Static shocks and how to avoid them Static shocks, and how to avoid them Email Dr Jeremy Smallwood to give me feedback on this article. Many people ask about shocks experienced when they touch the door, filing cabinet, lift, or other metal object.
Static electricity is generated whenever two materials are in contact with each other.
All materials are made of electrical charges in the material atoms. These generally try to stay in balance of equal amounts at every location. However, when two materials are in contact, some of the charges redistribute by moving from one material to the other. This leaves an excess of positive charge on one material, and an equal negative charge on the other. When the materials move apart, each takes it's charge with it.