It's static time of year

Well, it's that time of year, cool and dry. That combination makes for a more electrifying climate due to static buildup. Static buildup occurs simply by just walking. Once you touch something that's grounded, the static buildup discharges. A discharge could even occur between what appears to be ungrounded elements just to achieve balance, like after you've driven your car, stop, get out, and touch the door again.

In the church, static discharges manifest themselves as pops through the sound system, usually caused by someone touching a wired up microphone after walking a while. Not only are static discharges annoying, they can damage sensitive electronics. Sometimes the discharge won't occur until the microphone touches the lips. This would be the case if the microphone was insulated from ground where held, but the screen wasn't (poorly designed, IMHO).

So, how can you minimize static buildup?

Well, you can add humidity, use anti-static sprays, use anti-static wipes, to name a few.

I prefer anti-static sprays and those anti-static dryer cloths. Use the spray over carpeted areas most traveled, and use the dryer cloths to wipe hands and microphones just prior to use. They can even be used on areas of clothing which are clinging. If your services use fog machines, you may be static free anyway.

Hope your services are static free this fall and winter.

Ken