Static Electricity

Static grounding is the practice of bonding equipment to a verified earth point so static electricity has a safe path to ground instead of discharging as a spark. It’s especially important during transfer operations in hazardous locations, where flammable vapors or powders may be present. Earth-Rite^® systems combine heavy-duty grounding clamps with continuous monitoring, giving operators clear visual confirmation and interlocks to help prevent static-related incidents.

A static grounding system verifies a low electrical connection between equipment and a designated earth point so static charge can dissipate during material transfer. Newson Gale’s Earth-Rite^® range is built for hazardous locations (HAZLOC), combining ground verification, continuous monitoring (10 ohms or less), and interlocks which can be utilized to control pumps or valves. This helps operators reduce static-related ignition risk during tanker truck, railcar, Ex IBC, drum, and powder handling operations.

Grounding doesn’t stop electrostatic charge from being generated — it provides a controlled path to reduce the risk of electrostatic charge accumulation. If the connection is poor or intermittent, static can still accumulate and discharge. That’s why Newson Gale focuses on verified grounding: Earth-Rite^® systems continuously monitor the connection (typically to 10 ohms or less) and can interlock with the process, helping ensure electrostatic control is maintained during the entire transfer.

In static control applications, “good ground” usually means a low-resistance path that’s consistent and verifiable—not a one-time check. Newson Gale's HAZLOC grounding systems use a permissive threshold of 10 ohms or less for the monitored circuit.