Make a handheld Vacuum Cleaner an Anti-Static tool?

Question

out of ABS plastic that must create a lot of static electricity when in operation.

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I'd quite like to use it to clean dust out from electronic equipment.

From another vacuum cleaner (industrial photo-copier maintenance thing) I have a short conductive hose and various end tools, so I'm almost there; but I need to ground something - possibly the hose coupling to the cleaner.

Would that work? Or would the passing air circumvent it, and become charged anyway.

If so, I think I might need to make conductive and internally ground parts of the vacuum cleaner, using metal loaded paint and/or aluminium tape. Work that I want to avoid if possible.

oldschool · Accepted Answer

While I am not 100% sure, I would think that any metal tip on the vac which is well grounded, should work. I'd probably find some pipe and duct tape it to the vac. Then apply a ground wire to it.

John Larkin · Answer

Just do it. Air is not going to zap electronic gear. --  John Larkin         Highland Technology, Inc lunatic fringe electronics

tabbypurr · Answer

e      What needs grounding is the nozzle/hose. If it's somewhat conductive plasti c, just tying the bare mains earth wire round it would work. NT

tschw10117 · Answer

Disagree.

High velocity air moving over plastic can create a massive static charge. I f your electronic are on the receiving end of an ESD jolt from the vacuum, it can do real damage. I have first hand industrial experience in this matt er.

Terry

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Make a handheld Vacuum Cleaner an Anti-Static tool?

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