Getting an electrostatic shock from my sewing machine

[Dawn S.]

My sewing room is carpeted. I now have a new, very expensive sewing machine. I recently bought a desk mat for my rolling chair, since I've noticed it is roughing up my carpet. Now, when I first sit into the chair, and then roll up to my machine, the first touch to the machine will release this electrostatic charge. NOT GOOD! I always touch the machine first on a non-electronic metal part, NOT the screen, so as not to blow a major part of the machine. I know this is not good, and I even keep a humidifier running on low in the room. Never had the problem just rolling my chair across the carpet. That dang mat is the problem.

Anyway, was just wondering if any of you have ever had this problem, and how you fixed it. I'm sure there must be a simple way to ground the mat or me. Fortunately, I do keep my sewing machine plugged into a very high end surge protected, which is probably helping the machine, but I'm tired of getting "bit!"

Dawn

[E.M. T.]

Dawn is this a fiber type mat? or a clear vinyl type mat? If it is a carpet -like mat the synthetic fiber could be the culprit.

By the way....a row is heading your way on Monday...DH is getting attached and I may have to make more blocks ! Let me
know when it arrives !

[Dawn S.]

It is a clear plastic chair mat from Costco. The chair has hard plastic roller wheels and is a Koala chair. I'm sure the carpet under the mat is a synthetic.

Oh, goodie! A row coming my way from you! I will let you know when it arrives! I am working on Dorothy's. Although she lives just 40 miles down the road from me, (during the summer) I will be mailing it to Utah. We have not met as yet.

Dawn

[E.M. T.]

Dang it ! Well, maybe it is just your "electric" personality !! I'm on a plastic mat from Staples with standard roller
wheels that have come from the hardware store as replacements. Never nary a spark ! :blink: :S :silly:

[Betty J.]

Dawn, I think it is just your fantastically electric personality, but you might try spraying the carpet and the mat with Static Guard periodically.