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Date:         Tue, 3 Jun 1997 08:14:50 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Michael A. Radtke" <m.radtke@elm.az05.bull.com>
Subject:      RE: Little electric shocks

Lionel etc.,

I can't believe that you have that problem in GB. Here in dry Phoenix Arizona it is common, and to me a major irritation.

There are two likely causes of your static electricity problem:

1) Your clothes and seat upholstery. A classic static generator when you exit the car. The charge builds up between you and the vehicle. Mild, but annoying discharge between you and the car any time during exit or even after, when you reach for the door handle.

I have learned the habit of holding onto some bare metal part of the Vanagon as I exit. This bleeds the charge as it is generated so it can never build up to the level where it can be felt.

2) Tires. Tires generate a static charge as they roll. However, most, but not all, tires have a high enough carbon content to bleed the charge so that it doesn't build up. For tires, the charge builds up between the vehicle and the planet. A more than annoying discharge between you and the vehicle after your feet are on the ground. However, the shock may be very mild if your shoes are good insulators.

If you suspect this second kind of static build up, it may be remedied with a ground strap (available at FLAPS) that is attached to the frame and drags along on the road. I'm sure that you've seen these on trucks (lorries?).

Or, wait for rain.

Have a nice day, Mike

Michael A. Radtke - Z74 Voice: 602-862-4897 Bull FAX: 4853 13430 N. Black Canyon Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85029 Email: m.radtke@bull.com


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