static electricity

[bill@usps06492]

Is it a code violation or just a bad idea to install bonding jumpers from the frame of a machine, that is giving the workers static shocks, to the building steel, using that as the drain for the charge? I think we have a design problem, but the boss wants a quick fix. I have been told that this is a common problem in other mail processing centers that have this same type of equipment. The electrical feed to the equipment is 480@250amp/ 4wire, and the installer ran all types of grounding bonds, with a main #2 bare copper the entire length of the equipment, and this is tied to the frame and the ground bar where, I tied in the electrical grounding conductor.
bill

 

[ron]

Many stray and static voltage problems are "fixed" by bonding. This is not a code violation, although an attempt at investigation and repair would be the first suggestion.

 

[steve66]

My guess is that another bonding jumper isn't going to help. Sounds like the equipment is already bonded and grounded. I would guess it is probably non-conducting parts that are giving the shocks; things like belts and rollers.

Increasing the humidity might be one suggestion, depending on how dry it currently is. In general, this sounds like a tough problem to get rid of.

Steve