ASTM F2715-19(2024)

Standard Specification for Temporary Protective Equipotential Bond Mat To Be Used on De-Energized Equipment

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the manufacture and testing of the temporary protective equipotential bond mat used on or around de-energized electrical equipment.  
1.2 It is common practice for users of protective equipment to prepare complete instructions and regulations to govern in detail the correct use and maintenance of such equipment.  
1.3 The use and maintenance of this equipment is beyond the scope of this specification.  
1.4 It is recognized that the use of temporary protective equipotential bond mats requires additional equipment for installation and use, typically temporary connecting jumper assemblies.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 13.260 - Protection against electric shock. Live working
• Technical Committee: F18 - Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers
• Drafting Committee: F18.45 - Mechanical Apparatus

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2715-19 - Standard Specification for Temporary Protective Equipotential Bond Mat To Be Used on De-Energized Equipment
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM F2715-19(2024), Standard Specification for Temporary Protective Equipotential Bond Mat To Be Used on De-Energized Equipment, establishes requirements for the manufacture and testing of temporary protective equipotential bond mats. These mats are critical safety tools designed for use on or around de-energized electrical equipment, minimizing exposure to hazardous differences in electrical potential. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistency, safety, and quality for users in electrical maintenance and operations.

Equipotential bond mats specified in this document are not intended to serve as temporary protective grounds capable of carrying full rated fault current. Instead, they are a component of an equipotential grounding system to provide workers with temporary protection from electrical hazards during maintenance of de-energized equipment.

Key Topics

• Product Scope: The standard applies to both fabric-based and non-fabric (metallic mesh) carrier mats, detailing their construction, marking, and physical requirements.
• Classification: Mats are categorized by type (cascadable or non-cascadable), style (fabric or non-fabric, jacketed or exposed conductor), grid conductor (flexible braid or metallic mesh), and carrier material (slip-resistant or not).
• Physical Properties: Requirements include tensile strength, tear resistance, cold flexure, flame resistance, and clearly defined mesh dimensions and rigidity for consistent performance.
• Testing and Sampling: Emphasizes thorough sample selection and electrical tests such as resistance, continuous current, and high current mechanical tests to verify mat integrity and effectiveness.
• Marking and Packaging: Each mat must be clearly labeled with manufacturer details, serial number, type, and style. Packaging requirements ensure protection during shipment and ease of identification.
• Exclusions: Usage practices, maintenance, and regulatory compliance are not within the scope of this standard.

Applications

Temporary protective equipotential bond mats, covered by ASTM F2715, are widely used in a range of environments requiring electrical safety provisions, including:

• Electrical Maintenance and Repair: Used by utility and industrial workers during maintenance of de-energized switchgear, transformers, and powerlines.
• Substation and Plant Environments: Deployed to establish a safe working area for personnel by reducing potential step and touch voltages.
• Temporary Work Sites: Essential for field operations or construction sites where de-energized electrical equipment is present, and additional protection is required.
• Training Facilities: Used in electrical safety demonstration and technician training to simulate real-world procedures for worker protection.

These mats enable compliance with electrical safety protocols and help organizations minimize risk during critical maintenance operations.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to electrical safety and ground protection, the following related standards are referenced or recommended alongside ASTM F2715-19(2024):

• ASTM F855: Specifications for Temporary Protective Grounds to Be Used on De-energized Electric Power Lines and Equipment.
• ASTM F1267: Specification for Metal, Expanded, Steel.
• ASTM F2453: Specification for Welded Wire Mesh Fence Fabric.
• ASTM B33: Specification for Tin-Coated Soft or Annealed Copper Wire for Electrical Purposes.
• Fed Std 191/5100: Strength and Elongation, Breaking of Woven Cloth; Grab Method.
• Fed Std MVSS302: Flammability of Interior Materials.
• A-A-59551: Wire, Electrical, Copper, Un-insulated.

Implementing ASTM F2715 in coordination with these standards supports robust electrical safety management and regulatory compliance.

