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A Shocking Experience

Recently, I have begun to pick up electrical shocks from my TT. I believe it is static because once it discharges, I can touch the platter again without shocks until I walk across the room again to change LP. This just started happening a few weeks ago and is quite annoying because the charges are quite large and even produced a small spark that was visible, I really felt that one! The TT is TNT VPI, and all LPs are first cleaned with VPI cleaner and are all treated with LAST preservative. The room is carpeted and I am not barefoot. The ground wire is intact and the connection seems okay. I normally walk about 15 feet across the carpet to change the LP and this occurs each time I put a new LP on the platter. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.
rhcraig
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Discharging yourself by touching a grounded metal object can protect your equipment but you will still get shock when you do that. I suggest you apply anti-static treatment to your carpet. You can hire carpet cleaning service to do it for you or ask local Home Depot for suggestions if you decide to DIY.
slappy
903 posts
 
I had the same problem, living here in colorado with thew draught and all, its been very dry.

There were times where i would touch my volume knob and get hit by a vicious arc.

To get by this. well, to prevent my stereo from being hit i ran a thin line of copper up the side of my audio rack, and grounded it out. I made it a habit to discharge myself before touching the gear by touching the copper wire.

It still sucks because i still have to shock myself, but at least it doesent damage my gear.

You could also get a humidifier, but you gotta be kinda careful with those. You dont want them too close to anything
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Place a "Bounce" dryer sheet near your TT and touch it before touching the TT - it should completely eliminate the shock you are receiving...

-RW-
rec
327 posts
 
I work in a medical clinic that has a number of electrical products and carpeted floors. We had a similiar problem with static electricity that actually shorted out a very expensive piece of equipment. We have purchased a carpet spray that reduces the static electricity, I believe it is available at Radio Shacks and computer stores.
karls
332 posts
 
Might try changing to a different pair of shoes; different rubbers and plastics have a wide variation in their tendency to build up static charge.
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