Grounding issue - getting small shocks

[Sach160]

This is proper first world problem but i hope someone can shed some light on this. I live on the sixth floor of an apartment block and have an outdoor terrace with concrete paving stones. I have put some fake grass on top with some polystone planters.

I keep getting small shocks when touching plants. It’s much worse if I wear slippers. Just wondering what the likely cause is and what can be done to improve things. No doubt it has something to do with grounding but I don’t understand how this all works. Would appreciate any advice (other than don’t touch plants ).

 

[DPG]

Static electricity. Fake grass can generate this - we often get a shock from the dog when he has been laying on ours.

I am considering bonding the dog, but struggling to find a reference to this in the regs.

 

[Sach160]

Static electricity. Fake grass can generate this - we often get a shock from the dog when he has been laying on ours.

I am considering bonding the dog, but struggling to find a reference to this in the regs.

Ah! I didn’t even think of that. You’re right. I’m guessing the grass can’t be grounded in any way as it’s plastic. I guess there’s no solving this then right?

 

[DPG]

Ah! I didn’t even think of that. You’re right. I’m guessing the grass can’t be grounded in any way as it’s plastic. I guess there’s no solving this then right?

There are ways of minimising static build up, but these are generally aimed at commercial use such as electronic assembly lines etc.

I used to always get shocks from the car door during summer weather. But I know how to stop that now - haven't had one for years.

 

[James]

If you water the fake grass when you water the plants, it won’t grow but it will reduce static build up.

Also, your neighbors might think you have gone a bit bonkers.

 

[Sach160]

If you water the fake grass when you water the plants, it won’t grow but it will reduce static build up.

Also, your neighbors might think you have gone a bit bonkers.

Lol. Alas the plants are irrigated. So... irrigate the fake grass?

 

[Lucien Nunes]

You can buy anti-static sprays that reduce the tendency for surfaces to generate static charges. I don't know how long the effects of the spray would last when exposed outdoors.