How do I get rid of static on childs slide?

[kippax]

As per title we have bough out little boy a slide for his birthday which he loves but the static off it is horrendous ! Every time he goes down it & goes to climb back up the static shocks are really loud!
It is a long plastic slide with metal legs sat on AstroTurf. Would putting rubber mats under it help or is there another solution? I have tried putting foam mats under but that made no difference.
I know B&Q used to sell anti static spray but they don't anymore so over to the power of pistonheads for a solution.

[Laurel Green]

You could try earthing the slide to ground. A piece of wire attached to the plastic surface, with 'tother end spiked to ground.

[Eggman]

Might as well earth the metal frame - it'll be touching the slide bit in several places. I'd also experiment with dressing he child in clothes made of a different material as it'll be friction between these and the plastic that is producing the charge.

In addition, you could try wiping the slide over with fabric softener or one of those anti-static cloth things you put in the tumble drier.

[andy43]

If that doesn't work, try earthing the child. A couple of 6" nails right down through each foot should sort it. He may struggle on the steps then tho'
Could be his clothing as above - try all-natural materials - eg nylon sports kit will build up a huge static charge.

Edited by andy43 on Saturday 19th June 16:25

[The real Apache]

Bugger all you can do about the slide but dress the sproglet in wool or cotton, that should sort it.

[Eggman]

See what happens if he steps off the astroturf for a moment before touching the slide. I suspect he is acquiring the opposite charge to the slide and because of the insulating floor he isn't getting discharged. If he does, it might half the shock he gets.

[shakotan]

The real Apache said:

Bugger all you can do about the slide but dress the sproglet in wool or cotton, that should sort it.

Surely not 'bugger all' if the slide is earthed through the Astroturf?

[kippax]

The real Apache said:

Bugger all you can do about the slide but dress the sproglet in wool or cotton, that should sort it.

he's in 100% cotton & can create sparks from the shocks!!

[Granville]

I'm having the same problem with static when I get out of my car.

It never used to be a problem, but last couple of weeks every time I get out I get a massive shock off the car when I close the door. If I can get away with pushing the door closed by not touching it with bare skin, the next object I touch with bare skin gets the shock..........my partner as it so happened the other night, lucky he wasn't greeting me with a kiss

[Simpo Two]

This kid is a walking Tesla coil.

Can't you connect him to the house? He could power some lights.

[bleesh]

Granville said:

I'm having the same problem with static when I get out of my car.

It never used to be a problem, but last couple of weeks every time I get out I get a massive shock off the car when I close the door. If I can get away with pushing the door closed by not touching it with bare skin, the next object I touch with bare skin gets the shock..........my partner as it so happened the other night, lucky he wasn't greeting me with a kiss

I get this too.
I've now taken to putting my hand on the B pillar down the bottom where the door shuts, and keeping it there whilst I put my foot on the ground.
This earths the charge and hey presto - no zap!

Of course it is a bit of a surprise when you forget to do this

[Simpo Two]

bleesh said:

I've now taken to putting my hand on the B pillar down the bottom where the door shuts, and keeping it there whilst I put my foot on the ground.

Yep - I hold onto the metal door frame while putting my foot down. Electro-shock treatment is remarkably effective!

[rfisher]

I once got out of a car when I had no shirt on and got a static shock on my nipple.

That hurt a lot.

[Shay HTFC]

Have you asked him whether he enjoys it?

When we were kids we used to have such a good laugh with everyone getting shocked and what not. There is something intrinsically fun about not knowing whether you will get buzzed or not when you get off the slide.
And then you would start up the games where you had to try and touch someone else as you went down and the fun magnified 10 fold

[The real Apache]

kippax said:

The real Apache said:

Bugger all you can do about the slide but dress the sproglet in wool or cotton, that should sort it.

he's in 100% cotton & can create sparks from the shocks!!

Blimey! If it does that off the astroturf then get your money back

[Busamav]

Have the neighbours kids over and ensure your lad knows it's polite to let the others go first.

[kippax]

He's only just 2 so definately not enjoying it!

May have to look at trying to earth it but didn't really want to put hole in astro turf as this will let weeds through!

[Phooey]

Busamav said:

Have the neighbours kids over and ensure your lad knows it's polite to let the others go first.

[dilbert]

It's probably the astroturf.

[rpguk]

Granville said:

I'm having the same problem with static when I get out of my car.

It never used to be a problem, but last couple of weeks every time I get out I get a massive shock off the car when I close the door. If I can get away with pushing the door closed by not touching it with bare skin, the next object I touch with bare skin gets the shock..........my partner as it so happened the other night, lucky he wasn't greeting me with a kiss

Actually, what happened to those anti-static strips you used to get hanging off the back of cars? Don't think I've seen one in ages