The electrostatic shock is the consequence of the redistribution of electrical charges between different materials; although it is relatively harmless, it can be bothersome and even painful. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to reduce the chances of being affected, such as changing your wardrobe and changing your surroundings.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Change Your Clothing
Step 1. Replace your footwear
Static electricity is generated when two materials come into contact with each other. Shoes often rub on fabrics and other surfaces, thereby creating an electrostatic shock. People tend to build up an electrostatic charge as they walk, but some types of footwear can reduce the risk of experiencing shock.
- Rubber is an effective insulator. If you have a carpeted floor or work in an office where there is one, wearing rubber-soled footwear greatly increases the risk of being affected by static electricity. to stay safe, opt for shoes with leather soles.
- Wool is also an excellent conductor, and if you rub it on fabrics it generates this type of electricity; wear cotton socks over wool socks.
Step 2. Pay attention to the fabrics
The type of clothing you wear can increase your risk of electrostatic shock; some fibers conduct electricity better than others and you should therefore avoid them.
- When you dress in layers, even with similar fabrics, you increase the chances of generating this type of shock, as materials with different electron charges can interact and produce it.
- Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, conduct electricity well; By limiting the use of these fibers for clothing, you also reduce the chances of suffering an electrostatic shock.
- Sweaters and other woolen garments generally tend to produce more shocks of this type; choose cotton whenever possible.
Step 3. Get an antistatic wristband
Some companies sell it in various models, which you can wear to reduce the risk of being affected by this annoying phenomenon; if you don't get positive results by changing your clothes and shoes, this can be a good alternative.
- These are bracelets that use a process called passive ionization; the conductive fibers in the device cause the charge to flow out and into the wrist, reducing the potential difference of the body and, consequently, the intensity of electrostatic shocks.
- These bracelets are relatively cheap: they typically cost less than 10 euros.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Electrostatic Shock at Home
Step 1. Humidify the air in your home
Electrostatic shocks occur more easily in dry environments; by keeping the house relatively humid, you reduce the risk of this phenomenon.
- Ideally, the relative humidity of a home should be 30%; you can measure this by purchasing a hygrometer online, at a hardware store or in a household store.
- By increasing the percentage of humidity up to 40-50%, you can limit electrostatic shocks; make sure you keep the rate within this range.
- Humidifiers have a variable price. Large devices designed for spacious rooms can cost well over $ 100; however, models suitable for a single room are priced between 10 and 20 euros.
Step 2. Treat the carpet
Having carpeted floors instead of wood increases the risk of electrostatic shock; however, you can take some pre-sale measures to make the upholstery less conductive.
- Wiping it with dryer fabric softeners will keep it from building up, but it's not a permanent solution: you should repeat the procedure once a week.
- You can also spread cotton rugs over areas you step on often, as this material is less likely to conduct electricity and cause shock.
Step 3. Change the bedding
If you get this shock when you are in bed, you can fix the problem with a few changes.
- Choose fabrics like cotton instead of synthetic ones or wool.
- Try not to overlap several layers of sheets, because the friction between the fabrics can cause the accumulation of static electricity; if the room is warm enough, you can do without the sheet or blanket.
Method 3 of 3: Avoid Taking Electrostatic Shock Outdoors
Step 1. Moisturize your skin before you leave the house
An excessively dry skin, especially that of the hands, increases the risk of shock; always apply a moisturizer before going outdoors.
- If you are wearing pantyhose or a silk slip, remember to moisturize your legs before getting dressed and going out.
- Keep a small packet of cream in your purse or backpack in case your skin gets dry while you are at school or work; pay particular attention to this detail during the months when dry skin is a common problem.
Step 2. Take precautions when shopping
Many people get shocked on this very occasion, but there are steps you can take to reduce this phenomenon.
- When you push the trolley, you have a metal object, such as house keys, leaning against it; in this way you get rid of the electrostatic charge that you have accumulated while walking, before touching anything with your bare hands.
- Wear leather-soled shoes and avoid rubber-soled shoes when you go shopping, as these are more electricity-conducting.
Step 3. Do not get electrostatic shock when you get out of the car
This is a common problem when exiting the car; however, there are ways to avoid it.
- Remaining seated in the car causes the accumulation of electrostatic charges due to the continuous friction and movement of the car itself. When you get up from the seat, you take some of these charges with you; consequently, the potential difference of the body increases when you leave the car.
- This voltage is discharged when you touch the door, generating the painful electrostatic shock; you can avoid this phenomenon by touching a metal part of the door pillar while getting up from the seat; in so doing, you dissipate the potential difference in the material without feeling pain.
- You can also hold the keys in your hand before touching the door, letting the electrical voltage transfer to the metal painlessly.
