Static electricity is always something that has been fun to play with since you were a little kid. Who doesn’t like to rub a balloon on their head and watch their hair stand on end? Or rub your feet on certain surfaces so that you could shock an unsuspecting passerby with a little shock? The use of static electricity can be something that causes problems when it is found in certain settings though. Burley Electric Services is here to talk about the affect static electricity can play in a business setting with all the electronics that are found there.
Is Static Electricity Dangerous?
This seemingly harmless form of electricity in most settings is completely harmless. However, there are some situations that static electricity can be a danger to you and those around you. If you are around gasoline, or other airborne flammable substances, it can be dangerous. The small sparks from static electricity can cause dangerous explosions when they ignite the flammable substance in the air. There are also rare occasions that static electricity can cause problems for those that have pacemakers to help their heart continue to beat.
Can Static Damage Electronics?
You don’t need to walk around worried about getting harmed by static electricity. The likelihood of this happening is very slim. However, your electronics can fall victim to static electricity much easier. When you see those small sparks that come from static electricity, it is known as electrostatic discharge, or a small, tiny version of lightning. When you are dealing with the small components of a computer’s circuit board, these sparks can be very damaging. This energy travels through the circuit board to find a place to ground and will leave a path of destruction in its wake.
How to Protect Electronics from Static Electricity
Since this electrostatic discharge can be so destructive to your electronics, there are a few ways that you can avoid the problem all together. Here are some ideas to cut down on the static electricity that is found near your electronics.
– ESD Wrist Wrap: Anytime you have your electronics worked on by a technician, they should be wearing an ESD wrist wrap to help dissipate the static electricity.
– Get Rid of Synthetic Materials: You should avoid placing plastic or polystyrene anywhere near your electronics. They commonly let off static charge.
– No Compressed Air: Avoid using any compressed air to clean your keyboards. You should only use non-static sprays anywhere near your electronics.
– Treat Carpet: You can have your carpet treated to help prevent static problems. If the problems still persist, consider investing in some mats that are static proof to solve the problem.
– Humidity: Regulate your humidity system to avoid static discharge problems.
Electrical Inspections, Wiring & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you have constant power surges or electrical storms in your workplace, there isn’t anyone more qualified to work on them than the electricians at Burley Electrical Services. We can inspect your electrical system, install a whole house surge protector and more. Call us today!