Current from static electricity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of static electricity, specifically addressing the generation of a spark when touching an unplugged laptop charger after rubbing socks on a carpet. The focus includes the nature of current flow, its duration, and implications for electrical safety.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the current flows for only a tiny fraction of a second, suggesting this brief duration is insufficient to trigger a breaker.
  • Another participant estimates the current to be around a few tens of milliamps, indicating that this level is significantly below the fuse's rating.
  • A separate comment questions the intent behind the action, implying a concern for potential damage to the laptop charger.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the brief duration and low magnitude of the current as reasons for the breaker not tripping, but there is no consensus on the implications of repeatedly generating static electricity near the charger.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address the specific thresholds for current that would trip a breaker or the potential long-term effects of static discharges on electronic devices.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in static electricity, electrical safety, and the behavior of electrical devices in response to static charges may find this discussion relevant.

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If I rub my socks around on the carpet, then touch the end of my unplugged laptop charger, and get a spark, why doesn't the breaker pop?
 
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The current flows only for a tiny fraction of a second. That's way too short a time.
 
and its really low current, maybe ~ a few 10's of mA - way below the fusing current rating of that fuse

Dave
 
Thanks
 
Are you actually trying to damage your laptop charger ! If not then best stop now.
 

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