Dielectric mats: varieties, quality, purpose

Dielectric mats are used as an additional measure of protection when working with electrical installations under high voltage. The material from which the product is made must meet the established requirements. Depending on the purpose, the litter size is selected, and also the storage time for the purchase, which is limited to three years, is taken into account.

Purpose of products

Dielectric mats are an additional means of protection. High potential can pierce individual equipment: gloves, boots, used measuring devices for current indicators. In places of ungrounded metal supports or with high humidity of the floor, such measures are simply necessary.

The rules for the operation of electrical installations under voltage up to and above 1000 V prescribe the use of dielectric mats. When working with any increased stress under the feet of the staff, a rippled surface of special material is laid. It is stable not only to the potential, but also to oils, mechanical wear.

Requirements for protective products

Dielectric mats meet the requirements of regulatory documents: GOST 4997-75. The material of the product is able to withstand a large number of bends. The shelf life in the warehouse is 3 years, after which the manufacturer recommends changing the protection. This is due to the properties of rubber to change the composition under the influence of air: it dubes, becomes brittle, loses the ability to insulate surfaces.

The surface of the rug is corrugated and anti-slip, the depth of the grooves is about 1-3 mm. The material is able to withstand a voltage of up to 20 kV with a frequency of 50 Hz. The leakage current is measured, which does not exceed 16 Ohm A / sq. M. The structure of the appearance must be uniform, dark tones prevail in it.

Varieties of protective equipment

Subdivided products into the following types:

• Normal dielectric mat, the execution price is low, the service life is limited.
• Oil-resistant oil is used in corrosive environments. It is often put on stands.

Depending on the conditions of use, there is a fixed size dielectric mat. The price depends on the dimensions. The products are subdivided according to the standard values:

• The length is 500-1000 mm. Can be more than 1000 mm and up to 8 m. The cost is from 100 to 500 rubles.
• The width is 500-1200 mm.
• The thickness is 6 ± 1 mm.

Specialized dielectric mats are sold for more than 500 rubles. Stands, depending on the performance, can cost several thousand rubles. Unique products on request (according to the customer's drawing) have contractual payment and terms of production.

In wet environments it is recommended to use an insulating stand. It is a dielectric surface of high rigidity, placed on legs of a similar material. The height of the products starts from 70 mm. The flooring is laid out of wooden blocks with a gap of more than 30 mm. For the legs, special insulators of the CH-6 type are used. Additional protection can serve as a rubber mat, lined on the surface of the stand.

Checking the protective equipment

Rubber dielectric mat and insulating stand are subject to periodic diagnostics for breakdown and integrity of materials. Before use, an external inspection of the mats is carried out, checking for cracks in the material is carried out during the inflection of the plastic structure. It is recommended to inspect the supports for the presence of chips on the legs and litter.

If defects are detected, mats, decking and other protective equipment must be replaced. If the supports do not move, then the diagnosis is carried out at least every 3 years. If the defect can be eliminated, then the dielectric must be inspected for breakdown in accordance with the standards.

In order to avoid premature wear of rubber coatings, it is recommended that the following rules for the use of products be observed:

• Storage of rugs is carried out at a temperature of 20-25 degrees.
• Before using the coatings that were brought from the frost, you need to let them warm up in a warm room for about a day.
• Oily surfaces are immediately cleaned without the use of alcohol solutions, so that the rubber does not get stiff.
• The staff should not use wet coatings in operation.
• In cold rooms use a special dielectric mat, gloves, coasters. There are products that can withstand temperatures from -50 to +80 degrees.

Additional protection

When working in cabinets under high voltage, with an electric winch, it is necessary to use insulating devices:

• Gloves are used not only for gauging, welders put them on for insulation from the ground;
• Boots, rubber boots, galoshes;
• Isolating rods for measuring electrical parameters;
• A protective mask must be worn to protect the eyes;
• Plastic helmet refers to dielectrics;
• Specialized sets of electric arc;
• When carrying out the PPR, current-carrying parts located in the work area are covered with rubber dielectrics.

The personnel serving high-voltage installations, give out specialized heat-resistant suits. To work at height, ladders and ladders with dielectric inserts are used.