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Problems with Static Electricity

Static Electricity is normally not a problem in the Summer season. In the Winter, the air is drier than Summer, and we heat the air which makes it even drier. Dry air draws the moisture out of everything in the room. Low humidity (below 15%) is the major cause of Static Electricity.

Static Electricity can cause several problems.

The sudden discharge of static can scramble computer data and damage electronic equipment (computers, copiers, faxes). The little electric shocks are annoying to people. When the air is dry enough to cause static, most people feel slightly uncomfortable.

How do I know if I have a static problem?

If you notice the little electric shocks when you touch things, you have enough static to damage the computers.

Dealing with it - Doesn't work.

There are numerous devices that try to safely discharge static buildup but all are nearly useless. The best results we got in our tests was about 5% effective when a combination of devices was used. These devices would need to be connected to every wire and cable going into the computer. This is expensive, difficult to implement, and does not work very well. As if that wasn't bad enough, the devices wear out quickly, and you have no way to test how much life is left in them. Many people use power outlet strips that have surge suppressors. These are very good for power line surges, and we recommend them... for power line surges. These devices are way too slow and not good for dealing with static. By the way, those surge suppressor devices do wear out. 

Prevention - Works.

Prevention is cheap and easy. Prevention is about 80% effective.
The simplest method is to raise the humidity in the room. A simple fast method is to spray a water mist into the room, especially on carpets. This will have an immediate effect. Unfortunately, the effect does not last. Spraying the carpets with antistatic spray will help the carpets retain some moisture and make them slightly conductive. This is the biggest help in static prevention.

Which anti static spray to use...

Static spray in cans is normally very expensive and usually stinks like crazy. Get the liquid or concentrate and use a refillable spray bottle. Most of the antistatic sprays last about two months, so it is a good idea to spray every month in the Winter or dry season. Spraying every month helps to maintain an even dose on the carpets. On very dry days you can spray plain water. People will feel more comfortable and the computers will be less likely to get zapped by static.

Internet Performance offers static evaluation and treatment services.