The role of Insulated mats in Electrical Work
Insulated mats safeguard electricians from electric shocks by providing a protective barrier against voltage. They’re essential in any workspace dealing with electricity, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
A Brief History
Insulated mats have come a long way, initially guided by older standards like ASTM D178 and AS 2978-1987, which resulted in thicker designs. These standards ensured safety but made the mats bulkier and harder to handle with a minimum thickness requirement. Nowadays, with the shift to the AS/NZS IEC 61111 standard, we’ve seen a significant improvement. There is now a maximum thickness set, so Mats are now thinner and lighter, making them easier to carry, without compromising on safety. This evolution reflects advancements in materials and a better understanding of what electricians need in the field.
Environments
The new insulated mats, compliant with the AS/NZS IEC 61111 standard, are versatile and essential for electricians working across various settings. Whether it’s servicing electric vehicles (EVs), inspecting electrical pillars, maintaining switchboards and electrical equipment in nay environment including ships and aircraft. These mats provide a critical safety layer. They prevent electrical shocks by insulating workers from the ground, making them a must-have in any situation where there’s a risk of electrical contact.
Quality and Maintenance
Mats are made from high quality EPDM rubber compound, ensuring excellent electrical insulation and mechanical properties to resist impact, tears or punctures along with anti ozone agents to stop “ozone cracking”. To ensure the mat is always in good condition there should be stored flat when ever possible, in a cool dry place and covered to restrict UV light exposure. Mats should be visual inspected prior to every use and electrical tested with a maximum interval of 6 months.
Check out some of the products we have covered in the article below:
Insulated Pillar Box Mat Class 0 1000V AS/NZS IEC 61111
Insulated Mat Class 0 1000V AS/NZS IEC 61111
Insulated Mat Roll/Custom Size Class 4 36kV AS/NZS IEC 61111