Controlling Static in the Shop

[SilverLeaf]

Well, it looks like the cold, dry weather has set in, and I've noticed that I'm starting to generate a lot more static electricity during the day (it could just be my "electric" personality ). I was wondering what everybody else does to control static at their place....what works, and what doesn't.

I don't have the best environment currently (carpeted floor, upholstered office chairs w/ hard rubber wheels, laminate tables, etc). I do have a wrist strap, but I often forget to use it .

 

[katz]

I run a humidifier in the dry months, cuts the static way down.

 

[acscva]

We have anti-static mats and wrist connectors for whenever we work on anything inside a pc or handle electronic parts, etc.

 

[RedFoxComp]

We have anti-static mats and wrist connectors for whenever we work on anything inside a pc or handle electronic parts, etc.

Ditto. Properly grounded mats with wrist straps. You don't have to hear or feel the 'snap' to do damage to electronics.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Got in the habit a long time ago of touching the metal chassis first..discharging anything I have.

 

[300DDR]

Staticide is great. Since ~October, static started getting worse around here again (seems to last till around May), so started spraying weekly.

http://www.amazon.com/Staticide-Ant...UTF8&qid=1354087259&sr=8-1&keywords=staticide

 

[SilverLeaf]

Staticide is great. Since ~October, static started getting worse around here again (seems to last till around May), so started spraying weekly.

http://www.amazon.com/Staticide-Ant...UTF8&qid=1354087259&sr=8-1&keywords=staticide

Thanks for that! Sounds exactly like what I need. I wasn't aware such a product was available. I'm ordering a bottle today to try out. Shame it's not Amazon Prime eligible though .

 

[Altster]

One of the places I worked at (many years ago, now) had "touch-strips" mounted to the front of the work bench (along the front edge). That strip was in turn grounded to the electrical outlet boxes in the office / shop area. It worked great at keeping down static discharge.

Running a humidifier is another excellent idea - as long as you don't forget to keep it filled .

If you are using a metal work bench consider grounding it to your electrical box - not the ground pin, just the box. And of course make sure that the box is grounded.