To eliminate static problems it is often helpful to determine where the charge is being generated. Electrostatic meters detect and measure the electric fields generated by static charges on objects and materials. They accurately indicate the magnitude, polarity and location of static charges in most industrial and electronic operations. Chapman manufactures two field meters, the ESM 5000 for general industrial use, and the E0S 100 for electronics applications. It does not matter whether a charge is positive or negative, an ionizer will be equally effective on either.
Static electricity is most noticeable with non-conductive materials.
With no free flow of electrons, a static charge dissipates very slowly. Ionization is the only reliable means of eliminating static on non-conductors. Static eliminators ionize air, creating both positive and negative ions continuously. These ions are available to combine with oppositely charged areas on the surface of non-conductors, thus eliminating the static charge. Chapman static eliminators use the principle of electric corona to ionize the air.