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2010 Static Electricity News
June 21, 2010
NanoMarkets Report: Smaller Electronic Devices Create Growing ESD Problems for Manufacturers...
BusinessWire - Smaller electronic components are creating greater risks for electronics manufacturers and mission-critical operations, according to a new study from NanoMarkets regarding the growing threat of ESD (electrostatic discharge).
April 16, 2010
As computers and gadgets shrink, Staticworx grows
For Dave Long, the industry-wide drive to make servers, computers and other electronics smaller as well as more powerful is not just a matter of cool technological advancements — it’s pure market opportunity. Long knows that as computers and gadgets get smaller, they become more susceptible to damage from static electricity in the environment.
March 4, 2010
Soil
Can Be Effected by Static Charge
Master gardener weighs in on static electric charge and soil pH.
How
to Replace a Mac Hard Drive and Avoid Static Electric Damage
Preparation for this task is key as static electric damage is a serious danger
to electronics.
February 25, 2010
Food Processing Hose Boasts Anti Static
Electricity Features
This transparent, polyurethane hose features a grounding cord and static dissipative
liner to prevent the build-up of static electricity in food
processing environments.
Static Electricity Employed
to Create Art in New Exhibit
Recently,
artists have set up an experiential art exhibit using thermally bonded filaments
of polypropylene (think big, giant dryer sheets). As exhibit attendees walk
between them, the sheets use the power of the person’s body’s
static and float apart. Diagrams of
how this works>
February 18, 2010
Can static electricity cause
a computer to reboot?
Techs discuss how to remedy the effects of static on PCs.
Static
electricity and cap gun cause boy to lose fingers
This week a 12-year-old boy in Vancouver, Canada lost 4 fingers while using
cap gun caps. Officials say static electricity was involved.
February 11, 2010
Understand the difference between current and static electricity
DifferenceBetween.net science writer explains this critical difference
Plant
explosion/deaths in Connecticut may be due to static electricity
Kleen Energy power plant in Connecticut, recently experienced
a deadly explosion (thought to be due to static electrcity) as a crew worked
to prepare a gas pipe and turbine for purging inside the main power building.
January 28, 2010
Test
outlined to evaluate mitigation of static electricity when comparing vinyl
tile samples
How to evaluate VCT and SDT vinyl tile when deciding which to specify
"Blow
off station" rids of static electricity and dust in work places
Ionizer removes dust and other contaminants from a charged, static electrified,
surfaces
January 14, 2010
XBox Can Be Frozen
by Static Electricity
Tips on how to repair an XBox effected by static electricity.
Anti
Static Flooring Course Available to Architects for AIA/CES Credit
David Long, static expert, has recently been accredited to teach
an AIA/CES course outlining the risks of static electric shock to
sensitive electronics. The course informs architects how to minimize risk, assess
installations, and meet standards including LEED.
January 7, 2010
Confusing terminology
in the static flooring business
Confused about varying terms used in the static electric eliminating flooring
business? Understand the terms and differences.
Assemble
Your Own PC
How to prevent static electricity damage when building your own PC.
2009 Static Electricity News
December 17, 2009
Bacteria
in Flowers? Static
Electricity in Shoes? Strange Bans in Hospital Wards Debunked
Study findings help lift bans on many items previously barred from
hospital wards
Why is Static
Electricity More of a Problem in Winter than in Summer?
When air's humid in summer, static electric charges easily
move into the air. With the dry winter air, static has no way to escape and
builds up on the body.
Static
Electricity Generated from Carpet in Hotel Hallways Creates Shocking Visits
for Guests
Static electricity often a problem in hotel hallways that are carpeted.
December 11, 2009
Cold Weather Can Generate Static Electricity, Even on Pets
The friction of skis on snow, pet’s hair, and even digital cameras can
be impacted by static electricity in the cold.
Teacher Suspected of Shocking Students with Static Electricity and
Other Charges
An Ohio science teacher is under question for using equipment on students to
generate static electric shocks on their bodies as well as
for teaching creationism in his middle school classroom. John Freshwater’s
methods of teaching are under investigation.
Company Settles Suit with Plaintiff: Discharge of Static Electricity
at Gas Pump was Question
A woman in Helena, Montana won a settlement from a gas pump accident involving
her car and 2-year old child when while fueling, the car caught fire due to
a spark from static electricity.
December 3, 2009
Eliminate
static electricity for longer PC Life
Eliminating static electricity and dust discussed, among other
tips, in detailed advice on how to prolong the life of personal computers.
Benjamin Franklin’s Description of Kite / Lightening/Static
Electricity Experiment Available in Royal Society Archive
Written in his own words, the now famous experiment involving a key, a kite,
and a thunderbolt to prove lightening as a form of electricity (static
electricity) is described in a letter that is part of the Royal
Society Archives now online.
November 25, 2009
Is static electricity a pollutant and part of a greater, adverse health
effect?
Some say that static electricity along with magnetic output from everyday electronics,
the flow of electricity, and radio waves from satellites increasingly cause
health problems from headaches to eye irritation, to cardiac and digestive
problems.
Static electricity may be responsible for accident at oil reclamation
facility
Officials are working to determine the cause of the blast that threw two men
in the Philippines, from the tanker of oil they were unloading and a recycling
plant. Static electricity as a cause has not yet been ruled
out.
Beware of static electricity when upgrading electronics
When working to improve the speed of a PC or other personal computing hardware,
always take precautions to eliminate static electricity.
November 19, 2009
YouTube video
released, “Static Electricity Safety Video”
Promoting safety at the gas pump, in industry, and in office settings, this
video promotes general safety when static electricity is involved.
Fatal plant explosion may be due to static electricity
The death of a Wisconsin man in mid-October may be due to a spark caused by static
electricity or other factors. An investigation is under way to determine
what occurred at the American Packaging Corporation plant.
Right
down to the anti static electricity seat coverings, Dodge Caravan scores
well in 2010
With loads of perfect scores, including in overall body and interiors features,
J.D. Power named the Dodge Caravan 2010 most dependable minivan. Some reviews
have called the car the “swiss army knife” of minivans because
of attention to detail, for features like anti-static seat treatments that
eliminate static electricity.
ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc. announces acquisition of the assets of
Antistatic Industries of Delaware, Inc.
Antistatic industries, known for products that prevent static electricity,
was acquired this month by ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc.
November 12, 2009
Study and video dispels myths and educates on static electricity and
fires at gas pumps
Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) collects data and information on static
electricity at the gas pump. Their findings show that modern gas pumps
have not solved this problem. Additionally, they have found that entering the
car while fueling increases the chances of a spark. They have documented that
cell phone use while fueling has never caused a fire, dispelling that myth. See
the video of “Safety at Gas Stations—Static
Effect: Beware!”
Minnesota History Center opens exhibit on Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin, known by most as one of America’s Founding Fathers,
was also the scientist who learned about charge and static electricity using
a kite and a key. He is the feature of a new exhibit at the Minnesota History
Center called, “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World”.
Investigation of fire at gas pump has not yet ruled out static electricity
A twenty-six year-old man was killed in Maryland early this week while fueling
his car and filling a plastic gas container. Officials investigating the accident
have not yet ruled out the cause: considerations include static electricity,
a lit cigarette, and a running car among others.
November 4, 2009
Oil refinery opens despite trouble with static electricity causing
fire
On October 13, 2009, Heartland Oil Refinery extinguished a fire in their facility
caused by static electricity generated when oil runs through
pipes on site. A “green business”, the refinery recycles used motor
oil, marketing the cleaned product as base oil. Upon reopen, the refinery employed
better grounding solutions and a method to prevent arcing.
Standard
further preventing static electric danger, part of “Launch
Commit Criteria” at NASA
A revised rule outlining the acceptable amount of buildup of static
electricity at
time of launch, delayed the launch of NASA’s Ares 1-X. Tribo
electrification caused by the friction of a rocket’s surface against
clouds can cause static electricity at dangerous levels during
launch.
