Measuring / Sensing Static Electricity 1

[srennekamp]

I work in a facility which is have a significant problem with our employees receiving static shocks from some of our equipment. I am in the process of trying to figure out what is generating the static charge and how do disipate it. I know they have static electric meters to help isolate the problem areas, but they are quite expensive. Does anyone know of an inexpensive way to measure or sense static electricity? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[IRstuff]

> Employees are NOT receiving shocks, they are the generators of the shock ;-)

> expensive? that's in the eye of the beholder:

http://www.esdproduct.com/esd_monitors.html

http://www.trifield.com/static_ESD_meter.htm

http://www.lessemf.com/electric.html#188

Things that can you do:
> ionizers to dissipate charge buildup
> antistatic treatment of carpets
> removal of carpets
> increase humidity (some)


TTFN

 

[buzzp]

I just hope it is static related. Sometimes I question the zaps I get near equipment. Seems some of these 'zaps' could be due to improper grounding/bonding. Just a thought that I never really followed up on.
You may also employ wrist straps on employees and tie this to a suitable ground at their station. This way the only static build-up will occur as they walk from one station to another (generally when it happens anyway). I would require them to hook their straps at the new station right away.
Is this just an issue related to the uncomfortable zaps or is this related to IC or other electrical parts failures?

 

[logbook]

Buzzp,
if you want to prove that the zaps are "static", touch the unit again a few seconds after the first zap. The static will be gone but earth leakage will remain

Seriously, if you are worried about earth leakage then just hook an ammeter up between the equipment and a convenient earth terminal. Here in the UK there is a Portable Appliance Testing requirement. This means that equipment (especially at work) needs to be routinely checked for electrical safety, which would include earth leakage testing. The "routine" interval is not explicitly defined but guidelines are given. Equipment which is heavily used is checked more often and the user is also part of the inspection process in terms of loose leads etc.

 

[Warpspeed]

Another issue is the type of footwear and clothing employees wear. Antistatic carpets and floor tiles are great, but thick rubber soled boots are not going to help the process of dissipating the accumulated body charge.

Wrist straps are very effective for seated employees, and for those that wander around, ankle straps that go around and beneath footwear can also help.

As IR says, check that the humidity is not on the low side.

 

[buzzp]

Logbook, Told I did not think much about it but your point that leakage current would not go away as long as equipment running is a valid point.

One other point is check the chairs your employees are sitting in. I have found this, generally, to be a great static generator with peoples little (or big for that matter) hind ends moving around in them. A little static guard will help with this.

 

[analogkid2digitalman]

What type of equipment are people getting shocks from?Paper/plastics winding and reeling operations can generate halacious charges if the static is not properly bled off.

Wheels within wheels / In a spiral array
A pattern so grand / And complex
Time after time / We lose sight of the way
Our causes can't see / Their effects.

 

[advidana]

If it is static shocks, then try putting some moisure in the air. There is equipment that can do this check with the hvac manufacture. There is also equiment that can eliminate some static built up again check with the hvac mag. the electrical solution for high tech environments is to ground eveything including the people . The ground should be an earth ground. get the earth ground resistance as low as possible like .1 ohm or lower. this is a very expenive solution but neccessary in high tech manfacturing areas.

 

[advidana]

oh I for got- use a rug that is antistatic or spray the rug with something design to elimate staic built up in rugs.