Destructive electrostatic discharge damage prevention of garments

摘要

Disclosed are methods and arrangements for reducing or preventing the build-up of static charge and/or subsequent electrical discharge in a worn item of clothing. The electrostatic discharge may be prevented by interposing an insulating layer (34) of high dielectric strength at a conductive element (31) of an item of clothing (comprising fabric layers 32 and 33) such that the conductive element (31) is insulated from either the skin of the wearer or an outer garment worn over the item of clothing. The insulating layer (34) is a separate element from the conductor (31). Other arrangements include: contact-minimising features on undergarments and conducting portions between garments or between a garment and the wearer’s skin to discharge the garment.