How powerful is a "static" shock?

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c2500

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South Carolina
The other morning I pulled up some bath rugs to wash them (our cleaning lady was coming, so can the flip comments already :smile:) Anyway, the floor in the bathroom is tile, the rugs are rubber backed, the outside temp was below freezing, and when my finger touched the the cover plate screw as I reached to turn the switch off I was LIT up! I saw the arc off my finger, and truely don't recall ever being shocked like that. Anyone have an idea of the voltage a static charge has? Also at the risk of sounding ignorant, would it be a DC shock?

Thanks,

c2500
 
Just for reference, when testing typical electronic devices for Electro Static Discharge (ESD) tolerance, very common standards are 2000v HBM (Human Body Model) and 500v CDM (Capacitor Discharge Model). A major part of ESD discharge is not just the voltage - but the amount of charge that can be delivered. One can imagine that a very small cap with a very small charge placed on it can reach a very high potential, but it can still only deliver a very small charge when discharged, and the voltage drops very quickly. Compare that to a large capacitor at the same potential, which can deliver a lot more total charge and maintain the voltage for a longer time, and it is a very different ballgame. So, if you happen to be a really big guy... :smile:
 
3rd grade

3rd grade

I use to have a blast in the 3rd grade slidding my shoes along the carpet in the halls, and then discharging on the back of many ears with my finger! No wonder I chose this trade!!:rolleyes:
 
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