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.

Ag insider logo xs@2xtjjunk

To: tjjunk.

I have installed Electrostatic Dissipation (ESD) mats on the floor in front of my equipment racks to mitigate the charge. The units I purchased are not tethered. I find that going barefoot completely eliminates the problem. Wearing cotton socks in cooler weather is 90% effective. My music listening room has quality Berber carpeting on a thick pad placed over 3/4" plywood. The plywood (second) floor is "glue and screw" and sealed, eliminating squeaks and significantly helping seepage of noise from outside and the first floor.

The ESD mats are 3'x5', and the price was $100 each. Colors are black, grey, and blue. As an aside, I honestly can say my body generates a significant amount of static electricity. [Perhaps it is attributable to 33 years working on irradiated nosetips on ICBMs and spacecraft. smiley]      

Take your shoes off. If you walk on carpet in your socks, you will not get shocked. And your carpet stays cleaner…wink