High Voltage - What is electrostatics and how does it affect us?

Equal electric fields, also known as electrostatics, have always existed in nature. These natural DC fields occur mainly between the ground and the ionosphere, an atmospheric layer at an altitude of about 70 km. They are mainly caused by solar radiation and solar winds. This causes a static electric field to form above the earth's surface. But we are also exposed to electrostatic phenomena in modern everyday life. If we rub a balloon against our hair, they literally stand on end afterwards! In technology, electrostatics play an extremely important role: very small DC electric fields can have major effects and destroy electronic components. What effects electrostatics has on us as humans, and how to detect DC electric fields, we have summarized in this article.  
 

Natural electrostatics - what is it? 

 
The earth's electric DC field is strongly dependent on the weather and the seasons: In nice weather, this natural electric field is between 100 and 300 V/m, and during weather conditions such as the Föhn, these values are increased. During thunderstorms, the field strength can even reach up to 20.000 V/m - during lightning, the static field strength even reaches up to 300,000 V/m. Weather sensitivity is therefore not imaginary. Electrosensitive people can feel these changes in the electric DC field, and weather-sensitive people also react physically to the different voltages in the air.  
 
 

Where do artificial DC electric fields occur?   

 
Artificial DC fields are found on streetcars and commuter trains in the mass transit sector. For the most part, these are operated with direct current networks at a contact wire voltage of 600 volts. Inside the train, however, this DC field is not felt: The vehicle acts as a Faraday cage, so the electric field is almost completely shielded.  

In everyday life, electrostatics mainly occur on synthetic surfaces. The drier the air in the room, the more electrostatics can form. In very practical terms, electrostatic phenomena occur, for example, when we pull a synthetic sweater over our head and then our hair sticks out. And almost every human being has probably received "a shock" after walking across a synthetic carpet and subsequently touching a metallic surface. By the way, these discharges, the "electric shock", can only be felt from field strengths around 2000 V/m.  

What effect does electrostatics have on people?  

 

Initially, these discharges are not dangerous to humans: Even though the voltage can be very high during electrostatics, the current flow is extremely low. This means that although the discharge causes a brief painful stimulus, it is not a permanent health hazard!  
However, electrostatics have much more effects and, for example, have a very negative impact on the indoor climate. Dust and other irritants increasingly swirl through the air, and the ionization of the air is also adversely affected.  

Strong DC electric fields can also form on office chairs with synthetic back and seat surfaces; values of up to 18,000 V/m are not uncommon here. Here, too, there is no life-threatening danger for humans - but it is no wonder if we go home stressed and tense after a day at the office. After all, the back of our office chair usually ends in the neck area, and the difference - a field with a strength of almost 20 kV/m in the back/neck area and no field in the head area - naturally has an effect on our body and our muscles.  

We can even see electrostatic charge. In the darkness we can perceive the discharge as a flash of light. This has already led to fear and tears in many a child's room. The beloved cuddly toy is cuddled at night and also rubbed over the surface, and suddenly sparks fly! Although the discharges cannot set a child's bed on fire, they can cause unpleasant discharges that can be felt physically. And especially in a child's room, the air should be as good as possible: Not only do people play here during the day, but they also sleep here at night. However, due to many synthetic cuddly toys, many children's rooms have an atmosphere like a thunderstorm, dust stubbornly lingers in the air and is inhaled with every breath. The reduced air ionization additionally makes you feel tired and listless.  
 

How can you measure electrostatics?  

 
To measure a DC electric field, of course, no one has to hold out their hand and receive a small electric shock. With our measuring instruments for low frequency and the appropriate electrostatic probe, electrostatics can be measured very easily!  
 
So you can detect electrostatics not only in the children's room, in the car and at the workplace. Even on the couch electric DC fields are often generated: Synthetic blankets, the sofa cover, the carpet - if your hair stands on end while you're relaxing in the evening, it doesn't have to be because of the series you're watching!  
 

How can you reduce electrostatics? 

 
Use natural materials instead of synthetics. Wool and silk can also become electrostatically charged, but the levels are much lower and dissipate much more quickly than with synthetic materials. Cotton, on the other hand, is ideal: no electrostatics form here in the first place. However, the favorite cuddly toy made of synthetics does not necessarily have to move out of the crib: A cotton outfit drastically reduces the risk of electrostatic charge. When buying new blankets, comforter covers and carpets, you should also make sure to use natural fibers instead of synthetics. In the car or at the office, you can simply slip a cotton T-shirt over the back of your seat. 

Conclusion

 
While electrostatics are not life-threatening to humans and do not cause long-term physical harm, the electrical discharges are uncomfortable to painful. In addition, electrostatics cause a number of other negative effects, worsen the indoor air, and can even contribute to tension and fatigue. This does not have to be! With our low-frequency measuring devices with the practical electrostatic probe, you can easily detect DC electric fields in your everyday life and noticeably improve your quality of life by taking very simple measures to reduce electrostatic phenomena!
 

Detect electrostatics in your everyday environment now!
 

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Editorial office: gigahertz-solutions.de (DG)

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