subject: Static Electricity Can Damage Electronics [print this page] Static Electricity Can Damage Electronics
Rub your feet across a carpet, then touch a doorknob, a person or pet, and you get a small electric shock. The zap you feel is static electricity created by dry winter air. Static occurs when electric charges accumulate on the surface of an object. Electrons are exchanged and an object becomes electrically positive and the other electrically negative. Static is usually made when two materials rub against each other or move apart. If you touch an object with an opposite charge, or a ground (neutral charge), electrons flow and you feel a little shock. The cold, dry air in the winter provides an ideal environment for static electricity.
The amount of voltage involved in static electricity is between the 10,000-to-12 0.0 000-volt range. Static voltage isn't life threatening, because the amperage is very low. It's the level of amps, not volts, that is dangerous. Static shock has to be between 3500-4000 volts before a person can feel it. But damage to electronics can occur at a much lower voltage. It's possible to never feel static, and still zap electronics. This is because the integrated circuits can be seriously damaged or destroyed by static voltages as low as 400 volts. Low voltage static electricity can create a risk of damage, destroying a few gates of millions in a typical integrated circuit. This damage may not cause problems for a long time, and when it does, it can be nearly impossible to diagnose.
Humidifiers increase the moisture in the air of your home, reducing static shock and static cling. Water particles in the air break up static electricity faster. A static charge can be destructive to sensitive electronic components inside a computer and other electronics. Keep the humidity in your home between 30-50% to limit static around computers and other electronics, reducing the risk of serious damage. Opening the case of any electronic to implement upgrades or cleaning increases the vulnerability to damage.
Almost everything contains some type of electronic components these days. It's judicious to reduce static as much as possible. Running a humidifier in winter not only makes you feel more comfortable by eliminating chapped hands, cracked lips and nose bleeds, it also helps to protect your investment in electronics.