October 29, 2009
Static electricity to blame for ARES 1x Rocket launch date deferral
On October 29, 2009 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA announced
the successful launch of the ARES 1x rocket. The purpose of the rocket is to
collect data that will impact the design of the new space shuttle. The initial
launch date, rescheduled twice, was due to atmospheric static electricity that
can disrupt signal from rocket to ground.
ARES
1x Rocket’s paint designed to resist build-up of static
electricity
“P-static” / “Precipitation-static”, the static
electricity that is generated as the rocket ascends and rubs against
droplets of rain, ice, or dust held in clouds, can disrupt signals between
ground and a rocket. Despite its special “paint” coating that
is tested and certified for safety to resist the buildup of static, unfavorable
conditions can lead to delays in launch.
Static-control product manufacturer receives venture capital funds
KnowChange Inc. secured venture capital funds that will allow collaboration
with one of North America’s oldest static-control product
manufacturers, ALX Technical Services.
October 22, 2009
Capturing ambient static electricity from air, Russian scientists create
light fixture
In the constant effort to achieve alternative energy sources, Russian scientists
have made a step toward realizing the potential of drag wires to harness static
electricity and create electricity. This research suggests that
similar principles could be used to eliminate the need for gasoline to power
automobiles which could scrape a wire on the roadbed to create static.
Radio static being explored for use as motion detector
Annoying static on AM radio frequencies, caused by the absorption
of the waves by human beings or other solids, is being put to work in prototypes
for wireless networks that can calculate the location of movement behind walls.
This prototype may lead to new technologies for detecting people trapped in
burning building, for spotting burglars, or detecting enemy troops.
October 09, 2009 Static Electricity News
Static
electricity used to attract dust in mining facility: Management up for
award for
the idea
Sixth annual Australian Mining Prospect Award winners, this year, include the
creative use of static
electricity. Mine controllers, with the health of their workers in mind,
have placed dust monitors in high risk areas. Static electricity is
used to attract the harmful substance, triggering alarms if
levels rise above acceptable levels, limiting worker exposure to dangerous dust.
Static electricity meter allows for increased functionality
A new anti static (static electricity) meter on the market
allows three different sensors to detect electromagnetic interference (EMI),
radio frequency (RF), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) detection.
September 24, 2009 Static Electricity News
Call
for standard to regulate static electricity while working in confined areas
Safety and construction industries need to agree on standards, not just best
practices, when working in confined areas and potentially threatened by static
electricity.
Students observer National Power Week
Dyersburg, TN: In honor of National Power Week, students are learning about
power safety, including how is the best way to deal with static electricity,
where to find safety in an electrical storm, and more.
Demand
increases for repair of sensitive electronics/computers damaged by static
electricity
“There is a new technology being employed everyday.
One does not want to lose out on important data. It is unintelligent to assume
you have lost your data forever due to system failures. There are numerous
instances where we have managed to successfully retrieve data lost due to
mechanical failure, broken drives, and viruses, errors made by user, static electricity or
natural calamities,” says Mr. Subramayam, Chief IT consultant.
Sanitizing
hand gel and static electricity may be linked to burn to nurse in Sweden
Recently, a Swedish nurse was the victim of an unfortunate burn incident, presumably
caused by static electricity reaching her alcohol-based disinfectant
infused hands while pushing a metal cart.
Red
Bull Racing modifies equipment to eliminate static electricity interference
During the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, driver Mark Webber’s car mysteriously
selected two gears at one time, causing his car to stop abruptly. Reasoning
has shown that static electric interference, likely caused
by a nearby subway train, interfered with sensitive electronic equipment in
the car and disrupting his team’s communication center. Modifications
have been made to work to eliminate this issue in the future.
September 17, 2009 Static Electrcity News
Maine inventor creates home device to eliminate static electricity
Inspired by the “perfect-storm” of winter weather conditions that
make static shocks a part of everyday life in cold, dry weather in the Northeast
where he is based, Shalom
Wertsberger has invented a light-switch plate for home use. The
plate attracts the charge and grounds it.
