Im having issues with electrostatic discharges and electrical components. Right now in here is really dry and discharges are really often and strong. Last day I burned my potentiotemer because of a discharge after touching it for changing the volume and yesterday I was playing with a rotary encoder for channel selection and it got burned too. My question is: is there a way to wire the components to avoid burned all my components due to electrostatic discharges?
I suppose the components you mentioned are some electronic controls, not conventional variable resistor type volume controls and rotary switches that are very unlikely to "burn". If that is the case, connecting the case of the audio equipment (amplifier, preamplifier, etc) to the mains earth could help.
But this can be done only for Class 1 appliances that have a metal case, that are grounded anyway. Class 2 (double isolated) appliances should NOT be grounded. Perhaps some antistatic spray might help in this case. Also replace the synthetic carpet to real wool.
But this can be done only for Class 1 appliances that have a metal case, that are grounded anyway. Class 2 (double isolated) appliances should NOT be grounded. Perhaps some antistatic spray might help in this case. Also replace the synthetic carpet to real wool.
A good design has protection designed in. For examples:
https://www.ti.com/lit/sg/sszb130c/sszb130c.pdf
When I worked in the arcade industry for a while, the era of PacMan and Galaxians, the computers in the games were static sensitive. A customer would walk up and touch his quarter to the coin slot, and the tiny spark would cause the computer to reset. Thus the guy loses his quarter.
The companies issues filter card interfaces between the computer and the wiring harness, and they added grounding straps here and there. But the solution? We mixed a dilute solution of Downy fabric softener (with its antistatic) and sprayed it on the carpets.
Also when seasonal heating begins in the autumn, that dries the air out, so it pays to have humidification in the HVAC system.
My overall point being this: consider the environment in which you operate your gear
The companies issues filter card interfaces between the computer and the wiring harness, and they added grounding straps here and there. But the solution? We mixed a dilute solution of Downy fabric softener (with its antistatic) and sprayed it on the carpets.
Also when seasonal heating begins in the autumn, that dries the air out, so it pays to have humidification in the HVAC system.
My overall point being this: consider the environment in which you operate your gear
Humidifier(s)
While living in Colorado it was really bad most of the year. I had to use humidifiers every time I wanted to do project work
While living in Colorado it was really bad most of the year. I had to use humidifiers every time I wanted to do project work
Nylon carpet is evil for static, there are anti-static treated carpet types I believe.
But seriously controls through a metal front panel shouldn't be an issue, so just use metal for the front panel and earth the whole case and all the panels solidly (which means all the way along each edge).
Move to a damp place 🙂
But seriously controls through a metal front panel shouldn't be an issue, so just use metal for the front panel and earth the whole case and all the panels solidly (which means all the way along each edge).
Move to a damp place 🙂
The treatment wears-off.
As Enzo says: "a dilute solution of Downy fabric softener"
When PCs came into our steam-heated school they were locking up constantly in winter. Downy!! Retired but we have a synthetic blanket on the sofa which shocks the dog. Downy!! Not even a spoon in a quart spray bottle; lasts for years.
Zap strap.
Some people like myself store a lot of static electricity in their bodies , I cant open large black plastic refuse bags without wetting my fingers.
So--as above I use a zap strap --it works .
Some people like myself store a lot of static electricity in their bodies , I cant open large black plastic refuse bags without wetting my fingers.
So--as above I use a zap strap --it works .
There have been times in the autumn when I thought I was going to burn the fingerprints off the tip of my index finger from loud visible static discharge to the volume knob, but if I thought my actual gear might get burned by it, then I would attempt to get up and do something about it.
After a preamp here died as I was adjusting the volume, I switched to plastic volume knobs. I’m assuming it’s the input pair, haven’t poked around to verify that however.
The culprit was a pair of shoes that had an isolating material used on the soles, allowing for a charge to be held.
The culprit was a pair of shoes that had an isolating material used on the soles, allowing for a charge to be held.
wow lot of answers. I guess the simpler fix would be plastic volume knobs as few suggested in here
How about a metal object that you touch next to the stereo that has a ground wire going to a ground point at the electrical output socket on the wall? Just discharge from that before touching anything.
BillWojo
BillWojo
And that's why I operate barefoot at home - unless I am doing electrical repairs. At work I have to walk around with a static strap - IT networking geek. I also regularly touch door frames and desk legs etc. I too, am inclined to be rather electric.