Eliminate Static Electricity from Insulation Blowing and Vacuum Hose
Static electricity builds up in the hose in low humidity conditions and when the material (e.g., fiberglass) is dry. Whether you are blowing or vacuuming, this static electricity cannot be avoided when the conditions are right. Sometimes, this can present a very powerful jolt to the person at the end of the hose.
Yes. Anti-static hose is available. It is very expensive. a 50 foot length of 3″ anti-static hose runs $500 (as of the year 2015). 4″ diameter hose with a 50 foot length is $755 (plus shipping).
Here is an alternative that really works! You can make your own static eliminator. The illustration below shows a couple of sections of hose. Figure A is a steel hose connector that is placed within 10 feet of the end of the hose. If you place the connection any further back from the person at the end of the hose, he will still get static electricity. Loosely coil a strand of wire (Figure B) around the hose and attach the end to an iron stake that is driven into the ground (Figure C) to ground the current that builds up.