthy" as Protective Equipment

Dielectric Strength

Rubber has high dielectric strength. Hence, switchboard mats do not break down in a high electric field. IEC 61111:2009 mats have 10kV to 50 kV dielectric strength. Whereas, ASTM D178 matting has a dielectric strength of 6 kV to 50 kV. On the other hand, the IS 15652:2006 mats have 30 kV to 65 kV dielectric strength.

Non-Conductivity

Owing to the inherent properties of rubber, switchboard matting is non-conductive. During an electric shock, the current tends to pass through the body of the operator and then reach the ground. Being non-conductive, switchboard mats prevent the current flow. They act as a barrier between the voltage source and ground.

AC-Proof Voltage

Switchboard mats have AC-proof voltage ranging from 5 kV to 40 kV. AC proof voltage depends on the class of the mats. However, it guarantees the insulation integrity of the switchboard matting and confirms its safety margin.

Resistance Properties

Being made of rubber, electrical switchboard mats have good temperature resistance. Besides, Type IIA mats have ozone resistance, Type IIB ASTM D178 matting has flame resistance, and Type IIC mats have oil resistance.

Mechanical Strength

Rubber has high tensile strength and elongation at break values. Thus, switchboard matting has a tensile strength ranging from 4.83 MPa. Their elongation at break is approximately 250% and they are puncture resistant. Thus, the electrical switchboard mats have high mechanical strength. They can endure high physical stress without disintegrating.

Comfort

Switchboard mats act as anti-fatigue mats. Being made of rubber, they have a cushioning effect on the feet of the workers standing for long hours. Thus, they enhance the comfort of the workers and reduce the risks of them developing joint issues.

Importance of Rubber in Switchboard Mats

Anti-Skid Properties

Unlike other insulation flooring, rubber makes switchboard matting safe for movement. They have a ribbed surface texture. As a result, the switchboard mats enhance the grip and friction of the feet of workers. This reduces their chances of slipping and falling while moving.

Easy to Maintain

Rubber is easy to clean and maintain. You can simply brush the switchboard rubber matting and get rid of dust, as they have grooves. Besides, you can use mild soap or a detergent solution to get rid of dirt and grease. You just have to conduct periodic tests to check your switchboard matting.

Cost-Effectiveness

As you can see, the properties of rubber make switchboard mats nearly invincible. As a result, you do not need to spend a lot on repairing or replacing them. They might have medium to high upfront costs. However, switchboard rubber matting is cost-effective in the long term.

Bottom line,

Rubber's inherent properties, including dielectric strength and non-conductivity, make it an ideal insulator. Besides, it ensures that the switchboard rubber mats are durable and tough enough to withstand high voltages and physical stress. Rubber switchboard rubber mats reduce physical accidents, fatigue, and excess maintenance costs.

Check out the following FAQs!

1. Which electrical hazards can a switchboard panel mat protect you from?

Ans: Electrical switchboard rubber matting protects you from any high-voltage accidents. These hazards include electric shock, short circuits, current leakage, arc flash, and others. However, they can also protect you from physical accidents like slipping and falling.

2. What are the different switchboard matting types?

Ans: They are categorized into different classes. These classes include Class 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Their working voltages range from 1 kV to 36 kV and thickness from 3.2 mm to 12.7 mm. However, they have two types, including Type I and Type II. Unlike Type I, Type II mats have ozone, flame, and oil resistance.

3. What determines the switchboard matting cost?

Ans: The cost of switchboard rubber mats depends on their quality. Higher-quality mats from reputed suppliers have higher quoted prices. In addition, the cost also depends on whether you are making a retail or bulk purchase. Their overall cost increases with the addition of customization, shipping, and delivery charges.

Location: South City Business Park, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When does an Electrical Insulating Mat Start Conducting Electricity?

Image
  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...
Read more

What are the Guidelines You Should Follow While Storing Electrical Mats?

Image
  Temporary workstations in construction sites have high-voltage machines and applications. The on-site workers install electrical mats to ensure their electrical safety. If that is the case, what happens to the mats after the completion of the project? You wouldn't want to throw them away. You can reuse them for your next project. Thus, storing them can be a great solution! When Should You Store Your Electrical Mats?  Rubber mat electrical is a protective equipment. It saves people from electrical hazards like short circuits, arc flashes, fire hazards, and others. As a result, it is important to maintain and store it properly to ensure their performance in the long term.  End of use: You can store your mats after completing your temporary application.  Changes in weather: You must check whether your electrical rubber mats are exposed to extreme temperatures for a long time. However, the extreme conditions can damage the condition of your mats. Thus, you can consid...
Read more

When does an electric shock proof rubber mat fail to provide insulation?

Image
  Picture the consequences of insulating mats that fail to offer insulation. Burns, paralysis, or even immediate death! Are you ready to face these consequences when safety falls short? Do you know when and why an electric shockproof rubber mat fails to provide insulation?  Are you sure that you are using it right? What extra care should you take to ensure your electrical safety? An electric shockproof rubber mat is protective equipment. It ensures your electrical safety during electrical accidents like arc flashes, short circuits, and others. Major industries in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other countries of the world use these mats to ensure electrical safety in their industries.  When a person touches an energized wire, he gets an electric shock. In this process, the current tends to reach the ground through the low-resistance path, i.e., the human body. An electrical mat offers a barrier between the ground and the voltage source. Being made of rubber, it resist...
Read more