Beatrice Lang
Static electricity is a common phenomenon that occurs when there is an imbalance of positive and negative charges within a material, resulting from the movement of electrons between two objects. This can lead to a buildup of static charge, which is discharged when the charged object comes into contact with another conductive material. The release of this static electricity is known as electrostatic discharge (ESD) and can create visible sparks or less dramatic forms that may not be seen or heard. While most ESD events are harmless, they can cause significant issues in certain industries, especially those involving sensitive electronic devices. Discharging static electricity is important to prevent damage and ensure the safe handling of electronic components.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact. |
| Spark | The spark associated with static electricity is caused by electrostatic discharge, as excess charge is neutralized by a flow of charges from or to the surroundings. |
| Examples | Lightning, shock received when walking on a carpet and touching a metal doorknob, static electricity felt from clothes coming out of the dryer, taking off a sweater, walking on a rug, combing hair, refueling, etc. |
| Impact | ESD can cause electric sparks, explosions in gas, fuel vapor, and coal dust, and failure of solid-state electronics components. |
| Prevention | Use of antistatic products, maintaining an appropriate level of humidity, wearing appropriate clothing, touching a metal surface, walking barefoot, using humidifiers, using antistatic wristbands, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Lightning as a natural example of static discharge
Static electricity is the result of an imbalance of positive and negative charges on an object's surface. When these charges find a method of release or discharge, we observe a spark of static electricity. Lightning is a natural example of static discharge on a larger scale.
Lightning is a dramatic and hazardous phenomenon that illuminates the sky during stormy weather. It is essentially a giant static electricity shock, connecting positive and negative charges. In nature, bits of ice bump into each other and collide within clouds, building up static electricity. The positively charged particles gather at the top of the cloud, while the negatively charged particles travel to the bottom. As the storm moves, it collects a pool of positively charged particles from the ground. The positive and negative charges are attracted to each other, and when they grow large enough, they spark, resulting in lightning.
The lightning bolt can form within the cloud or extend down to the ground to meet the positive charge. The discharge superheats the surrounding air, creating a bright flash, and produces a shockwave that results in the booming sound of thunder. The energy released by lightning is significant, capable of lighting a 100-watt bulb for over three months, according to NOAA.
The electric current generated by lightning can have various effects when it comes into contact with objects or living beings. It can cause an electric shock in humans, ranging from an uncomfortable zap to more severe outcomes such as falls, burns, or cardiac arrest. Additionally, lightning can damage property, ignite flammable materials, cause production disturbances in plants, and affect electrical and mechanical equipment.
While lightning is a captivating display of nature's power, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Understanding the principles of static electricity and taking appropriate precautions, such as seeking shelter indoors or avoiding tall objects, can help minimize the potential dangers associated with this natural phenomenon.
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Electrostatic Discharge Protected Areas (EPA)
To mitigate these risks, an EPA aims to maintain all surfaces, objects, people, and ESD-sensitive devices (ESDs) within it at the same electrical potential. This is achieved by using only 'groundable' materials, which have an electrical resistance of less than 10^9 ohms, for surfaces, containers, and tools. All items and personnel within the EPA are electrically bonded and connected to a common ground or a shared connection point, ensuring equal electrical potential.
The size and scope of an EPA can vary significantly. It can be a small, permanent workstation within a room or expand to encompass an entire factory floor with thousands of workstations. In some cases, it may even be a portable worksurface or mat used in field service situations. The specific requirements and standards for an EPA can be found through organisations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
To identify an EPA, visual indicators such as floor marking tape and signs are often used to alert both operators and visitors. These indicators serve as a reminder to follow ESD control measures, such as wearing ESD footwear and static control garments, and using ESD-safe packing materials. Additionally, ESD-sensitive devices should be shielded or placed in closed containers when transported outside the EPA to ensure they remain grounded.
By implementing these measures and establishing a well-defined EPA, organisations can effectively control ESD and protect their sensitive devices and components from potential damage caused by electrostatic discharge.
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How to prevent static electricity
Static electricity is a buildup of excess electric charge on an object's surface. This charge remains until it is balanced by a discharge, which can be in the form of a spark or a less dramatic form.
Increase Humidity
Dry air is a common cause of static electricity. This is because dry air is less conductive, making it harder for the charge to be neutralized. Therefore, increasing the humidity in the air can prevent static electricity. This can be done by opening a window or using a humidifier.
