How to Not Get Shocked by a Door Knob

A zap of electricity when touching a doorknob is more surprising than harmful and is a clear indication that you are conducting a moderate level of positive electrons when moving throughout your home. Static electricity is built up through an imbalance of positive and negative electrons, which occurs more often when the air is dry or your clothing rubs against other fabrics. Although completely eliminating static electricity is not possible, you can reduce the severity of the shock and minimize the frequency of the shock with the use of common items found around your home.

Portable humidifier
Coins
Key
Wire clothes hanger
Moisturizing hand lotion

Instructions

- 1
  Use a portable humidifier in your room to increase the room's moisture. Dry air increases the risk and intensity of static electricity, but can be significantly reduced by setting the humidifier to between 30 and 50 percent.
- 2
  Take off your socks. The sock's fabric rubs against carpeting and increases the amount of static electricity.
- 3
  Wear clothing made of natural fibers. Cotton, silk and wool have less of a charge than manmade fabric such as polyester, acrylic or nylon.
- 4
  Touch a coin or key before handling doorknobs. A key or coin grounds the static charge and prevents you from being shocked when touching knobs around the house. Or, rub a wire clothes hanger over your body to eliminate the electric buildup.
- 5
  Rub your hands with a moisturizing hand lotion. Dry, chapped hands are higher conductors of electricity due to the lack of oils on your hands that usually ground the electricity.

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