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 size of the litter is selected, and the storage time at the time of purchase, which is limited to three years, is also taken into account.
Purpose of products
Dielectric rugs are an additional protection measure. High potential can penetrate individual equipment: gloves, boots, used current measuring instruments. In places of ungrounded metal supports or with increased humidity of the floor, such measures are simply necessary.
The rules for the operation of electrical installations with voltages up to and above 1000 V require the use of dielectric rugs. When working with any increased voltage, a corrugated surface made of a special material is laid under the feet of the staff. It is resistant not only to potential, but also to oils, mechanical wear.
Protective Product Requirements
Dielectric mats meet the requirements of regulatory documents: GOST 4997-75. The material of the product is able to withstand a large cycle of bends. Shelf life in the warehouse is 3 years, after which the manufacturer recommends changing the protective equipment. This is due to the properties of rubber to change its composition under the influence of air: it dubs, becomes brittle, loses its ability to insulate surfaces.
The surface of the mat is grooved and anti-slip, the depth of the grooves is about 1-3 mm. The material is able to withstand voltages up to 20 kV at a frequency of 50 Hz. Measured leakage current, which does not exceed 16 Ohms A / sq. m. The structure of appearance should be homogeneous, dark tones prevail in it.
Varieties of protective equipment
The products are divided into the following types:
- Ordinary dielectric mat, low construction price, limited service life.
- Oil and petrol resistant is used in aggressive environments. Often placed on coasters.
Depending on the conditions of use, the dielectric mat has a fixed size. The price depends on the size. Subdivide products according to standard values:
- Length is 500-1000 mm. May be more than 1000 mm and up to 8 m. Cost - from 100 to 500 rubles.
- Width - 500-1200 mm.
- Thickness - 6 ± 1 mm.
Specialized dielectric rugs are sold at a price above 500 rubles. Stands, depending on the version, can cost several thousand rubles. Unique products on order (according to the drawing of the customer) have a contractual payment and production time.
In humid environments, an insulating stand is recommended. It is a dielectric surface of high rigidity, placed on the legs of a similar material. Product height starts at 70 mm. The flooring is laid out from wooden blocks with a gap of more than 30 mm. For legs, special insulators of the type SN-6 are used. Additional protection can be a rubber mat lined on the surface of the stand.
Safety Check
The rubber dielectric mat and insulating stand are subject to periodic diagnostics for breakdown and material integrity. Before use, an external inspection of the rugs is carried out, a check for cracks in the material is carried out during the bend of the plastic structure. Stands are recommended to inspect for the presence of chips on the legs and litter.
If defects are found, mats, decks and other protective equipment must be replaced. If the stands do not move, then the diagnosis is carried out at least every 3 years. If the defect can be eliminated, then it is necessary to check the dielectric for breakdown in accordance with the standards.
In order to prevent premature wear of rubber coatings, it is recommended to observe the following rules for the use of products:
- Rugs are stored at a temperature of 20-25 degrees.
- Before using coatings that were brought from frost, you need to let them warm 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 stiffen.
- Personnel should not use wet coatings in their work.
- In cold rooms, a specialized dielectric rug, gloves, and coasters are used. There are products that can withstand temperatures from -50 to +80 degrees.
Additional remedies
When working in cabinets under high voltage, with an electric winch, it is required to use insulating devices:
- gloves are used not only for measurements, welders wear them to isolate from the ground;
- boots, rubber boots, galoshes;
- insulating rods for measuring electrical parameters;
- a protective mask must be worn to protect the eyes;
- plastic helmet refers to dielectrics;
- specialized sets from an electric arc;
- when carrying out PPR current-carrying parts located in the work area are covered with rubber dielectrics.
Personnel servicing high-voltage installations are given specialized heat-resistant suits. For work at heights, ladders and step-ladders with dielectric inserts are used.