Static Electricity Issues

[RobertColt]

Hello, I have this odd issue with static electricity and my computer. My computer is sitting on a small shelf under my desk, elevated off the ground, but the power strip is resting on my carpet. If I'm folding laundry in my room or if I get a static shock anywhere in the room, even 5-8 feet away from the computer desk, my speakers will pop and I can see rare artifacts on my TV. This will happen EVERY time I am shocked or the laundry shocks itself in my room. Unfortunately recently my TV's HDMI port stopped functioning as well as the graphics card that was plugged into it. I can't say for certain static somehow traveled there and did it, but I can't confirm it didn't either. Is there any sort of mat or material I can put down under my computer desk and the power strip that will ground it and prevent these issues from happening after I replace my card?

 

[Cdog042501]

Is your shelf made of metal???

 

[Dugimodo]

Anti static mats do exist, but won't really make any difference unless you are standing on it while folding your laundry. Is it really necessary to do laundry in the same room as the PC ? It's unlikely the static is leaping across the room, through the grounded metal case of your PC, and causing harm. Much more likely is the PC is picking up RF interference from the sparks like having a strong radio transmitter nearby for an instant.

Static can be an issue for exposed circuits, but generally once mounted in a case they are pretty safe from it. Any static would be discharged through the case to ground and never reach the components.

 

[Shoomer]

I very much doubt it's static that is causing any of your problems. But just in case it is (but it isn't) just touch a heating radiator, they're grounded. Any charge goes straight to the centre of the Earth (well not really but it will discharge) Anti-static products are all a bloody con. If you really are worried then just touch something grounded.

 

[RobertColt]

Is your shelf made of metal???

No, it's a wooden desk with plastic wheels.