Static, shock and grounding

burdette

Before I try a solution that may not be the best alternative, thought I'd post this and see what others have done.

We moved recently into a duplex that had previously been a single-family house. It is a mix of old and new wiring, and not exactly that well thought out (for example, it has the usual living-room light switch that controls an outlet, so you can plug a lamp in and use the switch on the wall... but the switch controls BOTH outlets on all the receptacles on TWO walls... 2/3 of the living room outlets are connected to that one switch... idiot...)

So anyway, I've got a static and grounding problem. When I touch the volume control on my receiver (and, actually, it might be when I touch *anything*, like changing the CD track), I get a static shock and a 'pop' in the speakers. I can't remember.. but those upstairs outlets might only have two terminals - no third ground. In the basement, the HT is on new wiring, all 3-prong, and I don't have the shock problem. (it also doesn't seem to be as staticy in the basement, in general.. that might contribute to the lack of problem as well)

Sorry I don't remember right now if those upstairs outlets are grounded or not.. so at this point I'd be interested in possible solutions assuming both 2- and 3-prong outlets. How do I ensure the system (and me) isn't taking a shock every time someone touches it? I could tie a big-**** wire to everything and run it outside to a pipe in the ground... but isn't the most feasible solution.

steveinaz

Hard solution:

1. Can you run a dedicated 3 wire circuit for the outlet that the system is connected to? Is it feasable money wise?

Easy solution:

1. Keep the area in front of your system sprayed (every 2 days or so) with an anti-static spray of some type. I do this because of the climate in Arizona is hot and dry, I get static pops over my speakers everytime I touch my volume knob--and this is a brand new house with modern wiring.

2. Increase the humidity in your home; dry=static.

Just some thoughts...

dorokusai

I think Steve has some simple suggestions, worth checking out.

I would consult an electrician, if the simple stuff doesn't work. Save up a couple bucks and call around for someone who will give a free estimate. We can offer you electrical voodoo for the next two weeks and you will still may have a problem.

I don't recall any certified electricians in-house.

burdette

This is a rental... I won't be running new circuits both because I don't want to spend that money and I don't have the freedom.

We do run a humidifier... I can't stand a dry house.. that is part of the reason I'm a little perplexed on this....

I assumed the solution would be grounding the system SOMEhow... wire the cases together and run the wire somewhere... or something...

Thanks for the suggestions.

Tour2ma

Why engineer a solution when a change in operating prodcedure will do?

Find something to discharge yourself to (leave it alone doro) before you reach for your gear...

Also quit shuffling around your carpet in your stocking feet...

Edit: A Head Operator in a unit I used to supervise had this problem almost year round. Every time he reached for the Control panel... zzzzzzzzzzap. Solution for him was to wear rubber overshoes...

Ceruleance

IT'S ELECTRIC!
boogie-woogie-woogie





..I am so so sorry

on another note, can't you just use the remote?

dorokusai

:mad:

Tour2ma

burdette

Thanks, everyone.

I was thinking last night and I think something in line with Steveinaz and Tour's suggestions might work... I thought of running a line to ground, and having something sitting on top of the stereo stand... and touching that to discharge myself before touching the system. *I* still get the shock, but at least the system won't. It wouldn't have to be anything but the bare end of the ground wire... but I could connect that to anything metal... maybe an erotic statue or something... "Ye shall touch the metallic boobies before thou touchest the gear." Maybe my wife would let me bronze one of her bras....

Ya, no comments about discharging myself...

Note to anyone who cares... everything is going very well with the new job, working for Hbomb, getting into a great.. and very cool.. new industry. My wife and children are in the process of making new friends and getting connected here. Prayers in regard to selling our house are welcome... that is the last piece of this process that needs to fall into place. I'll tell ya, after 8 years of a VERY private house, now moving to a rental duplex with lots of neighbors... the house we buy next year is going to be *private*. Our neighbors are fine, decent people... I just want to be in control of when I interact with folks.

Yesterday, Hbomb took me to an audio shop that sells gear more expensive than the last car I purchased. Very cool stuff... I ain't bitten by a bug that will bankrupt me, but I do seem to be hankerin' for a Rotel or HK receiver in a couple of years. So... you guys with the sickness of upgrading every couple of years need to get busy and buy stuff, so I'll have a good selection of used gear on the Flea Market to choose from.

I'm off to the old house today to spend the weekend painting. According to our realtor, the average mid-Missouri folks aren't as cool on color as my wife and I were. They don't like my basement HT/billiards room that is painted the color of the 6 ball. Fine... you want 'off white' or 'egg shell'... that be what yer gonna get. Don't come bitchin' to me when the walls glare.

Tour2ma

Originally posted by burdette
Yesterday, Hbomb took me to an audio shop...

Is that in your job description?

Glad to hear it's going well. Good luck with the house...