[KLUG Advocacy] Gas Station Wi-Fi

[Randall Perry]

At 02:09 PM 4/18/2005, you wrote:
>>I'm not surprised.  Maybe next time they can try to make a laptop ignite
>>gasoline.  Or make a gas can explode by not setting it on the ground
>>while filling.
>>
>Actually, that one's probably a lot more legit.  They mentioned in the 
>cell phone episode that most reported gas station fires were caused by 
>static spark between a grounded person and a non-grounded car (it's 
>sitting on rubber tires, which insulate).  If the planets align just 
>right, you could probably start a fire that way.

It happens and has been documented at least a couple of times.  I have seen 
videos of it too (one of those 'reality' shows airing shocking events 
caught on video tape).

The real problem is when you have a plastic liner in the back of your 
pickup truck and you are filling a nylon gas can.
Just a short trip for me to the gas station, and there was already static 
in there from the can sliding in the back.
I am always careful to (well, truck is gone..but i USED to..) take the can out.

There is a very real danger there, and I don't intend to test it.

Randall Perry
www.domain-logic.com