What is Switchboard Electrical Insulation Matting: Comprehensive 2025 Guide

When was the last time you looked into an electrical insulation matting buying guide? Not anytime soon, right?
If you are relying entirely upon your insulation matting supplier to get your insulation mat for electrical panel, you are doing it absolutely WRONG!
95.7% of insulation matting specialists recommend that you go through the guidelines at least once before you get the product. This will help you know more about the various global safety standards, their testing methods, and how they are quality-checked. However, on the other hand, we have also seen that the majority of buyers, whether end-users or resellers, do not have the time to study.
Are you one of them? Well, you will not be any longer as this blog will soon transform into the ultimate switchboard electrical insulation matting pro. How? Dig in:

What is Switchboard Insulation Matting?

To understand the definition easily, let us first break the words into
switch+board
A switch board is electrical equipment with multiple switches. This apparatus connects various electrical equipment and their circuits. Thus, undoubtedly, a switchboard is a component dealing with high voltages of electricity. A worker might need to go near the switchboard to control, check, or maintain the machines. In this case, a switchboard electrical insulation safety matting along with other types of protective gear will keep them safe.

A switchboard electrical insulation rubber mat can be of IEC 61111:2009, IS 15652, or ASTM D178 safety standard. However, in the electrical safety industry, the name resonates with the ASTM D178 electrical insulation matting standard only.
The ASTM standard is set by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. Nonetheless, the ASTM standard is not limited to an insulation mat for electrical panel; it also tells about Iron and steel materials, Nonferrous metal materials, etc.
The ASTM standard for an electrical insulation matting is ASTM D178. The key features of an ASTM D178 switchboard electrical insulation safety matting are:

Key features of a Switchboard Insulation Matting

• High Dielectric Strength: Switchboard insulation matting is capable of insulating against high-voltage currents.

• Non-Conductive Material: They are Made from high-quality rubber (elastomer) to prevent electric conduction.

• Durability: The switchboard electrical mats are resistant to wear, tear, and environmental factors.

• Anti-Slip Surface: Ensures stability and prevents workplace accidents.

• Available in Multiple Classes: Categorized based on voltage resistance levels

An ASTM D178 electrical insulation rubber mat is further categorized into two types-
Type I and Type II.

ASTM D178 Insulation Mat for Electrical Panel- Decoding its Types

Are you wondering why these mats have two categories when the others are only divided into working voltage classes?
The switchboard electrical insulation matting is also distinguished as per its working voltage. Nevertheless, it has two categories that further clarify its functionality.

Type I ASTM D178 Switchboard Mats

• Material: Made from high-quality elastomer.
• Properties: Type I switchboard insulation mat for electrical panel provides excellent dielectric strength but lacks additional resistance to oil, ozone, and aging.
• Ideal For: Indoor environments with minimal exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme weather.

Type II ASTM D178 Switchboard Mats

Type II ASTM D178 electrical insulation matting is of 4 types. They offer enhanced protection against environmental and chemical conditions. Below is a breakdown:
1. Ozone-resistant switchboard insulation matting

• Designed for: This electrical insulation safety matting is suitable for outdoor and industrial environments with high exposure to ozone.
• Prevents: Cracking and degradation caused by ozone exposure.

2. Flame-resistant switchboard insulation matting

• Designed for: High-risk areas prone to fire hazards.
• Prevents: Ignition and flame spread in case of electrical faults.

3. Oil-resistant switchboard insulation matting

• Designed for: Workspaces with exposure to oil and petroleum-based substances.
• Prevents: Material deterioration caused by oil spills.

4. Combination resistance switchboard insulation matting (C – Ozone, Flame, and Oil Resistant)

• Designed for: This electrical insulation rubber mat is for the most demanding industrial environments.
• Prevents: Degradation from ozone, fire hazards, and oil spills, ensuring maximum durability.

Classifications of the ASTM D178 Switchboard Electrical Insulation Rubber Mat

The switchboard mat complying with the ASTM D178 electrical insulation mat standards is classified into 5 classes. These variations have been done based on their working voltage and thickness, specifically.
Follow the breakdown:

• Class 0: For voltages up to 1,000V (AC)
• Class 1: For voltages up to 7,500V (AC)
• Class 2: For voltages up to 17,000V (AC)
• Class 3: For voltages up to 26,500V (AC)
• Class 4: For voltages up to 36,000V (AC)

Click here if you want to get the full technical data sheet of Duratuf ASTM D178 electrical insulation matting.

Where can you use the Switchboard Mats?

The insulation matting specialists suggest using the switchboard mats near high-voltage electrical equipment like control panels, transformer units, LT-HT panels, switchboards, Busbars, etc. They are indispensable in some core industries:

• Power Stations: Protection for high-voltage electrical rooms. You can use class 3 or 4 of the ASTM mats here. However, in India, you can go for electrical insulation mat for 11 kV.
• Manufacturing Facilities: Used around electrical switchboards and transformers.
• Data Centers: USA is an IT hub. Here, the ASTM D178 electrical insulation safety matting ensures electrical safety for critical systems.
• Construction Sites: Temporary insulation mats for worker safety.
• Railways & Transport: Installed in control rooms and substations.

Duratuf ASTM D178 Electrical Insulation Matting: Should You Buy Them?

Duratuf is a global exporter of electrical insulation mats. With an impeccable reputation in the market for the last 14+ years, we have supplied our electrical safety mats to more than 3655 customers now, adding value to 1200+ significant projects all over the world. We boast a 4.6 Google rating where one of our customers has been quite generous while writing about our products and services:

For electrical insulating matting that have:

• Certified quality
• Ready stock
• Long-lasting effectiveness

Trust Duratuf!
Looking for expert guide or electrical insulation mat for 11 kV prices? Call us now!