Understanding Classes and Types of Rubber Insulating Blanket
Purpose
Insulating rubber blankets are a type of cover-up used by linemen for energized line maintenance. They come in a variety of sizes, classes and types, described in ASTM D1048.
Insulating rubber blankets for energized line maintenance come in a variety of sizes, classes and types. Each Class of insulating blankets has its own maximum use and testing voltages, as described in ASTM D1048 (see Table 1). The higher the class rating, the higher maximum the voltage rating is for the insulating blanket.
Proof/Design=Test/Use Voltage Relationship
The difference between Type I and Type II blankets is the material that they’re made from. The most important considerations when deciding which type of blanket, you need are flexibility and ozone resistance. If you need:
a) Flexibility – Go with Type I Latex rubber
b) Ozone Resistance – Go with Type II EPDM rubber
The synthetic EPDM rubber can trace its roots back to World War II when there was an inability by the US to source natural rubber in Southeast Asia. Type I CHANCE blankets are made from a synthetic latex rubber and have excellent flexibility. Type II blankets are made from EPDM rubber, which has excellent corona resistance. The type of blanket you select is a personal preference and does not affect voltage rating.
Rubber insulating blankets are intended for secondary incidental brush contact and are designed to temporarily cover up energized line equipment for no more than 72 hours. Each blanket should be visually inspected, electrically tested for 3 minutes, and date stamped prior to shipment.
Rubber insulating blankets must be electrically tested every 12 months per ASTM F479. Prior to daily use, the blankets should be free of contamination and visually inspected for damage. Inspecting for damage can be accomplished by rolling the surface of the blanket per ASTM F1243. Stressing the surface of the blankets can open and display cuts or pinholes that may have closed. If the surface of the blanket is dirty, it can be cleaned with a clean cloth wipe and alcohol prior to use. When not being used, blankets should be stored rolled up in storage canisters or laid flat. They should be placed in a cool, dry location away from heat, ozone, and sunlight.