Fireproof Mat for Electrical Appliances: Rules and Duties in the Office

Kettles, coffee machines, microwaves: almost every office kitchen has devices that get hot. If one of them is faulty, it can catch fire. That is why many people ask: do you need a fireproof mat for electrical appliances? Here you will find the answer, the relevant rules and a checklist for your company.

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The short answer

In offices and public institutions: yes, you should have one. No law names the mat word for word. However, the rules of the German accident insurers and of insurance companies clearly call for it. During a fire safety inspection, this is exactly what inspectors look at.

Which rules apply to a fireproof mat for electrical appliances?

• DGUV Rule 115-401 (office sector): for staff rooms and tea kitchens it says in essence: place coffee machines and kettles on a fireproof base. Read more in our article DGUV Rule 115-401.
• VdS 2015 “Electrical appliances and installations”, section 2.4: devices such as cookers, heaters or chargers must stand so that they do not set anything on fire. Read the details in requirements for devices with heating elements.
• VdS 2000 “Fire protection in the workplace”: the insurers’ guideline describes how companies prevent fires. This includes the safe handling of heat sources. More on our page about VdS 2000.
• Risk assessment: employers must assess and reduce risks at work. A fireproof mat is a simple and cheap measure for this.
• Insurers: many property insurers explicitly ask for a non-combustible base in their guidelines.

You can find an overview of further rules under legal regulations.

Which electrical appliances need a mat?

Above all, this concerns devices with a heating element. We have a separate guide for each device:

• Coffee machines and bean-to-cup machines
• Kettles
• Microwaves
• Toasters
• Air fryers
• Kitchen machines
• Phones and chargers

Why these devices can catch fire

• They get hot and often run for a long time.
• Many are plugged into power strips. This increases the load.
• Older devices age faster. As a result, the overheating protection can fail.
• Paper, paper cups or cloths often lie next to them.

A fireproof mat keeps a fire away from the table. So a small defect stays a small damage.

Which proof counts?

During an inspection, you must be able to show that your mat does not burn. Therefore, look for tested proof. The FireMat is certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2. The standard tests how a material reacts to a flame. You can download the certificate on our certificates page.

The FireMat is made of Panox and para-aramid. It withstands up to 300 °C, does not melt and extinguishes itself. More on this in the article fireproof fabric made of aramid fibres.

Proven in authorities, schools and nurseries

For years, authorities and public institutions all over Germany have used the FireMat. These include tax offices, schools and kindergartens. The reason: the FireMat is certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2. So the proof is quickly provided at the next inspection. The FireMat is made in Germany.

Tip for buyers: most institutions equip all devices at once. Often that means 30 to 50 mats. This way, the topic is done with one order. You can order by invoice via our page for companies and authorities.

Checklist for fire safety officers

1. Walk through all tea kitchens and staff rooms.
2. Note every device with a heating element.
3. Measure the footprint and add about 5 cm on all sides.
4. Order a suitable mat for each device.
5. Have the devices tested regularly (DGUV Regulation 3).
6. Record the measure in your fire safety regulations.

Tile, glass or FireMat?

The DGUV also mentions tiles as an example. However, tiles are heavy, sharp-edged and often too small. Glass plates can crack from heat or a knock. The FireMat, on the other hand, is light, comes in many sizes and has tested proof. You can read the full comparison in fireproof plate, tile or mat?.

And at home?

There is no rule for private households. Still, a mat makes sense there too, for example under a kettle or an air fryer. Read more in fire safety in the kitchen. You can also find general information on fire prevention on Wikipedia.

Frequently asked questions

Does the kettle have to stand on a fireproof mat?

In the office: yes. The DGUV Rule 115-401 explicitly names kettles, together with coffee machines.

Does this also apply to the microwave?

The microwave is usually not named word for word. However, it has heating elements and often stands next to other devices. That is why many companies also place it on a mat.

Who is responsible?

The employer. They must assess risks and take measures. Often the fire safety officer or the occupational safety specialist takes care of this.

What size do I need?

Measure the footprint of the device and add about 5 cm on all sides. The FireMat Black Edition is available from 19 x 19 cm to 70 x 100 cm.

Conclusion

A fireproof mat for electrical appliances is standard in the office. It follows the DGUV rule, the VdS guidelines and the wishes of insurers. With the FireMat, certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2, you have the proof in your hands.