Static electricity...

[Chuck]

Debated whether this or the 240v section would be most suitable - hopefully this one.

Currently sitting in a van park in FNQ & for the past 7 - 10 days have been hearing what sounds like static electricity 'snaps' in the vicinity of the awning either when we are sitting under it or even when we are inside the van!

We have a full length shade cloth (60%) hanging off the awning barrel but it is folded up to 1/4 of its drop at the moment & we just lower it first thing in the morning as required... awning facing east. Reason I mention this is because a couple of days ago as I walked under the shade cloth my head brushed the shade cloth & there was a loud 'snap' from close to that location.

Coincidence?

This morning we have been sitting in the van as the weather outside is a bit wet with an annoying breeze making it feel even colder... but the 'snaps' have continued unabated.

Any Ideas?

Navigator, She Lock Holmes, googled the scenario & one response suggested a possible short in the wiring system.

Also, yesterday whilst I was watching the evening news, Catriana was leaning on the front bench looking out the window & the TV started to break up & pixilate. TV is in the front LH corner of the kitchen area. When she moved back it cleared!

Any connection?

[SteveW]

"When she moved back it cleared!" .......... haven't you answered your own question?

[BruceS]

I was more worried about the sparks flying as she leaned over the bench!!! You devil you!!

[Chuck]

Past history Bruce... past history! Sigh.

[jon_d]

Chuck,

Dry air and the clothes/socks shoes.

I've been in Beijing and in Colorado where it was really bad....

Change your clothes, earth straps like the post from Dot, drink mineral water to keep your electrolytes high.

[Dot]

Hey Catriana, take your clothes off and give him a real "shock" that will stop him sparking

[Chuck]

Catriana just wet herself laughing.

I don't think it's us.

The majority of the incidents seem to have occurred on or around the awning or where it connects to the van. Only the one incident where I was involved ducking under the awning... & the weather has been unusually chilly with winds

No Dot, nothing like the winds you say I'm used to.

[Dot]

Tell the better half there are products that she can use for her condition.. Poor lady I don't do that any more, I just lose my teeth across the floor or the table if I laugh too much or an unexpected sneeze happens.
Re the zapping worry, I would suggest you don't wash your hair every day or brush it with a plastic comb/brush

[T1 Terry]

The wind moving the shade cloth over the awning is creating the static build up, if it was pegged down it would have a path to discharge to the ground. A jumper lead from the rolled up shade cloth to a tent peg driven into moist ground will determine if this is the issue as it will discharge the building to the ground. Basically you have mini lightning.
Now as far as you and Catriana.......better not go there, I have enough letters from the Carvananner forum to last me a life time

[Noggins]

Not all Static Electricity is Bad
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static electricity 1.jpg

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Ron