Artist uses static electricity on film to create art
“Lightening Field Photos” by photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto turns
darkroom foe, static electricity, into friend producing amazing patterns. Sugimoto
employs the help of a Van de Graff generator to shoot voltage onto film.
Massachusetts’ cyber
crime lab opens, removes static from damaging evidence
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley recently announced the inauguration
of her agency’s latest state-of-the-art forensics lab aimed at gleaning
evidence from computer equipment. Equipped with grounded, anti-static flooring
to protect devices collected as evidence from damaging static electricity,
the room also boasts climate controls, and high-end technology that will pull
evidence from a range of mobile devices. The facility was funded by federal
grants.
September 2, 2009 Static Electrcity News
Static
Electricity a Concern as President’s Economic Stimulus
Grows Car Industry, Battery Production Industry
The Obama Administration’s efforts to stimulate the economy have led
to rapid growth in the automation of production of lithium ion batteries. One
of the main considerations in automating this process is how to keep humans
safe (especially from static electricity) as they run production
machines. As car manufacturers are being pushed to create battery-powered cars
in order to receive funding from the American Recover and Reinvestment Act
of 2009, the need for this type of battery has grown exponentially.
August 28 Static Electrcity News
New Tool Developed to Measure Static Electricity in Space
As it orbits the earth, the International Space Station attracts charged ions
from earth that can be highly damaging when activated by touch (aka static
electric shock) during astronaut space walks. Utah State University
has developed a meter to measure and help predict the build-up of these static
electric charges.
Inventors Look for Manufacturer for Gas Pump Mounted Ionic Blower
The potential for static electricity causing explosions at
gas pumps may soon be a thing of the past. Two brothers from Charleston, South
Carolina have invented an ionic blower that can be mounted to the side of gas
pumps to blow nearly imperceptible ion charged air onto drivers looking to
fill up at a gas station.
Read Dave Long’s article: How
to Eliminate Static at the Gas Pump
Lifeguard Patrol Captain Advocates for Swimming Only When Lifeguard
On Duty
Worried by the lack of concern by swimmers during lightening storms where static
electricity is rife in the air, Ocean City’s Lifeguard Patrol
Captain recently requested that city council review the policy that allows
swimmers in the water when no lifeguard is on duty.
Static Electricity Plays Key Role in Detecting Spirits
SciFi Channel’s Ghost Hunter’s,
Season 6, airs episode where a presence is said to have effected camera use
by harnessing static electricity.
August 20 Static Electricity News
Physicist Orsted, First Scientist to Document Static
Electricity, Honored
by Google
Danish physicist, Hans Christian Ørsted, is credited
with first documenting, scientifically, the connecting between magnetism and
electricity the forces that interact to create static electricity.
Recently, Google featured him on their search area to mark his two-hundred
and thirty-second birthday. Most current electronic devices are built around
electromagnetic induction which employs the understanding and relationship between
magnetism and electricity: static electricity.
New
Yorker’s Gas Oven Lit by Ring of Cell Phone
A Sony Ericsson PDA user in Brooklyn, New York, reported recently that when
his cell phone rings within range of his gas oven, the oven lights. He attributed
the spontaneous lighting to static electricity emanating from
the phone. Others theorize that the ring tone of the phone is so similar to
the starter signal in the over that it triggers ignition. Maytag, the maker
of this Magic Chef oven model, has reported this issue to their customer service
division for examination.
Static-Eliminating
Drag Chains No Longer Standard on Cars
In the 1950s and ‘60s, it was common-place to see drag chains/grounding
straps on cars in place to dissipate static electricity. Why?
