GROUNDING - assistance on how NOT to shock yourself
I live in Wisconsin. In winter the static buildup comes out when I lift the turntable needle. Even though I know it's coming it remains SHOCKING. I'd hate to damage my cartridge.
Can I attach a wire to the Pre-amp ground and touch it to remove my static?
Do I need to wear rubber sole shoes? or have a rubber mat?
Help on this would be appreciated.
OP: I just thought of something. Maybe a static discharge mat like these would work for you? They offer a high impedance path to ground, so it may take a few seconds to dissipate a static charge you build up. Not honestly sure how well they’d work in your situation, but certainly would prevent the pain. Another alternative is a metal key. The large surface area of the key means you don’t discharge from 1 point, making it less painful. |
@tjjunk I live in WI also and feel your pain (literally) from shocks during the winter. It seems when the temperatures are mild and in the 30's the air can hold more moisture and the risk of static shock is low. When we have extended days with temperatures in the teens and single digits the air is drier and the risk of static shock is a lot higher. That's when I break out the humidifier. It really helps cut down on the static shocks. I also run one in the bedroom at night so my throat doesn't dry out and seems to help prevent colds. I have procrastinated adding a humidifier to the furnace due to the expense but that's another option. I have also thought about a static discharge mat as suggested by @erik_squires but never tried it. |
Well, you can add some humidity in a variety of ways, by putting a pan of water on a hot surface. Not your amps, of course, but if you have radiant heat or something like that. The mats DO work, just not sure what the discharge rate is. They are designed for technicians who are sitting at the mats while they work. Not really meant for quick zap fixes. :D |
I purchased an inexpensive cool mist humidifier a few weeks ago as it’s been getting dry from Noon to Late Afternoon (21% right now). You would probably want a larger one to run all the time (I get a marine layer in most evenings). Works fine with filtered tap water (clean and let it air dry every other day which only take a few minutes). I've used evaporative pans/basins in the past, but they were not doing enough this Winter.
DeKay |
I use an Air Care whole house humidifier during the winter months due to my wife’s health concerns. 3 years ago, it cost $179.95 from Home Depot but may be more now. The humidifier is in the kitchen and the stereo is 2 rooms away. I get absolutely no static discharge anywhere in the house now. You can set the humidifier for a various amount of humidity. I found 55% to be just right. |
