Why Do I Get Shocks When I Touch a Door Knob or Filing Cabinet?

Many people ask about shocks experienced when they touch a door handle, filing cabinet, lift, or other metal object. 

One of the biggest causes of static electric shock in modern commercial buildings is high nylon content in carpets. Nylon and polypropylene carpeting has a tendency to allow static electricity to build-up, particularly during the winter months when the relative humidity is very low. The result is an electrical discharge or shock when anything conductive is touched while standing on the carpet. A carpet containing nylon or polypropylene is a sure way to generate a painful static electric shock!