It was believed that static electricity, generated by the
vehicle touching the road, caused motion sickness. In addition to that myth
being busted, the flood of synthetic rubber tires on the market rendered the
chains unnecessary. Synthetic rubber tires allow static electric charge to
pass through them, whereas 100% natural rubber tires do not. Read
our segment on how rubber flooring is made conductive, here >
Static
Electricity a Factor When Investigating the Paranormal
Equipment used to investigate paranormal activities can be effected by static
electricity, weather, moisture, humidity, and other factors. Read
on to learn how some believe spirits use static electricity to
manifest.
August 13 Static Electricity News
Proctor
and Gamble Announce Static Control Dryer Bar
The Bounce Dryer Bar, released this week, is said to control static by
remaining in dryer drum for two to four months at a time, eliminating the need
for per load dryer sheets.
Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD)Can Effect Sensitive Equipment in Office Suite
Settings
Science blogger Karen Field reports on computer equipment spontaneously rebooting
and wireless computer mice moving by an invisible source within office buildings
were other electrostatic equipment, i.e. X-Ray machines, is
used.
Three
Dead After Static Charge Ignites Sugar at Refinery
A deadly explosion and fire at Imperial Sugar in Port Wentworth, Georgia in February
is blamed on the static electric charge that builds up when
producing sugar. If stored in conditions without enough ambient moisture, sugar
can be as combustible as gun powder.
First
Ever Industrial Emergency Conference Scheduled for India
Nov. 5 and 6, 2009, Hyderabad, India—With a range of topics on the agenda,
including static electricity awareness and safety, this first
ever conference to be held on Indian soil is aimed at training delegates from
large manufacturing, oil, gas, chemical, and construction industries.
Consider Flooring in CarWash Facilities
Flooring type should be a high consideration when
building or refurbishing a carwash. “Static Coefficient
of Friction” (SCOF) is discussed relative
to floor safety.
“College Education Turns
Son Against Father”
“Static electricity isn't good enough for my son; he
has to spread the word on quantum physics.” This Dave Barry classic column
discusses his college-aged son’s discovery of quantum physics and realization
of the relativity of time in college.
Pet and Owner Strategies for Weathering Summer Storms
Often aware of storms before humans, pet experts theorize that increased ambient static
electricity, barometric pressure changes, and distant sound can bother
dogs and cats. Strategies for defraying pet agitation are discussed.
August 3 Static Electricity News
Improve
Efficiency Using Static
Question: How do I improve my window efficiency to keep heat and glare from impacting
my air conditioned space? One suggestion: static cling window film.
LEED Certification Awarded to New Hotel in San Diego
The first of its kind in San Diego and only one of nineteen in the country,
Hotel Indigo is scheduled to open in San Diego in the second half of 2009.
Green flooring, recycling programs, and other attributes make it a model
of sustainability.
July 23 Static Electricity News
Alternative
Energy Motors, including Static Electricity Generator, in Development
“Free Energy” guru, Troy Reed, associated with cutting edge REM
Source, LLC is among those who announced work on prototypes they have in production
that might be new sources of power. An alternative energy motor and powerful “static
electricity generator” are among the products the firm is working to
develop.
July 22 Static Electricity News
Web
Printing, Anti Static Equipment Developed
At Labelexpo 2009, in Brussels end of September, Meech International will unveil
its new ShearClean product. Designed to improve and make effective the cleaning
process for web printers, the module also works to eliminate static.
Simple Metallic Drag Chain Suggested to Help Eliminate Static in Stores
Recently, at a Sacramento big box chain store, shoppers complained about receiving
static electricity shocks from the shopping carts they were using. Bill Burger,
a retired mechanical designer for Aerojet Engineering, was interviewed for
suggestions to help to eliminate the problem. He suggested adding static
chains to the carts: small, wiry devices that hang from the bottom of carts
that eliminate static electric shock.
July 21 Static Electricity News
Static Electricity Listed as Cause of Fire in York, PA
Listed with an ignition type of “accidental causes” from interaction
between static electricity the adhesive layer on a rubber roof, a fire at Specialty
Industries in Red Lion, PA yielded no injuries and little damage on July 14,
2009.
