ASTM D178

This specification covers the acceptance testing of insulating rubber matting that are used as a floor covering for the personal protection of workers. The sheeting shall be made from any elastomer or combination of elastomeric compounds. Two types of matting, differing in chemical and physical characteristics, are provided and are designated as Type I, which has been properly vulcanized, and Type II, which has one or more of the following special properties: (A) ozone resistance; (B) flame resistance; and (C) oil resistance. Five classes of matting, designated as Classes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, are assigned according to electrical protection characteristics. When evaluated in accordance with the test procedures detailed herein, the matting shall adhere to the following property requirements: electrical properties such as phase-phase maximum use voltage, AC and DC proof-test voltages, AC and DC dielectric breakdown test voltages, and AC and DC electrode clearances; an physical and chemical properties such as moisture absorption, oil resistance, tensile strength, tension set, elongation, resistance to accelerated heat aging, and flame resistance.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers acceptance testing of rubber insulating matting for use as a floor covering for protection of workers.

1.2 Two types of matting, differing in chemical and physical characteristics, are provided and are designated as Type I and Type II matting.

The following safety hazards caveat applies only to the test method portion, Sections to , of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Note 1

Rubber insulating matting should remain flexible for use through normal temperature ranges.

Rubber as used in this specification is a generic term that includes elastomers and elastomer compounds, regardless of origin.

1.3 This test method covers a small-scale horizontal laboratory screening procedure for measuring the rate, extent, or time, or a combination thereof, of burning of rigid or flexible cellular plastics in accordance with this test procedure.

1.4 Materials that exhibit pronounced shrinking, curling, or melting away upon heating cannot be evaluated by this test method.

1.5 This test method is not applicable to materials that cannot be ignited under the conditions of this test, or to materials that exhibit progressive combustion without flame (continued glowing or charring).

The rate of burning or extent of burning of rigid cellular plastics also may be determined by Test Method D 3014 where the specimen is supported vertically.

1.5.1 Warning-During the course of combustion, gases or vapors, are evolved that may be hazardous to personnel. Adequate precautions should be taken to protect the operator.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

American National Standard
ANSIC84.1 Voltage Ratings for Electric Power Systems and Equipment (60 Hz)
ASTM Standards
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies
D1564 Testing Flexible Cellular Materials--Slab Urethane Insulating Oils
D1565 Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials--Vinyl Chloride Polymers and Copolymers (Open-Cell Foam)
D1692 Test Method for Rate of Burning or Extent and Time of Burning of Cellular Plastics Using a Specimen Supported by a Horizontal Screen
D2406 Methods of Testing Flexible Cellular Materials Molded Urethane Foam
D297 Test Methods for Rubber Products--Chemical Analysis
D3014 Test Method for Flame Height, Time of Burning, and Loss of Mass of Rigid Thermoset Cellular Plastics in a Vertical Position
D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers--Tension
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property--Effect of Liquids
D518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration--Surface Cracking
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
D573 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration in an Air Oven

Index Terms

rubber insulating matting; ICS Number Code 29.035.20 (Plastic and rubber insulating materials)

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]