Why Do We Get Electric Shocks in the Wintertime? - KFYR

Electric shocks in the wintertime happen because weather is a lot drier and less humid, allowing static electricity to build up on clothing, hair, and skin instead of dispersing naturally as it does in humid conditions.

Doorknobs that deliver unwelcome zaps, clothing that clings together, and static electricity in hair are becoming more common as weather becomes drier and less humid, according to a report from KFYR.

The Science of Static Shocks

At Gateway to Science, a demonstration puts static electricity on display to show how a buildup of charge makes things move and causes hair to stand on end. Joe Langenwalter, an assistant physics professor at Bismarck State College, explained that dry air is part of the reason people notice more static this time of year.

When materials touch or rub together, tiny particles called electrons move from one surface to another. While humid air allows that charge to slowly dissipate, dry conditions cause it to accumulate on people, hair, and garments.

And if they don’t have anywhere to go, you’ll get a really, really bad hair day, Langenwalter said.

This physical process is known as the triboelectric effect. Because metal lets electrons move easily, built-up charge can fire in a flash when a person touches a conductive surface.

They’re going to stay there until I touch my metal doorknob. And then the metal will just let all those electrons fly out of it really, really fast, and you get a little shock, Langenwalter said.

Practical Ways to Reduce Shocks

Adding moisture back into the air helps charges spread out before they build up.

I’d say that if people are looking for a way to just stop getting shocked all the time when they wake up in the morning or whatever, your house is probably just too dry and you need to get a humidifier, Langenwalter said.

The EPA advises maintaining indoor humidity levels from 30 to 50 percent for homes with humidifiers, alongside washing portable units once every three days.