Use Antistatic Agents
Antistatic agents are substances that can be applied to objects to prevent the buildup of static electricity. These agents work by adding a conductive surface layer that ensures any excess charge is evenly distributed and dissipated.
Use Conductive Materials
Materials that are conductive can be used to prevent static electricity by providing a path for the electric charge to be dissipated. For example, using metal hangers for clothes or wearing anti-static shoes can help prevent static electricity.
Use Proper Packaging
When shipping or storing sensitive devices, it is important to use proper packaging to minimize the buildup and discharge of static electricity. Packaging materials should be designed to control surface resistance and volume resistivity, as well as minimize frictional or triboelectric charging due to rubbing during shipping.
Ground Objects
Grounding objects can help prevent static electricity by providing a path for the excess charge to flow into the ground. This can be done by connecting objects to a conductive material that is in contact with the ground.
Use Liquid Fabric Softeners or Anti-Static Sprays
Fabric softeners and anti-static sprays can help prevent static electricity by reducing friction and minimizing charge buildup on fabrics. Fabric softeners work by softening fibers, while anti-static sprays introduce conductive agents or moisture-attracting substances.
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Examples of static electricity in daily life
Static electricity is a part of our daily lives and can be witnessed in many common scenarios. Here are some examples:
Taking off a Sweater
When you take off a wool sweater, static electricity is generated, causing your hairs to stand on end or the sweater to stick to your skin. This occurs due to the friction between the wool fibres and your skin or other clothing.
Walking on a Rug
Walking on a rug, especially with socks on, and then touching a metal surface or a fluorescent light can result in a static discharge. You might even see the light flicker briefly due to the accumulated charge.
Combing Hair
Using a plastic comb to comb your hair can cause it to stand up and stick to the comb. This happens because the comb becomes charged, either positively or negatively, and the hair gets charged oppositely, leading to an attraction between the two.
Clothing Friction
Friction in a dryer can cause clothing to become charged with static electricity, making them stick together. Similarly, rubbing your clothes against another fabric or your skin can generate static electricity, resulting in a crackling sound when you take off the garment.
Refuelling a Car
Refuelling your car can generate static electricity. Touching a metal part of the car before using the hose can dissipate this charge and prevent any potential sparks.
Doorknobs
Touching a metal doorknob can result in an electrostatic discharge between the knob and your hand. This happens because the doorknob can transfer electrons to your hand, leading to an electrostatic contact.
These examples demonstrate how static electricity is a common occurrence in our everyday lives. While some instances, like the light flickering, are subtle, others, such as the spark during refuelling, can have more noticeable effects. Understanding these phenomena can help us take preventive measures and manage static electricity effectively.
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The impact of static electricity on electronics
Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. When two objects with different charges come into close contact, there is a sudden and momentary flow of electric current between them. This is called electrostatic discharge (ESD).
ESD can create spectacular electric sparks, such as lightning, but it can also create less dramatic forms that cannot be seen or heard. Even so, these less dramatic forms of ESD can still cause damage to sensitive electronic devices. This is because the energy from the shock travels through the closest object, destroying integral elements along its path. The total energy is small, but it can still damage sensitive electronic devices.
Many semiconductor devices used in electronics are particularly sensitive to static discharge. Computers, cell phones, and photocopy machines are all vulnerable to damage from static electricity. In manufacturing, an Electrostatic Discharge Protected Area (EPA) is used to prevent ESD. This can be a small workstation or a large manufacturing area. The main principle of an EPA is that there are no highly-charging materials in the vicinity of ESD-sensitive electronics, all conductive and dissipative materials are grounded, workers are grounded, and charge build-up on ESD-sensitive electronics is prevented.
There are also ways to lower the risk of a static shock to your electronics at home or in the office. According to electronics manufacturer Honeywell, adding moisture to the air decreases static electricity from materials in a room. A relative humidity of 50% is ideal for minimizing static electricity. Anti-static mats and wrist straps are also available to purchase and can help dissipate electrical charges.
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Frequently asked questions
Discharging static electricity refers to the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact. This can be a natural occurrence, such as lightning, or a common everyday event like walking on a rug and then touching a metal surface.
Some examples of ESD include lightning, the shock received when touching a metal doorknob after walking on a carpet, and the static electricity felt from clothes coming out of the dryer.
To prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity, one can maintain an appropriate level of humidity in the environment using a humidifier, wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibres like cotton, linen or silk, and use antistatic products like sprays and fabric softeners.