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Keywords: temporary protective equipotential bond mat, ASTM F2715, electrical safety, de-energized equipment, ground mat, equipotential bonding, electrical maintenance, protective equipment standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2715 − 19 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Temporary Protective Equipotential Bond Mat To Be Used
on De-Energized Equipment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2715; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Wire for Electrical Purposes
D2261 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the
1.1 This specification covers the manufacture and testing of
Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-
the temporary protective equipotential bond mat used on or
Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
around de-energized electrical equipment.
F855 Specifications for Temporary Protective Grounds to Be
1.2 It is common practice for users of protective equipment
Used on De-energized Electric Power Lines and Equip-
to prepare complete instructions and regulations to govern in
ment
detail the correct use and maintenance of such equipment.
F1267 Specification for Metal, Expanded, Steel
1.3 The use and maintenance of this equipment is beyond F2453 Specification for Welded Wire Mesh Fence Fabric
(Metallic-Coated or Polymer Coated) for Meshes of 6 in.
the scope of this specification.
[3871 mm ] or Less, in Panels or Rolls, with Uniform
1.4 It is recognized that the use of temporary protective
Meshes
equipotential bond mats requires additional equipment for
2.2 Other Standards:
installation and use, typically temporary connecting jumper
Fed Std 191/5100 Strength and Elongation, Breaking of
assemblies.
Woven Cloth; Grab Method
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Fed Std 191/5874 Temperature, Low; Effect on Coated
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
Cloth
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
Fed Std MVSS302 Flammability of Interior Materials
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
A-A-59551 Wire, Electrical, Copper Un-insulated
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Definitions:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.1 bonding, n—the mechanical interconnection of con-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
ductive parts to maintain a common electrical potential.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.2 carrier, fabric, n—the main body of the equipotential
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- bond mat on which the flat braid conductor is sewn.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.3 carrier, non-fabric, n—the main body of the equipo-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tential bond mat on which a conductive metal mesh is attached
by means other than sewing.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.4 equipotential grounding system, n—temporary
2.1 ASTM Standards:
grounding system placed in such locations and arranged in
B33 Specification for Tin-Coated Soft or Annealed Copper
such a manner as to minimize the likelihood of workers being
exposed to hazardous differences in electrical potential.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on
4. Significance and Use
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F18.45 on Mechanical Apparatus.
4.1 Protective equipotential bond mats in this specification
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
shall not be considered Temporary Protective Grounds and are
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F2715 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/F2715-19R24.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol St.,
the ASTM website. NW, Washington, DC 20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2715 − 19 (2024)
TABLE 2 Metallic Mesh Size
not designed nor intended to carry full rated fault current. Refer
to Specifications F855 for specifications for Temporary Pro- Expanded Mesh Style Mesh Rigidity, D N*m (lb*i)
m
⁄4 #9 7738 (5707)
tective Grounds.
⁄2 #13 1536 (1133)
Square Welded Wire Mesh Size,
4.2 Non-fabric carrier protective equipotential bond mat
mm (in.)
systems have more stringent electrical current tests to verify
50 × 12 (2 × 0.25) 18297 (13495)
structural and interconnection integrity. Test values in this
25 × 6 (1 × 0.12) 8435 (6221)
specification shall be considered a minimum; end users may
request testing to higher values.
5. Classification
7.2.1 Tensile (Grab)—Fabric carrier material shall be ca-
pable of a tensile (grab) of 1828 N to 2037 N (411 lbf to
5.1 Equipotential bond mats covered under this specifica-
458 lbf) in accordance with Fed Std 191/5100.
tion shall be designated as Type I or Type II; Style 1, Style 2,
7.2.2 Tongue Tear—Fabric carrier material shall be capable
