Stopping static discharge off vehicle

[littlespark]

Ever since I got the new van, or perhaps its a change of footwear, I am getting almighty belts off the van bodywork after I stop and get out.
Is there a way to minimise the crack, or use it in some "playful" manner?

First, a couple of questions i'm sure Marconi can answer.
Is it me generating static, or the van? And then, when i get out and touch the van, i am the path to earth?
Or is it me becoming positive, and the van negative as im driving, and that causes the crack? (or vise versa)
The same happens if I manage to get out the van without touching any metal, only to get a static shock off the house front door handle.

Minimising the effect. Do those rubber strips that hung off the back of cars in the 80's actually work?

Could i use a resistor, or perhaps a lightbulb between me and the van to disapate the charge, thus lighting the bulb, even for a second. (Same idea as people holding a fluorescent tube and lighting it up while holding onto something else)


Or, i could just change my shoes.

 

[bill01803]

Years ago some people had a bit of chain hanging off to discharge the static, maybe worth a try

 

[Vortigern]

before you put your foot on the ground hold the van door firmly then put your foot down. Agree with the static discharge hanging off the van. Probaly those synthetic clothes you're wearing generating a charge as you slide off the seat.

 

[Midwest]

I had a similar thing with a car I had few years ago. Did just as @Vortigern suggests, holding metalwork of door firmly before placing foot on floor. Never felt a shock after that; tried all those earthing straps before, which were useless.

 

[Strima]

These were very common in the 80's: Carpoint Anti-static strip | Euro Car Parts - https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/carpoint-anti-static-strip-550775090?type=shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-_j1BRDkARIsAJcfmTF_p-5pVVHTh0ekJIJVxK2UNEz-7hLogNJ--Jbh1cJBLUP6lFCMptEaAoC0EALw_wcB

 

[littlespark]

I remember the big thick straps with an orange reflector. Supposed to alleviate travel sickness.

I’ll try the “hold onto the metalwork as I get out” trick

 

[telectrix]

those dangly static things do work. had same problem once with a Citroen BX. fitted a strap and no more static shocks. if you look closely at the rubber dangly. it has a thin steel wire embedded to discharge static. make sure it's in contact with road surface.

 

[PEG]

You need to get the biggest drum of G/Y available,and bond it back to your MET.....

 

[DPG]

As above, hold the metal loop on the door pillar before you step out. Been doing this for years and haven't had a shock since.

I originally thought I'd got it sussed by closing the door using the window. But then the next unearthed metal thing you touch gives you a belt. When I got a belt off a petrol pump it made me realise this probably wasn't a good method!!

 

[littlespark]

So no one has some fancy tricks that can be done with a bulb or anything?

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[pc1966]

It may not be the van as such, it might be a new seat/carpet/etc that is quite high insulation resistance and you are getting charged up inside. If you pull up and someone else comes to the vehicle before you get out, do they get a belt?

If not it is an internal triboelectric issue.

 

[DPG]

It's usually clothing fabric rubbing against seat fabric that builds up static charge.

 

[littlespark]

The only clothing I’ve changed is my shoes.
And it’s since buying a newer van, I’ve noticed the problem.
The van is same make and model of old one, just 6 months newer.

so is it me charged with static and earthing through the van? Rubber tyres are an insulator surely??
Or is it the van charging up, and earthing through me?

I think the former, as I get same from the house door handle...

 

[pc1966]

I think the former, as I get same from the house door handle...

That suggests it is you!

Look at safety trainers, etc. Not only do they offer protection against some work hazards, often they are anti-static soles to avoid sparks in explosive atmospheres.

Ah, I miss the Saturday curry...

 

[DPG]

And stop wearing that shell suit

 

[static zap]

I found I was a more snug fit ,in newer vehicle .
Causing me to slide more across seat.
.. If you are not tall ,try sliding the seat back on arrival as a test ... more of a climb/bounce out !
Finding metal to touch ,before shuffling ,
as @Vortigern mentioned . Was my final cure !
New seat does seem to eat me a little more

 

[littlespark]

I’m 6’1” @static zap so moving around in the seat much isn’t the problem.

I will try the suggestions next time I’m out in the van.
Or, I’ll find a way to get into the house without discharging, and find a daughter to use as an earthing rod!

 

[buzzlightyear]

I’m 6’1” @static zap so moving around in the seat much isn’t the problem

not if you named lol .

 

[static zap]

...A hairy Hagrid !
Leather steering wheel cover , reduces beard friction ?

 

[SparkySy]

I would say shoes could be the issue, I get the most vicious shocks off my Vauxhall if I wear my comfy loafy about shoes. With my work boots on never had a problem with it! I only realised what it was today partially because of this thread and cos it had me a belter today at a customers, realised I had turned up there in my comfy shoes not my boots! Doh!