Electrically Ground Your Press?

[powaybob]

I was reading through Alliant's website on handling and storing powder. They note that static electricity can ignite powder, not exactly news, but it got me thinking.

I live in inland San Diego County, where we get a lot of very low humidity days that allow static charges to build up.

Has anyone had any issues with static discharges while reloading? Does anyone ground their press or wear a static discharge wristband while reloading?

[freonr22]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...press+grounded here is a thread i posted not too long ago regarding your question. the answers I received were interesting to be sure

[a.tinkerer]

Bob-

static electricity can ignite powder, not exactly news, but it got me thinking...

If you're getting issues with static electricity, there's no good reason to NOT protect yourself and your loading bench from the effects.

Static charges will also cause powder to cling to some powder scales and powder measures.
No static = no cling = accurate loading.
(at the least...)




Cheers
Tinker

[powaybob]

Freonr22,
Thanks for the thread. I think I'll ground my press since it is simple enough to do.

[ireload]

Powaybob you can use dryer sheets to remove static from powder dispensers, powder scales, and even vibrating cleaners. I do. It works pretty good actually. Just a quick wipe down of the outside. I live somewhat inland and does experience some low humidity. On days there static build up I just touch the side of my vehicle parked in the garage to discharge. I'm ok for the rest of the loading session.

[badreligion]

My presses and powder measures and the center 4' section of my work/reloading bench are gounded to both my house electrical system and a seperate ground rod located outside my garage.

Between that and dryer sheets I don't have problem with static on my equipment.

[gregm727]

Thank you Alliant for the Public Service Announcement, disclaimer of liabilty and other BS. There are more than a few mechanisms for igniting powder, but the likelyhood of this happening in your reloading room via a static discharge is almost as good as winning the lottery on Alpha Centauri Prime.

The static discharge has no heat value and no current to speak of, which is why grounding your press for this reason is just plain silly. But don't let me stop you, by all means ground it if that makes you feel good. Just don't perpetuate misinformation.

Go here for your answer:

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_...ks/sparks.html

[badreligion]

greg, I completely agree with you that the chances of igniting powder via static discharge are less than 1 in a 100000000000000000000000000.

I do to keep my equipment as neutral as possible both electrically and magnetically.