static electricity

[John Dirks Jr]

Does certain carpet cause more static build up? I did a late 40's prefab on a slab today. Static was shocking me way more than ever in a home inspection.

What are some things that could explain this?

[Jim Katen]

Does certain carpet cause more static build up? I did a late 40's prefab on a slab today. Static was shocking me way more than ever in a home inspection.

What are some things that could explain this?

I've always associated static electricity with dry air.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Richard Moore]

John, what Jim said. If you google "carpet static" the general consensus seems to be that some materials (nylon, etc) might be a little more conducive to static but, by far, humidity or lack of it is the major factor.

The odd thing is that I wouldn't think of March as being one of the times this would normally occur, even back your way. Any reason to suspect they have been running dehumidifiers or the AC more than the norm?

[John Dirks Jr]

We did have a cooler and dryer day yesterday. I'm sure that had some role. I still think cheap carpet was the main culprit.

I got zapped pretty good a dozen times before I learned to be real careful to not drag my feet too much.

This old prefab had many metal components. Would that affect the situation?

[gtblum]

I've spent this whole month getting lit up every time I get out of my truck. It's been dry here.

About eight or nine years ago I was one of the Unlucky dogs sent to work on the replacement of the roof on the Carrier dome in Syracuse.

When it's deflated, It forms a huge bowl and a perfect spot in the center to stage gang boxes, material, and a water cooler that some genius decided to put a thermometer next to that read anywhere from 116 to 126 degrees by 2pm. Think that doesn't work on your head?

Although I spent most of my time out of the bowl securing the new fabric to the outer rim, sooner or later I'd have to hook off to a safety cable and walk the rib between the fabric to the bottom for bolts or something. Every single stinking time You stepped from the rib to the fabric and back or hooked off you'd get whacked.

After two weeks of that, I was ready to kick that punk uncle Fester's ass in a BULB OFF.

Thanks for bringing back that memory, I'm starting to twitch again

[Tom Raymond]

Gary,

That actually explains alot!

Tom

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[gtblum]

Gary,

That actually explains alot!

Tom

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Gee Tom, I sat right next to you for three weeks and it only took me a week and a half to figure you out. Well, except for the guy in his early to mid 40s having 150 years of contruction experience part.[:-tong2]