How to Stop Electric Shocks

One of life's little annoyances is those little electric (static) shocks you sometimes get when you walk around (creating friction with your feet) and then touch something. For people who are prone to getting them, these shocks can be quite disturbing. But fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting shocked.

Instructions

1. Stop wearing rubber-sole shoes. These shoes are one of the major culprits in the buildup of a static change in your body. Switch to leather soles, which are much safer.

2. Avoid carpeting. Your feet rubbing against a carpet is a great way to build up a considerable charge. While you can't always avoid carpeting, spend as little time as possible on it.

3. Raise the humidity of the room you are in. Static charges are much more likely to build up in dry, cold weather. If you don't have a humidifier, you could just put out a dish with water in it. As it evaporates it will raise the humidity of the room.

4. Carry a metal object with if you are going someplace where you are likely to get a shock. For instance, shocks often happen in the cool, dry conditions of a grocery store. But if you carry a metal object, such as keys, with you, you can use the keys to touch the metal shelf to discharge any static charge you might have before removing an item from the shelf.

References

• Static Shocks, and How to Avoid Them