Apollo Moon Landing Success Furthers Understanding of ESD Events
The 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing afforded the engineering community
many new insights into their science, especially with a focus on the implications
of the space environment and ESD / anti static events.
July 9 Static Electricity News
Portland Oregon: Fun for the Family
Take Amtrak’s Cascades train from Seattle to Portland and avoid the headache
of driving with kids. In Portland, enjoy the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
(OMSI)where the static-electricity display is a favorite of
kids of all ages.
ESD Flooring is Essential in Circuit Board Manufacturing Facilities
Static charge can fatally damage sensitive electronics, even at voltage that
humans cannot feel. Workplace precautions, especially Electro Static Discharge
(ESD) flooring, are essential when considering the set up of a manufacturing
workspace where electronics will be made.
July 8 Static Electricity News
2009
Dodge Journey to Include Anti-Static Seats
On a similar base to the Sebring /Avenger, the 2009 Dodge Journey is a 5-door,
family wagon that can seat up to 7, depending on the model. On some packages,
seat fabric is anti-stain, odor-resistant, and anti-static.
High-End
Athletic, “Bike Gear” Socks Now Offer Anti Static
Properties
Known for their high-end cycling clothes Capo recently introduced Atlas Carbon
socks, whose features include the ability to dissipate static electricity,
keep feet cool, and keeping bacteria at bay.
July 2 Static Electricity News
Petroleum Supply Chain Explained
Many factors play into the safety and transportation of petroleum, including
how to avoid sparks from static electricity.
Crocs May Interfere With Critical Care Medical Equipment
This popular footwear may create static electricity with a charge strong enough
to effect respirators and operating rooms and critical hospital settings.
Swedish Hospital Moves to Ban Crocs as Professional Footwear
Sweden’s Blekinge Hospital blames "Crocs" footwear worn by their health
care professionals for three, non-fatal mishaps involving medical equipment and
static charge.
Crocs Tested in Lab Setting Reveal Low Resistance to Ground
Recent tests in a static lab show the popular shoe exhibiting positive attribute,
low resistance to ground. Lab calls for other test results to challenge the
recent Swedish ban on the popular footwear.
July 1 Static Electricity News
Professional Flooring Advice is Key to ESD Flooring Success
Among other flooring types discussed, ESD flooring and the importance of
expert advice and installation of this floor covering is highlighted in this
article.
June 25 Static Electricity News
Carpet:
America’s #1 Choice for Home Floor Covering
As it provides insulation, sound reduction, soil, stain, and even static resistance,
carpet is now the top selling home flooring type in the United States. Ease of
care and its warm, comfortable appearance often depend on the selection of pile
type, pad, and cut and loop pile. In addition to this article, visit home
improvement pro Bob Vila’s website for more information.
Sears Tower: $350M Green Remodel Underway Summer 2009
Aiming to achieve LEED certification, architects will begin leading the remodel
of the Sears Tower during the summer of 2009 to include environmentally friendly,
conservation measures.
June 24 Static Electricity News
Reunion
for Van Der Graaf Generator Band: Interview Reveals New Information About
the Band
Did you know the band Van Der Graaf Generator was named after an electronic
device that throws sparks and makes human hair stand on end? Read more of the
reunion interview…
Summertime Tips for Safety During Lightening Storms
Lightening strikes are no laughing matter. It's a valuable lesson to instill
in children to know how to act when they are a threat. Learn common myths
and basic rules so you can pass them on to your kids.
Lightening Safety Week: June 24 through 26, 2009
Learn how to teach the valuable lightening safety lesson to children using
these tips including: when thunder roars, go indoors.
June 23 Static Electricity News
Recent Air Travel Accidents Raise Questions Regarding Lightening Strikes
While passengers often fear lightening strikes during air travel, they rarely
understand that aircraft are designed to withstand and dissipate certain amounts
of static. “Static wicks” on the extremities of aircraft are made
of metal, housed in fiberglass, and connect in to dissipate charged within the
plane’s frame.
