Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: SILVERGUN on August 03, 2021, 09:13:26 am
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I have my current workbench setup in my basement which is a concrete floor.
I'm open to any suggestions for an electrical insulation layer between my feet and ground.
I've heard of these and seen a few but just wondering if there is anything out there that you guys are aware of that will protect me and not break the bank.
I'd like it to be rigid enough that I can sit on my stool on top of it.
?
Something like this: (I only need it to be about 4' x 3' ish)
NOTRAX Switchboard Runner, Corrugated Surface Pattern, 12 ft L, 3 ft W, 1/4 in Thick - 5T434|830C0036-12 - Grainger (https://www.grainger.com/product/NOTRAX-Switchboard-Runner-5T434)
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I love the way the product description states:
Vinyl compound grounds workers to prevent electrical shock.
But then in the technical specs: Mat Electrical Resistance - Non-Conductive
Yeah, that is an expensive mat . . .
If it were me, I'd probably buy plastic square tiles as used in garage or automotive applications. Should work just fine for this situation. Though obviously not certified to ANSI/ASTM D178-01.
The truth is, it's really the "one hand" rule that is going to save you from high voltage AC going through your heart.
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Just get this for electrical insulation...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0759BYPG3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2WQUOY468PPWO&th=1
However, insulation is a bad idea if you ever work on static sensitive equipment. For that you need a mat that is conductive and has a wrist strap and a ground bonding strap. Like this...
https://www.amazon.com/Bertech-Wrist-Strap-Grounding-0-093/dp/B00HFQPS7M/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=antistatic%2Bmats&qid=1628005295&sr=8-22-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUzY1VUw1QkMzSFIyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODgzMDk1MVE0RlRMREw5Qkg2JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNjAyOTQyNDBOR1FBN1hQTjUwJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYnRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1
I have an ESD mat but I only take it out of the box when I'm working on computer stuff. Do you really want a mat? I hate 'em.
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I don't like matts either, I like wood, probably NOT OSHA approved, but it works as long as there's not a big wet spilled beer puddle.
a good pair of muck boots works well when i'm playing in the Mains panel :icon_biggrin:
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I don't know how insulated these are, but I had them on the floor of my work room at my old house. I just liked that they were cushioned. https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMaster-Black-24-in-x-24-in-Foam-Interlocking-Gym-Flooring-24-sq-ft-6-Pack-24224DPHD/313099809
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Strong enough for horses. This goes on sale a few times a year. Not tested for conductivity.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/utility-rubber-mat-black-4-ft-x-3-ft-x--frac12-in
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/4-ft-x-6-ft-x-3-4-in-thick-rubber-stall-mat
Others:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/horse-stall-mats
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Thanks for the responses guys.
Looks like PRR nailed it. I can get one of those 4'x3' rubber mats in stock from a Tractor Supply that I pass on the weekends.
heavy duty + perfect size + $30 + no shipping = WINNER
That mat is just perfect and I'm really glad I asked. Especially because I can do the rest of the floor in those foam puzzle pieces that are 1/2" thick (like dbishopbliss suggested) and have the height match up.
Thanks AGAIN PRR!
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Hope your stool isn't on wheels.
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Hope your stool isn't on wheels.
Well, not yet, but I'll let you know how I make out. The surface doesn't look too too bad. I'll stop back and give an update once I get rolling (or not)
I can always get reimbursed and take this into work and use it as an anti-fatigue/insulation mat if it doesn't work out.
I usually stand at my bench there and it's concrete as well.
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Put a piece of plywood on top of the rubber mat if you want to use a stool.
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I too was assuming standing. Stool-feet/wheels will need the hard mat in reply #2.
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Tractor Supply that I pass on the weekends.
:laugh:
i STOP there 3 days a week, but I do pass by a Starbuck's to get there :icon_biggrin:
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Put a piece of plywood on top of the rubber mat if you want to use a stool.
Now, now...that's somethin shooter would do :icon_biggrin:
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Tractor Supply that I pass on the weekends.
:laugh:
i STOP there 3 days a week, but I do pass by a Starbuck's to get there :icon_biggrin:
You should stop in to S-Bucks just to use the bathroom.
They're not allowed to stop you.
Starbucks’ Open Bathroom Policy Comes With Heavy Cost, Study Finds (forbes.com) (https://www.forbes.com/sites/andriacheng/2019/11/12/starbucks-has-a-big-price-to-pay-for-its-open-bathroom-policy-study/?sh=20ff89f86c4a)
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I too was assuming standing. Stool-feet/wheels will need the hard mat in reply #2.
It's about 50 stand/50 sit now.
I was actually considering one of these since I don't really sit there for comfort. It's more about functionality.
Uncaged Ergonomics Wobble Stool 33" Active Sitting Standing Desk and Office Stool (WSb) | Staples (https://www.staples.com/Uncaged-Ergonomics-Wobble-Stool-33-Active-Sitting-Standing-Desk-and-Office-Stool-WSb/product_2508782?back=true)
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- ROUNDED BASE is stable & lets the stool move with you to burn calories. Special design allows you to sit normally without constant movement
Heck, if I can burn calories while I work maybe i'll never hit the weight limit :icon_biggrin:
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S-Bucks just to use the bathroom.
:laugh:
naw, I just piss on the dumpster out back, inside is to WOKE for me :icon_biggrin: