di-electric mat in front of the high voltage switchboard

[vnn]

Hello,

I am working in a industrial project. Our contractor explained that it is not necessary to provide di-electric mat in front of the 6.6KV swithcboards. The project specfication mentioned nothing about this issue. Who can tell me where is in the IEC standard that requires to provide di-electric mat in front of high voltage switchboard.

Thanks.

 

[Zogzog]

He is correct, wont find that requirement. Mats are sometimes used as an extra precaution but do not provide any real safety in most cases, at least nothing you can count on. Mats are not required by any standard and do not meet any safety requirements for shock protection.

 

[dpc]

I don't know about IEC, but in the US, I agree with Zog - these are not required and I rarely see them.

"An 'expert' is someone who has made every possible mistake in a very narrow field of study." -- Edward Teller

 

[oldfieldguy]

I've seen them. Some of my clients specify them. In my opinion they're and added expense and a tripping hazard. They are also a hindrance to roll-out switchgear components and I have seen a case where laying the mat back into place inadvertently operated a manual device and shut a process plant down.

old field guy

 

[ScottyUK]

Agree with the previous comments - there are definitely standards for manufacturing and testing the mats, but I've never seen a standard requiring their use.


----------------------------------

If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[busbar]

 
Good point OFG. Casters on breaker carts will tear up [typically “20kV”-rated] rubber matting in no time—making their use completely counterproductive.

 

[oldfieldguy]

Busbar--

If they MUST be installed, the best approach is to cut them in short lengths so you can roll back a bit out of the way when rolling a breaker out. But is was replacing one of those "rolled back" mats that shut a plant down once in my experience.

old field guy

 

[slavag]

It's intresting thread.
A lot of years we try found some standard for this issue, nothing.
I agree with Zogzog and Dave , isn't add something for safety, aspecially for the newer metalclad SWG, all roll out parts make by plastic.

From other hand, we see in lot of areas continue use them, Oldfieldguy, right, in lot of tenders is included.

Best Regards.
Slava

 

[capuchi]

You wont find any applicable standard. It's a matter of choice. I once found them in a military base power plant but it was there as an anti-slip mat because the floor was smooth and slippery.

capuchi

 

[vnn]

Thanks for your helps. I have also looked for this requirement in various standards, but have found nothing.

 

[edison123]

Question - Does such a mat save lives ? It is a must-must in India but oddly only front of the main power panel. Feeder panels ? Not a must. I always thought to be odd but one doesn't argue with EI. (well, actually one can but one will never get anywhere).

 

[786392]

Although not really challenging all the above said and narrated.

Is there any statistical record or info on such matts becoming tripping source/work hinderance;to share?

Moreover I feel as if this is somewhat a marginal protection against worker's forgetfulness for protective footwear use!

Best Regards
Qalander(Chem)

 

[stevenal]

Using insulation for worker safety is time consuming. It must be cleaned and tested and replaced frequently.

If gear is grounded properly, safety should not be an issue.