How to Avoid Static Electricity While on Carpets

Walking across a carpet to open a metal doorknob can sometimes give you an unexpected shock, literally. Although the average charge of static electricity you get from walking on a carpet isn't enough to actually hurt you, it can still sting and be annoying to get zapped by touching metal objects that release a static discharge. Although you can't always avoid walking on carpets, you can prevent static buildup on your body. If you work around fumes or other combustible material, static electricity charges can be dangerous.

Instructions

- 1
  Avoid wearing rubber-soled shoes. Rubber is an insulating material, so charge can build up quickly even if you don't feel it. Electricity can't travel back down to the floor because of the rubber insulation, so when you touch a metal object, the electricity takes the path of least resistance, which is through your hand onto the metal.
- 2
  Pick up your feet when you walk across carpet. Dragging your feet creates friction, which rips stray electrons on the carpet free of their atoms and causes them to cling to you.
- 3
  Touch a nonconductive surface and hold your hand there briefly before touching metal. This allows electricity to discharge from you slowly without the sudden shock you get when touching a metal doorknob.
- 4
  Keep the area warm and humidified. Static electricity is strongest in dry air because dry air doesn't conduct a charge, allowing it to build up on objects.

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