Am I the only one that gets zapped by metal earphones?

[jakeXT]

4. I have never used a treadmill, sounds scary

Last edited Tue Sep 10, 2013, 12:20 PM - Edit history (1)

Background:
While the shock can be alarming it is not related to the electrical components of the
treadmill in most cases. Instead, it is more often related to the buildup of an electrostatic
charge through the interaction of the user and the belt of the treadmill and can be
exasperated by low relative humidity in the fitness facility. Electrostatic charges seek a path
to ground in order to discharge. When a user builds up a large static charge, the charge
seeks a place to discharge to ground. Much like the shock a person would realize when
touching the metal screws near a light switch after walking across a carpeted floor, the
treadmill user has built up a large static charge and the headphones provide the path to
ground. The electrostatic discharge spark occurs from the inside of the ear through the
sound opening in the earphone to the speaker inside then through the wiring to ground

safe-wise.com/downloads/HotTopicEelctrostaticShockonTreadmills.pdf

The only problems I have are knots in the cord or one ear piece providing no or only minimal sound.