What is a Safety Mat? What Role Does It Play in Industrial Safety?
What is a Safety Mat? What Role Does It Play in Industrial Safety?
A safety mat (also known as a safety switch mat or pressure-sensitive safety mat) is a protective device used in industrial environments. Installed in hazardous areas (such as around machinery, operating platforms, etc.), it triggers safety mechanisms by detecting human presence to ensure personnel safety.
How Safety Mats Work？
A safety mat is usually composed of pressure sensors. When a person steps on the mat, the sensors detect a change in pressure. Once the pressure exceeds a preset threshold, the safety mat immediately sends a signal to the connected safety control system. This system can then execute various safety measures, such as stopping the machine operation or activating audible and visual alarms, effectively preventing accidents.
How Much Pressure Can a Safety Mat Sensor Detect?
The sensors in a safety mat are typically designed to detect pressure above human body weight. Generally, when the detected pressure reaches 20 kg or 30 kg, the sensor will trigger a signal to activate the safety protection mechanism for the hazardous area. However, the pressure detection range may vary depending on the brand and model of the safety mat.
Allen Bradley Safety Mats
Allen Bradley's 440F MatGuard™ safety mats are pressure-sensitive protective devices designed to detect the presence of personnel in hazardous areas.
ABB Safety Mats
ABB's pressure-sensitive safety mats are installed on the floor to detect whether someone is standing on them. They are mainly used around hazardous areas, such as presses, robots, and production lines, to prevent machines from operating when someone is in the danger zone. When a person steps into the danger zone, the machine cannot operate.
ASO Safety Mats
ASO's SENTIR safety mats are laminated components used to protect hazardous areas throughout industrial and production automation processes. Stepping on the mat immediately triggers a "stop" signal to prevent dangerous actions.
Bircher Safety Mats
Bircher's safety mats are used to detect people or objects within a designated area. When combined with the EsMatix 3 safety switching device, they form a certified system for protecting hazardous areas and ensuring personnel safety.
Omron Safety Mats
Omron's safety mats are designed to detect the presence of workers in hazardous areas.
Schmersal Safety Mats
Schmersal's safety mats are designed to create safe zones around machinery, protecting personnel from dangerous moving parts. The modular design allows for customized sizes without the need for terminal resistors, making installation easy. Schmersal offers two series of safety mats: SMS4 and SMS5.
Mayser Safety Mats
Mayser's safety mats are primarily used to protect personnel from hazardous moving parts during automated manufacturing processes. When someone steps on the pressure-sensitive mat, the machine slows down or stops, entering a safe state. Mayser's safety mats feature a non-slip surface and resistance to various chemicals, making them suitable for different industrial environments.
Brand | Activation force | Weight | Load pressure |
| Allen Bradley Safety Mats | 35 kg (77 lb) | 10.9 kg/m² (2.2 lb/ft²) | Can withstand a static pressure of 4500 psi |
| ABB Safety Mats | Nominally 150 N (Round body 80 mm) | U 24,9 Kg/m² ; T 26 Kg/m² | Loading capacity: 1 x 2000 N/cm² |
| ASO Safety Mats | 150 N to Ø 80 mm test piece | U 24,9 Kg/m² (54,9lb/10,76ft²); T 26 Kg/m² (57,32lb/10,76ft²) | Static load max. 2000 N over Ø 80 mm (3,15“) |
| Bircher Safety Mats | — | Active grip structure 11.5 kg/cm²; Without structure 10.5 kg/cm² | Loading capacity 1 x 2000 N/cm² |
Omron Safety Mats | 300 N min. to 80 mm dia. test piece | — | 2,000 N to 80 mm dia. test piece |
Schmersal Safety Mats | 150 N with round body Ø 80 mm | — | 2,000 N / Ø 80 mm |
Mayser Safety Mats | < 300 N (Test piece (cylinder) Ø 80 mm) | Safety mat SM with GM 1: 17.3 kg/m²; Safety mat SM with GM 5: 23.9 kg/m²; Safety mat SM11: 12.0 kg/m²; Safety mat SM8: 13.0 kg/m² | Static load (up to 8 h) Safety mat SM with GM 1: Max. 800 N/cm² Safety mat SM with GM 5: Max. 1200 N/cm² Safety mat SM11: Max. 800 N/cm² Safety mat SM8: Max. 800 N/cm² |
DADISICK | DT15 series & DT11 series : 20 kg | DT15 series: Maximum Allowable Load (8 hours): ≤ 400 N/cm²; DT11 series; Maximum Allowable Load (8 hours): ≤ 200 N/cm² | — |
DT14 series: 30 kg | — | Dynamic load up to 500 kg
Static load up to 700 kg |
| Specifications | Safety mat DT15 series | Safety mat DT11 series | Safety mat DT14 series |
| Trigger Force | ＞20 kg | 30 kg (for adults) | |
| Weight | Maximum Allowable Load (8 hours): ≤ 400 N/cm² | Maximum Allowable Load (8 hours): ≤ 200 N/cm² | Pressure Resistance: Dynamic load up to 500 kg Static load up to 700 kg |
| Safety Mat Thickness | 15 mm | 11 mm | 14 mm |
Surface Material | NBR rubber | PVC | NBR rubber |
Mechanical life | 3,000,000 times | 1,000,000 times | 1,000,000 times |
Degree of protection | IP65 | ||
Ambient temperature | -10℃ ~ +55℃ | +5℃ ~ +55℃ | -10℃ ~ +60℃ |
Response time | 18 ms | ＜ 30 ms | |
Recommended applications | General working conditions; | Special or heavy-duty working conditions | Safety protection for people, small cars and vehicles in mixed areas |
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Disclaimer: The brands and specifications shown on this page are for product comparison and selection purposes only. Our safety mats are manufactured by DADISICK and are not official products of the listed brands. DADISICK offers replacements compatible with these brands' products. We do not own the rights to any of the mentioned brands. If you need to purchase official brand products, please contact the brand official representative.