Style 3 or Style 4; Grid Conductor, flexible, 1 to 6, or Grid
of tongue tear of 485 N to 516 N (109 lbf to 116 lbf) in
Conductor, metallic mesh; and Fabric Carrier Material I or II.
accordance with Test Methods D2261.
5.1.1 Type I, capable of being cascaded (joined together).
7.2.3 Cold Flexure—Fabric carrier material shall be capable
5.1.2 Type II, without capability of being cascaded.
of a low cold crack of –40 °C (–40 °F) in accordance with Fed
5.1.3 Style 1, fabric carrier with exposed conductor termi-
Std 191/5874-1978
nation.
5.1.4 Style 2, fabric carrier with jacketed conductor termi-
7.3 Flat braid conductor shall comply with A-A-59551 and
nation.
Specification B33 requirements and have the properties con-
5.1.5 Style 3, non-fabric carrier with exposed conductor
tained in Table 3 or greater.
terminations for the metallic mesh.
7.4 Metallic mesh conductor shall comply with Specifica-
5.1.6 Style 4, non-fabric carrier with jacketed conductor
tions F1267 or F2453. The maximum opening size shall not
terminations for the metallic mesh.
exceed 50 mm by 50 mm (2 in. by 2 in.).
5.1.6.1 Grid Conductor, flexible, 1 to 6, in accordance with
the normal flat width, or equivalent, of the flat braid conductors 7.5 Non-fabric carriers shall have a minimum plate flexural
rigidity of 5 times that of the metallic mesh that they carry.
combination that makes up the grid conductor and perimeter
conductor of the fabric carrier, as shown in Table 1. Mesh rigidity values, D , are given in Table 2. Non-fabric
m
carrier isotropic plate flexural rigidity, D , may be calculated
5.1.6.2 Grid Conductor, metallic mesh. Expanded metal
c
3 2
sheet, or welded wire mesh, which makes up the grid by: D 5Et ⁄12~1 2 v !, where E is Young’s Modulus, t is the
c
effective thickness, and v is Poisson’s ratio.
conductor, as shown in Table 2. Mesh type, size and attachment
to the perimeter conductive provisions shall be such that the
7.6 Carrier Fire Resistance—The flame resistance of the
equipotential bond mat meets all electrical test requirements of
carrier shall be performed in accordance with Fed Std
Section 11.
MVSS302 and shall be self extinguishing.
5.1.7 Fabric Carrier Material I, slip resistant.
5.1.8 Fabric Carrier Material II, without slip resistance.
8. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
8.1 Equipotential bond mat size is the combination of grid
6. Manufacture and Marking
spacing and perimeter dimensional configurations.
6.1 Each equipotential bond mat shall be marked clearly and
8.2 The maximum length and width of grid spacing for
permanently with the name of the manufacturer or supplier,
fabric carrier mats shall be 200 mm by 200 mm (8 in. by 8 in.),
ASTM F2715-YYYY (where YYYY is the year of the
with a permissible variation of 625 mm (61 in.). Mesh sizes
standard), serial number, type, and style.
for non-fabric carrier mats shall be accordance with Table 2.
7. Chemical and Physical Requirements
8.3 Fabric carrier mat thread stitch spacing shall be 6
7.1 Equipotential bond mats samples selected in accordance stitches or more per 25.4 mm (6 stitches or more per 1 in.).
with Section 10 shall conform to the physical and chemical
8.4 A minimum adequate area must be provided for footing
2 2
requirements as specified in this section.
surface of 0.37 m (4 ft ) and a minimum of 0.6 m linear (2 ft)
in any direction, with a permissible variation of 625 mm
7.2 Fabric Carrier Strength:
(61 in.).
TABLE 1 Bond Mat Conductor Size
Grid
Grid, mm (in.) Perimeter, mm (in.) TABLE 3 Flat Braid Minimum Specifications
Conductor
Nominal Nominal
1 1
1 6.3 ( ⁄4) 6.3 ( ⁄4)
Strand No. of No. Wires
Braid Width, Thickness,
1 1
2 6.3 ( ⁄4) 12.6 ( ⁄2)
AWG Strands Per Strand
mm (in.) mm (in.)
1 3
3 6.3 ( ⁄4) 19 ( ⁄4)
1 1 1
4 12.6 ( ⁄2) 12.6 ( ⁄2) 6.35 ( ⁄4) 0.76 (0.03) 36 24 7
1 3 1
5 12.6 ( ⁄2) 19 ( ⁄4) 12.7 ( ⁄2) 0.76 (0.03) 36 48 8
3 3 3
6 19 ( ⁄4) 19 ( ⁄4) 19 ( ⁄4) 1.0 (0.04) 36 48 18
F2715 − 19 (2024)
9. Workmanship and Finish 11.1.5 Energize the source conductor at 8 kV and measure
the voltage across or current through, the 1000 Ω resistor, (R).
9.1 Components shall be free of structural defects that affect
The voltage across the resistor can be recorded by a digital
handling or performance, or both.
oscillograph and the readings converted mathematically to
9.2 Cosmetic and other surface irregularities which do not
current. The test current is to be measured to a precision of
affect strength, performance, or handling, or combination
63 %.
thereof, are not cause for rejection.
11.1.6 Test duration shall be 14.5 cycles minimum.
11.1.7 The voltage across the resistor shall not exceed 5 V
10. Sampling
and the current shall not exceed 0.005 amps.
10.1 A product model represents a manufacturer’s design
11.2 Resistance Test:
specification standard according to which the production lot is
11.2.1 All resistance measurements shall
...