Electrical rubber matting regulations
In this article, PIF spoke to electrical safety matting experts, Monomer to take us through the electrical safety matting regulations. BS EN 61111:2009, also known as IEC 61111:2009 is the revised current standard for electrical safety matting. Here, Monomer breaks down the safety matting regulations and explain how you can keep safe from electrical shocks.
Electrical safety matting regulations
BS EN 61111:2009 has a colour coding feature that has not been previously included on earlier electrical safety matting regulations, such as the BS921:1976 and the more recent BS EN 6111:1992. This feature means that all classes must be colour coded on every running metre on the underside.
This latest BS EN Standard of electrical rubber matting incorporates a class selection system that enables end users to select the correct electrical safety matting to protect themselves against the working with the specific voltages that they will be exposed to. This selection system ranges from 1000V to 36,000V.
- Class '0' CE 03/2015 - Red
- Class '1' CE 03/2015 - White
- Class '2' CE 03/2015 - Yellow
- Class '3' CE 03/2015 - Green
- Class '4' CE 03/2015 - Orange
Electrical matting can be tested to, and demonstrate compliance with, BS EN 61111:2009, which means that the insulated floor covering will not only help to protect contractors and staff working on electrical installations from the dangers of shock, but it will also offer other additional benefits and provide a clearer way of evaluating the requirements and quickly identifying the best choice of matting.
Electrical regulation testing
Under the electrical rubber matting standard of BS EN 6111:2009, every running metre of matting must go under dielectrical resistance testing. Monomer pride themselves on ensuring that all standards are met and that there is a conformity of resistance as specified by the standard.
Electrical safety matting uses
Electrical safety matting, sometimes also known as insulating matting or switchboard matting, is a vital part of electrical safety. Following the BS EN 61111:2009 switchboard matting standard allows protection around areas where high voltage (HV) equipment - such as switchboards - is being used and worked upon.
The typical applications where electrical rubber matting should be used include when working in plant rooms, in front of machine control gear, switchboards and lift control gear rooms. It must be noted that this BS EN standard should also be used as portable protection for site engineers working on live equipment where there is any risk of a potential shock.
For more information about their electrical rubber matting, talk to Monomer today.
Please be aware that all information on their website is offered in accordance
with current known standards. It is the responsibility of the customer to
evaluate requirements and seek expert safety advice.
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