[mds33200]

Hi, I would like to be able to detect static eletricity quantitativley, the measurement doesnt have to be EXACT but just looking to tell the diference between an area with alot of static in the air, and areas with little static in the air.

The reason is for my work- at work we deal with electronics assembly and the hardest thing to deal with is static (and dust). Especially in our lens assembly area- where we install clear plastic lenses (into electronic equipment). Here even one piece of dust is one piece to many. Most of the time the plastic lenses have a charge on them because dust easily sticks to them. Even after cleaning the lens with a microfiber cloth, often a few single pieces of dust end up back on the inside of the lens, thanks to static. The plastic lens acts as a virtual dust magnet attracting any dust fibers in the air. Our hepa air filters help a TON by cleaning the air but there is still enough dust in the air that small pieces end up back on the lenses after cleaning them off. We also have an antistatic machine to assist in the static removal, works quite well but I am just looking for a way to detect how much static is in a specific location.

Dont want to spend a ton of money, I saw an EFT machine on ebay for like 35 bucks. Will that work or would it be a waste of money / time to use an instrument so cheap?

My current method of static detection is what I call the "balloon test", I fill two balloons up with air then I rub them against my shirt for 20 seconds (each). I put one under the antistatic machine (ionizer) and put another under a slow fan (which is about the same speed that the ionizer blows) and wait a few minutes. I then take the balloons and put them under a pile of dust- the one under the ionizer always picks up virtually no dust, proving it has done its job. So its ok if the EMF machine isn’t 100% accurate, just has to be somewhat accurate.
Any further info would be appreciated!