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tursiops tursiops
 
M$5 January 24, 2009 11:35 PM

How to discharge myself from static electricity?

Hi all,

I bought a new pair of shoes a few days ago, and something I didn't predict happened, when I walk (specially at work) I build up very quickly some static electricity, so much that I cannot even go have get myself a glass of water because when I want to drink it, my lips just discharge with the water, I cannot shake hands with anyone anymore, etc...

So my question is this how can I discharge myself fomr all this static electricity WITHOUT damaging the shoes?

Some facts about the shoes:

A black lace up formal shoe with Gore Tex leather upper Gore Tex lining
leather in socks and a thermoelastis rubber sole unit.

Picture at:
http://www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/shoes/mens-shoes/formal/lace-up-shoes/camel-active-virginia-gt-black-formal-shoe-69-890.htm

Thank you everyone, if you manage it you'll really be a life saver!
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krishirst krishirst
 
 January 24, 2009 11:54 PM
IT guys use an ElectroStatic Discharger thingy. Static electricity can really do in electronics, so they've developed some wrist bands to help out. I did some looking around and ThinkGeek has one on a keychain:
http://www.geekologie.com/2007/11/static_discharge_unit_keeps_yo.php

Here's a wrist strap version from CiscoSystems:
http://www.ciscosystems.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps986/prod_configuration_guide09186a00802ecb5d.html
but it looks like you have to stay grounded all the time. 

You can also buy antistatic mats and stick one under your desk and on your desk top.
http://www.esdmat.com/

The short (and free) solution would be to get in the habit of grounding yourself regularly--a little tap on a grounded surface will dissipate the static.

I'm not necessarily saying that any of these products are particularly good--I mostly mean them as examples of available products.

Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_discharge
also the product pages

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tursiops tursiops
 
January 25, 2009 12:17 AM
I've bought the keychain, we'll see how it works, thanks for the tip!

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ppalmer21 ppalmer21
 
January 25, 2009 12:13 AM
A really simple solution to static electricity is to moisturize your skin with a good lotion. I'm not doubting your shoes are to blame, but you also are experiencing this problem in winter when everything is much dryer, including our skin.

It may not solve your problem, but it is an inexpensive thing to try. :)
Source(s):
personal experience


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tursiops tursiops
 
January 25, 2009 12:18 AM
Hello, I'm not familiar with any moisturizer brand, would you advise me any? That would be very much appreciated!

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rosshann rosshann
 
January 25, 2009 12:18 AM
ok, I am not an electrical engineer and I am not a scientist, but I do know that static electricity is due to dry air and the charge is static, meaning it is not moving.  It builds up in our body.  I would have this problem every winter, so what I started to was as I was moving around I would just make a habit to always touch things that were grounded, usually anything metal.  This discharges the static charge.  I have never used any devices so I have no opinion on them.  Even when I was building a lot of computers, same thing, I would always be in the habit of grounding myself to release the static charge and I never had any problems.  the more you ground yourself and release the static charge, the less of a shock it is. 
Source(s):
self experience


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tursiops tursiops
 
January 26, 2009 10:44 AM
The problem here is that when I walk from my work place to the water fountain which is at around 10m I get a shock if I touch something metallic, a hand, or water (when I drink it). So I don't think that'll work that well. Thanks anyway.

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mccalliste... mccalliste...
 
January 27, 2009 01:44 AM
Static electricity is more common when the air is dry. I recommend a humidifier. Static effect is increased in environments of low humidity. Buildings using air-conditioning, high levels of heating, or those with a lot of insulation can have low humidity.

I have this Vick's model in my office:
http://www.amazon.com/Vicks-Gallon-Cool-Mist-Humidifier/dp/B0000TN7MO

When you rub your feet on the carpet, you push negative charges on or off of you; by building up this charge in your body, you cause a static jump the next time you touch something "grounded". You can create an inexpensive anti-static spray by dumping a lot of fabric softener into a spray bottle filled with water. Spray this on carpets and other surfaces to prevent static buildup.

This answer might also help:
Can different shoes stop static electricity?
http://fr.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080426184019AA5Fxok
Source(s):
http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Static-Electricity


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cyberangel cyberangel
 
January 27, 2009 06:45 AM
Put dryer sheets in your shoes ;)

Dryer sheets pre-empt static electricity by releasing positively charged particles that satisfy the cravings of negatively charged surface atoms on your laundry.

When the negative surfaces are more positive, they're not so attracted to the other positive.

The results? Less electron exchange, less adhesion, and less static electricity!

Another great tip, put a paperclip on the hem of your pants leg.



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tursiops tursiops
 
January 27, 2009 12:07 PM
Thank you for that I'll definitely try it out!

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