ASTM D178 outlines the specifications for rubber insulating matting used to protect workers from electrical hazards near energized equipment. It classifies matting by type and class based on dielectric strength and requires electrical and physical property testing.
This standard specifies the requirements for rubber insulating matting used as floor covering around electrical apparatus to provide electrical insulation for workers. It covers various types and classes of matting based on their dielectric strength.
Matting must undergo electrical tests, such as voltage proof tests, to ensure its insulating properties. The standard also includes requirements for physical properties like tensile strength and elongation, as well as marking and traceability. ASTM D178 is important for providing a secondary layer of electrical protection for workers in substations, switchgear rooms, and other areas where electrical hazards exist.
