Disadvantages of Static Electricity

• Static electricity occurs when there is an imbalance of charges between two objects.
• Static electricity can build up as a result of collisions among the molecules in clouds.
• This can cause a huge spark to form between the ground and the cloud.
• This causes a lightning discharge, therefore, a flow of charge through the atmosphere.
• As aircraft fly through the air, they can become charged with static electricity.
• A build-up of static charge is a potential danger when refuelling aircraft.
• Fuel running through the pipes can provide the friction needed to create a static charge.
• To prevent this, aircraft are earthed with a conductor during refuelling.
• Fuel tankers (bowsers) that transport fuel on roads must be earthed before any fuel is transferred, to prevent sparks causing a fire or explosion.
• Television screen and computer monitors become charged with static electricity when they are powered.
• These charges attract dust.