When two dissimilar materials are rubbed against each other in a dry
atmosphere, the possibility exists that an electric charge can build
between the two materials faster than the air can dissipate the
charge.
Has there been any testing of a steam of air, showing that it builds
an electric charge on the material that it comes in contact with?
Why would air moving towards an orifice cause an electric charge,
while air moving from an orifice would not? If the orifice has
anything to do with it, how could it cause an electric charge on
something when the air has left the item before it gets to the
orifice?
We really need testing to determine where the truth is. Debates just
don't prove it, one way or the other.
Vacuum cleaners such as the one shown in the referenced advertisement
might build an electric charge by rubbing an implement against
carpet, rather than having a moving stream of air build an electric
charge. Of course overriding this is that advertisements are meant to
sell. They really don't care what they say, as long as what they say
sells product. Defeating a non-existing threat can be very effective
in sales.
I recall that when I was given my first tour of the U. of Miami
computer, in about 1961, the person in charge of the machine showed
me a button on the machine which had been installed at great expense.
It was an elephant button. Pressing it kept elephants a minimum of
fifty feet from the computer. It was very effective and worth the
expense, as I never in all of the time that I spent using the
computer, saw an elephant near the computer.
I heard that vacuuming was bad because of static.
Probably not,
Tom, Why do you say that it is unlikely that the vacuum could create static?
You have made an unsupported assertion. Please explain.
If you know why moving air with a vacuum cleaner would cause static,
please let us know.
Here are three reasons:
1 a copier tech told me vacuuming causes static
2 Vacuum cleaners are sold with anti-static hoses, because there is a static
problem from vacuuming.
See: Wet and dry vacuum cleaner, anti-static power vacuum cleaner
http://www.kaiserkraft.co.uk/equipment/wet_and_dry-51.html
3 Look to John's original message, go to the Langa letter and find this link
http://www.informationweek.com/hardware/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=60403472
&pgno=6&queryText=
Here Mr. Langa says, "It's generally best not to use a vacuum cleaner inside
a very dirty PC, though: Vacuuming heavy dust accumulations can generate a
static charge and may damage your PC's electronics. Blowing dust with
compressed air is messier, but carries a lower risk of static discharge
inside the case."
Please give a reason for you position.
Pete Rozanski
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