Anti-Static Properties Part of Selection Criteria for Pharmaceutical
Tablet Hoppers
Consider these criteria when selecting the right pharmaceutical table hopper
for manufacturing:
what are you handling, do you need plastic with anti-static properties, will
the device fit your space, read
more…
June 18 Static Electricity News
US
scientists create conductive fabric
If used to create clothing, this new fabric could harness power created by the
wearer. "The fibre-based nanogenerator would be a simple and economical
way to harvest energy from the physical movement," Zhong Lin Wang of the
Georgia Institute of Technology, who led the study, said in a statement.
Insurance confirms sugar dust caused deadly blast
Static electricity from regularly operating machinery caused a deadly sugar
refinery blast in Port Wentworth, according to insurance investigators.
Doctor
warns against kids “helping” at gas pumps
The seemingly simple every-day task of “filling-up” can lead to
cancer, asthma, and even death by explosion sparked by static electricity,
warns William D. Hakkarinen, MD of Maryland.
June 16 Static Electricity News
Gas Leak and Static Electricity May Be Responsible for House Explosion
in Albert Lea, MN
After a month-long investigation, officials say
kitchen stove gas leak was accidentally sparked by inhabitants’ creation
of tiny spark. Prevention of accidents involving gas is reviewed.
Sun
Valley Ski Area’s New Gondola Built to Ground Static Electricity
As Sun Valley builds its new gondola ski lift, it grounds the metal stanchion
feet using copper cable buried in the earth.
North Carolina Slim Jim Factory Explodes
A 500,000-square-foot Slim Jim plant in Garner, NC exploded recently while
300 people were at work there. Investigators believe that gas was sparked
by static electricity from a piece of equipment which runs regularly in the
plant, such as a thermostat or cooling fan.
Static
Electricity Feeds the Spread of Head Lice
Moistening a comb before pulling through the hair of an invested person’s
head helps to control the spread of lice by limiting static electricity and
launching nits into the air. More on how to treat lice.
$1.4 Million Awarded to Study Static Electricity Relative to Indoor
Pollution
Syracuse Center for Excellence, Syracuse, NY—Researchers will use a test
chamber and artificial foot to study how static electricity distributes pollutant
particles through the air.
Summer
Travel: How to Protect Electronics from Travel Dangers, Including Static
Electricity
Static electricity can damage electronic equipment, including digital camera
memory cards and GPS. Read on to learn simple steps to avoiding costly electronics
mishaps.
Professional Racing Teams Use Electrical Ground on Fuel Cans to Avoid
Explosion
The 2009 Corona Honda American Superbike team reveals that they use grounding
wire to protect against static electricity at refill time.
New Website for Students Teaches Principles of Science, Including
About Static Electricity
Parents, students, and teachers are aim of the new resource website thinkfinity.org,
sponsored by the Verizon Foundation, reaches into multiple databases to teach
the principles of science.
iPod Earbud Revelation Is Shocking
Apple Says Its iPod Earbuds, Like Any Others, Could Shock You
By DAN MOREN, MACWORLD
May 20, 2009
Solutions to avoid shock from earbuds: response from Staticworx's Dave Long
May 27, 2009
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Apple warns of static shock from iPhone, iPod
by Steven Musil
Apple warns that iPhone and iPod users may experience a small static shock through their earbuds.
(Credit: Amazon)
iPhone and iPod users may experience a "small and quick" shock via their earbuds due to a buildup of static electricity, Apple warned Monday.
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Polk County to hire consultant for communications system
DesMoinesRegister.com - ?1 hour ago?
One hundred firefighters from 10 fire departments battled a fire at Barton Solvents, 1920 NE Broadway Ave., that was sparked by static electricity...
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Are Walmart's New Shopping Carts Shocking Customers?
The Consumerist - ?May 25, 2009?
I understand this is just static discharge. But whatever materials are used in the new carts makes the static discharge 20 times worst than with the older ...
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Gas Pump Fire Blamed on Static Electricity
Dave Long, Staticworx, responds: How to minimize static risk at the gas pump
