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Repair / Help Forum => Repair / Help => Topic started by: Slim-Shaddy on December 07, 2009, 01:11:25 PM

Title: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on December 07, 2009, 01:11:25 PM

I don't know if this has happened to any of you, but I'm getting static electricity shocks everytime I touch my stereo after it's been running. Is it the way I have it stacked(top to bottome... amp, integrated, cd)? I don't want to seperate my equipment if I don't have to... I could run a ground wire to a cold water line pretty easily.
Ed

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: MasterBlaster on December 07, 2009, 03:50:38 PM

Ed, I don't think its the equipment holding the charge, its your body.
Have you tried to discharge yourself before touching the equipment?
I'll have to look in our lab here, I might have a disposable anti-static heel strap you could try.

One of the best ways to help control static discharge is to increase the humidity in the space.
Relative humidity of 40-50% is recommended.

Check out this article:

http://www.static-sol.com/articles/static_shocks.htm (http://www.static-sol.com/articles/static_shocks.htm)

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on December 07, 2009, 04:11:48 PM

That was helpful... I think I'm going to get some anti-static spray for my couch... I've noticed it was staticky. I have a dehumidifier set at 40% down there now, so I don't think that's the problem.. Thanks for the link...

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: MasterBlaster on December 07, 2009, 04:19:43 PM

No Problem.

You definitely want to get that under control.

Fwiw, the static discharge that you don't feel can be just as dangerous.
I have been told that you only need >40  volts across 2 of the pins of
a MOSFET to damage it permanently.

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on December 07, 2009, 04:21:50 PM

Wow! well, until I get it taken care of I'll tap a doorknob before I touch the stereo.

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: MasterBlaster on December 07, 2009, 04:35:26 PM

You could try something like this near your gear to discharge yourself.

http://www.anti-staticmat.com/AntiStaticOneTouchPad.htm (http://www.anti-staticmat.com/AntiStaticOneTouchPad.htm)

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: memememe on December 08, 2009, 11:27:55 AM

 A humidifier may help the static problem, I only notice the static in the winter. I know any higher impedance stuff (mosfet, cmos). Laser doides also (cd, dvd drives) is really in danger from static.
                          Me

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on December 08, 2009, 11:54:20 AM

Maybe I'll up the dehumidifier to 45% and see if that does anything... The only place I've noticed it is in the basement which is the last place you'd think to have a LOW humidity issue.

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: MasterBlaster on December 08, 2009, 12:09:56 PM

Do you have a humidity gauge down there?
If not, They are relatively inexpensive.

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: Kingman on December 08, 2009, 08:20:55 PM

Static Guard...if it'll keep my pants from sticking to my ass, it'll fix you too!  :P :P :P

Title: Re: Stop static before static stops you
Post by: memememe on December 09, 2009, 10:25:35 AM

 Yes I  agree that the basement would be the last place to expect static (no static in mine). When its colder outside there is less moisture in the indoor air cause the outside air temp won't hold water (opps).
 If you decide to ground yourself, please consider a ground strap (with built in resistor) to limit the shock hazard.
 Please no  more static guard cracks!
           Me