Hi Everyone,

I have an unusual problem that i'm hoping someone may be able to help with.

I have an issue whereby clear PVC blinds are creating static while being operated by motors with lithium ion rechargeable batteries in them and that are also using RF remote controls. The problem is that the static is visibly arcing as the blind separates from the roll as it operates, and in particular, sparks are visibly shooting off the end of the blinds to the brackets at both ends looking for earth.

Anti static spray has been applied which did help, but it did not fix the problem entirely.

There is no ground available near the blind, so i'm wondering if there is a device, or a way that i can absorb the remaining static from the blind to a small box i could mount next to, or behind the blind.

My mind draws me towards absorbing with a capacitor and discharging through a light bulb or something of the sort, not that i'm sure how i would go about that and i'm hoping i don't have to Frankenstein something up.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Run a thin piece of wire with one or more of the strings that holds the shades together. Then ground the wires together.

You may have to wrap each tube at each juncture. Could be made aesthetically pleasing to the eyes if done right.

KOT

Anti-static spray is very similar to dish washing liquid. It is just a mildly conductive coating that tends to absorb water from the atmosphere to remain conductive.

Has the manufacturer offered any suggestions?

If you have access to the bearings, introduce a little molybdenum disulfide (Often sold as lock anti-seize) into the bearings. There are various forms and you don't need much. I've had turntable platters and various belts with similar issues. I'll usually use the powder variety and apply the powder to a cotton swab, then to the bearing or the back of the belt. This technique gives me good control of how much and exactly where the powder is applied. An invisible coating does the job.

Another technique would be to introduce a "follower" to contact the blind drum and the frame. This is not my favorite technique because I must fabricate something that is conductive, stays in place, doesn't wear out quickly, and the "rub" does not disfigure the item over time (wearing a "stripe" on the surface).

Thanks for the responses guys. It looks like we have resolved the issue.

We found a supplier of Anti static PVC.

"...looking for earth"

A thing to remember when you're trying to figure out how to fix something like this is that earth is not literally earth, and may be a thing that is not in fact even connected in any way to the earth or electrical ground. What you want to think about instead is that the spark jumps between two things.

What you're looking for is a way to connect together the two things that the spark jumps to and from. A connection from the roller to the brackets will probably solve the problem. These sparks are VERY low in current, so even the thinnest wire will keep a charge from accumulating.

A capacitor would store the charge, allowing for greater current when it discharges, so that, by itself, would just turn a small spark into a show. Lights are basically resistors of some sort, and would work, but since the current is so low, a wire will work.