Insulating footpaths

Safety in work environments related to electricity is a priority. That is why insulating mats are a crucial element in protecting individuals working near electrical equipment. Insulating mats are specialized protective mats made from materials with high resistance to electric voltage. Their purpose is to protect workers from electric shock in areas where there is a risk of contact with conducting surfaces.

Electro-insulating mats are made of rubber with insulating properties, whose dielectric strength is a minimum of 10 kV. In accordance with safety requirements, the mat withstands a voltage test of 20 kV.

The mat is primarily intended to insulate from machines that use high-voltage sources, but it also has other useful properties. The high quality of the product is confirmed by the fact that electro-insulating mats are produced in accordance with the international standard PN-IEC 61111:2002.  They are characterized by resistance to acids, oils and low temperatures. All these features have been confirmed in tests, and the website or brick-and-mortar store offering such products provide this information about the product.

High resistance to mechanical damage and the width of the product mean that the electro-insulating mat can also serve as protection for the floor against destruction. Additionally, this product is non-slip, which also affects the safety and comfort of employees. Mats are divided into classes; the class is selected depending on the rated voltage of the equipment near which the mats are to be laid. The most commonly used class is class 2, which withstands 20 kV. These mats are most often available in rolls, but can also be purchased in the form of a mat. The thickness of class 2 suggested by manufacturers is 5 mm; as for the width, one can choose from several variants, most often about 100 cm. The thickness of the mat is influenced by its intended use and class.

Electro-insulating mats are manufactured so that the top side is ribbed, which makes the product non-slip, and the underside is knurled with a fabric imprint. Importantly, every electro-insulating mat should be subjected to a voltage test using an alternating test voltage with an effective value of 20 kV.

Mats should not be used in places where they may be exposed to continuous ozone action and sunlight, as this may negatively affect their effectiveness, reducing it. The electro-insulating mat is also extremely resistant to tearing and thermal ageing. Thanks to this, the product can be effectively used for years.

The durability of the product is undoubtedly a great advantage, because a mat once purchased will last a long time. One should only remember to carry out regular tests in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations in order to check whether the mat is functioning correctly. This is particularly important, because a faulty electro-insulating mat poses a threat to the health and life of those using it.

The purpose of using electrically insulating mats is primarily to protect workers operating electrical power equipment. It is an additional safeguard protecting against electrical hazards, e.g. electric shock in the event of a machine failure. Thanks to the use of this type of mat, comfort and workplace safety are increased.

Electrically insulating mats are placed on flat surfaces, i.e. on floors in halls, corridors, on platforms and at workstations. Insulating mats are used when operating electrical power equipment with voltage up to 20 kV.

Electrically insulating mats are mainly used to provide protection when working with electrical devices with a maximum rated voltage of 17000 V for alternating current and 25500 V for direct current. They can be laid simply on any flat surfaces without the need for additional joining or mounting methods. Due to the serious risk of accidents caused by electric shock, intensive use of the mat, the destructive influence of environmental factors and the possibility of damage resulting from wear, it is recommended to carry out inspections no less frequently than once every 12 months. After one year of use the mat should be removed from the workplace, tests commissioned and, if they prove positive, the mat may be returned to service.  The price to be paid for such a product is small compared to the protection it provides.