Sparkies……it seems of late I’ve been getting a static electrical shock when flipping on the light switch of my powder room.
I’m thinking its only been occuring this winter……can’t determine exactly how long its been going on.
I also think it usually happens in the evenings….when I’ve been kicking around on the sofa…..so I’m assuming its just a charge I’m building up on my own.
This sound reasonable? Or is it a sign of something not right with the switch?
As always, thanks in advance.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Replies
It's normal this time of year when the air is dry and a higher voltage charge is built up. What kind of activity is going on on the couch?
Not what yer thinkin'.....trust me.
Thanks for the input....pretty much what I figgered. Just odd that it's the one switch.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Just odd that it's the one switch.
Metal cover plate on that switch? Either that or you dissipate by the time you get to the next switch.
Nah....plastic.
The other switches are both further from sofa (dissipating before reaching) and not used as regularly(Typically left on until "lights out")
Thanks!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
I get zapped on everything here. My clothes have static and throw sparks when I pull them apart. Dog gets shocked when I pet her. I had a raggedy towel that came out of the dryer and looked like a alien with tentacles, everywhere I moved my hand, the tentacles followed. I have a drafty old house with a 65 year old gravity furnace I can barely afford to run at all. I know the humidity is artic like here in winter, but it's made up for when the muggy driping humid summer air gets here.
Jeff,
Suggest you attach a ground strap to your ankle...now the discussion will start, right ankle or left?
Seriously, you could use an anti-staic spray to reduce the static build-up. There are commercial formulas, or a 15:1 dilution of fabric softener in water works pretty good. Lightly spray carpet and fabric upholstry. I'd rather have the static build-up.
Cliff
Cliff....it's Jay.....I'd rather the build up as well.
Thanks for the input.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
JD, don't mean to be the cause of any alarm, but you ever see that movie "Poltergeist"? ;-)
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
LOL!
Thats what I told the wife!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Well, you need to demo the entire powder room and replace all the wiring and plumbling.
Or just add humidity to the house. Or use an anti-static spray as someone suggested. The spray is sometimes available from office supply places.
happy?
Demo the room?
Hell....its the only one in the house that's 100% complete.
Even if that were the only fix, DW would have my head. LOL
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
jay... do you run a humidifier in the heating season?..
any static electricity should be a big tipoff that your house is way too dry
your framing, furniture, skin, and respiratory system all like a range of 30- 50% Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
No, I don't. Been giving it consideration of late as my skin is terribly dry and itchy.
Thanks....wasn't puttin' the two together.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
If that is the only switch and that room has been upgraded did is that switch grounded where the others aren't?
Whole house has been upgraded.....its everything other than electric that needs attention. LOL
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements