Static discharges on my usb port?

[slash196]

I just went to plug in my USB cable and there was an electrical discharge between the port and the cable. It still seems to be working but is this a big problem and what could be causing it?

 

[C1]

Dry winter weather (low humidity particularly if indoors you heat already dry air using a forced air system) and use carpet flooring. There is always a risk that high voltage static will damage a chip if the path is right.

If this is happening regularly then ensure that you first discharge the spark to the outside housing (grounded side) of the USB. That is, touch the outside USB housing against the computer case (which is notorious for accumulation of static) before attempting the plug-in.

Anyway, that's my advice. No doubt others will disagree or offer better ways.

 

[mfenn]

Dry winter weather (low humidity particularly if indoors you heat already dry air using a forced air system) and use carpet flooring. There is always a risk that high voltage static will damage a chip if the path is right.

If this is happening regularly then ensure that you first discharge the spark to the outside housing (grounded side) of the USB. That is, touch the outside USB housing against the computer case (which is notorious for accumulation of static) before attempting the plug-in.

Anyway, that's my advice. No doubt others will disagree or offer better ways.

:thumbsup:

This is the most likely scenario. If there was an actual short, the system should have shut down (or started a fire!).

 

[hulkhelton]

did you break off the ground part of your computer plug &/or use a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter?