How to Stop (or Make) Static Electricity on a Trampoline
Being shocked by static electricity during one’s usual activities can be quite a nuisance. It goes without saying that it’s even more annoying when we’re trying to have fun.
That being said, it’s pretty common for trampoline owners to experience static shock while they are jumping on them. We’ll explain what causes static shock, as well as why it occurs on trampolines.
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably wondering “How can I stop static shocks on my trampoline?” Well, not only are we going to show you how to stop it, but we’ll also show you how to cause it. Without further ado, let’s first look at what static shock is.
What Is Static Electricity?
Contrary to current electricity, static electricity results from uneven electric charges inside or on the surface of a certain material. A charge builds up via friction. For example, rubbing two materials against one another results in a transfer of electrons. These electrons then cling to a type of material until they find another one they can “jump” onto.
For example, a person sitting on a chair will rub against it while changing positions. As a result, they collect extra electrons. If they try petting their cat afterward, they’ll release these electrons onto the cat’s fur, which causes a static shock.
How Does Static Electricity Work on a Trampoline?
In this case, we can only blame the trampoline mat. As we jump on it, we rub our feet on the mat. Basically, it is similar to how we can pick up a charge from rubbing against a chair.
This mostly depends on the material that makes up the mat. For example, nylon increases the odds of a static shock, because it is a good electrical conductor.
How to Get Static on a Trampoline
After having properly rubbed our feet on the surface of the mat, we might have someone else join us on the trampoline. If we touch them, the imbalance between our electrical charges will even out, causing a static shock.
This might also happen after we get off the trampoline and touch anything that conducts electricity well. Usually, this would be any metal like steel, aluminum, gold, or silver.
How to Prevent Static on a Trampoline
Now that we know how a trampoline can cause static shock, let’s look at some ways to prevent it.
- First of all, we can try jumping barefoot, because our socks help collect that surplus of electrons. An alternative to this is experimenting with different footwear that doesn’t conduct electricity that well.
- Second, we can put on some cotton clothes, because it has a low tendency of exchanging electrons with other materials. We recommend all-cotton clothes to anyone who has dry skin because it can easily build up a static charge. Another way to overcome this is to keep our skin moisturized (especially the feet) prior to jumping.
- Third, it is a good idea to ground ourselves using small metal objects like keys or coins. Since they are good conductors, they will help us to gradually disperse the built-up charge.
- Finally, we can drink plenty of water before jumping. As we already explained, moisture prevents static buildup. On the other hand, this may not be the best idea, as the water will bounce in our stomach as we jump, making us feel sick.
We’d also like to add that people with long hair can easily anticipate static shock. Due to the trampoline static, their hair will bristle.
Anti-Static Spray for Trampolines
As the name suggests, this spray prevents the trampoline mat from building up a static charge. It does so by creating a thin protective coating. There is a variety of anti-static sprays you can find in stores or online, such as this one. However, we’re more keen on DIY projects, so we’ll show you how to mix an antistatic solution.
Regarding the necessary ingredients, we’ll need one tablespoon each of both rubbing alcohol and fabric softener. Then, we’ll mix that with two tablespoons of water. Finally, we’ll pour the solution into a spray bottle, and we’re done.
Now, let us quickly explain why this solution is antistatic. Basically, the fabric softener makes any material mildly conductive. This is why our clothes don’t stick together after washing. Moreover, the rubbing alcohol makes the fluid evaporate fast, so we don’t have to wait long before we jump into action.
How to Make Static Electricity on a Trampoline
As we already explained, rubbing two materials together can cause a static charge. This charge is released when the surplus of electrons decides to ˝jump˝ on another material.
But, which materials should we use to intentionally produce static on a trampoline?
Polypropylene, which becomes negatively charged when it comes into contact with another material, is a common material to make a trampoline canvas from, l. Since static shock is caused by differently charged materials coming into contact, we’ll need a material that gains a positive charge to successfully make static electricity. Specifically, wearing wool, silk or fur clothes should do the trick if our canvas is made from polypropylene. Moreover, dry skin is also positively charged.
Conversely, the trampoline manufacturer might have used nylon to make the mat. While we are jumping on the trampoline, static charge builds up inside the mat. Since it is a type of material that becomes positively charged, we should opt for negatively charged materials. Such materials include polyester, vinyl or rubber.
Final Thoughts
Static shock, though not extremely dangerous, can sure be annoying. What irritates us the most is the fact that it happens when we least expect it. However, being able to anticipate it or prevent it gives us the advantage of enjoying our trampoline time shock-free.
With this in mind, take a closer look at your clothing labels. Knowing what materials we wear can help us to either avoid or intentionally cause a static shock.
We hope this article will help you avoid further shocking trampoline troubles. If you found it helpful, please share it and let us know if we missed any other ways of avoiding static shock in the comments below.
