Repeated Static Shock From New Rack Server

Question

I recently bought a single rack server, but I often get shocked when I touch the full-metal case. It seems to take 20-30 minutes to "charge" between shocks, but I'm not enthusiastic about testing that statistic further. It's connected to a properly grounded surge protector and no other objects touch it besides the wooden desk it lays on, which in turn stands on a tile floor. I assume the shock is static as I can safely touch the case after each shock. If I'm in relatively consistent contact with the case, no static charge builds. Only when it sits idle for an extended period of time do I experience these shocks. Put simply:

1. Metal case causes regular static shocks when left untouched long enough
2. Power Setup: server → surge protector → grounded wall outlet (indicated by the surge protector)

I know nothing about electricity, so can someone please explain possible sources of this static and potential fixes? Might my surge protector or house wiring be faulty, or is this an unavoidable feature, however unlikely? Thank you for reading.

Answer 1

Static buildup typically occurs in homes due to walking on carpets. There are spray on static treatments for carpets. Before you enter the room and touch the case, discharge the static buildup somewhere else. Screws on light switches tend to be a good place to do this.

Another way to reduce static electricity is to increase the humidity in the environment. Be careful not to exceed the manufacturers recommendations regarding humidity.

Ultimately you aren't doing any damage to anything. Discharging static on this rack before touching anything inside of it is exactly good practice. It's what I've done in every data center I've ever worked in. The reason that you don't build up a static charge while touching the rack, is because you are grounded. This is because the rack is grounded.