Elk M1KP blows out due to static electricity build up when panel touched

[kanedl]

I have blown out 3 Elk M1KP key panels due to static electricity build up when I am walking toward the panel over carpet.  I have 4 panels installed, but only two in carpeted rooms, and only one of these where there is a long walk over carpet to get to the panel.  This is the one I keep blowing out.  The failure occurs when I walk up and touch the panel to arm/disarm.  The result is the display ceases to be readable.  In one case of the three the panel still worked, but the display was garbage.
 
I have a recurring problem on all 4 panels that occasionally, when I lower the door to access the keys the panel resets and I have to wait about 15-30 seconds for it to be functional again.  When you are trying to disarm an alarm you accidently tripped this is a problem.
 
Anyone have any idea how to prevent these problems?

 

[elvisimprsntr]

You must live in an extremely low humidity climate. Seems like you may have a wiring/grounding issue. I would to contact Brad Weeks at Elk for advice. Send an email to [email protected]

 

[kanedl]

I did talk to both Brad & Amy at Elk tech support on this issue.  They are always very helpful.  Their only recommendation was to remove the metal decorative band on the keypad, which I have now done.  They say this has been of some help in the past, but neither of them were very definite on a solution.  I have now ordered a replacement keypad and will remove the band on the new one prior to installation & see what results i have.  I will post the results here either when the new one blows out of after several months if it does not.  Winter is usually the worst.

 

[cobra]

There are a bunch of ways to control static... it sounds like the ELK keypads aren't tested to a high enough static discharge standard...
 
You could add a humidifier to your house in the winter to cut down on static.  Or a simpler thing is to ground yourself before touching the panel, although that is kind of a pain to remember all the time.  Touch a metal light switch plate or some other grounded object before using the touch panel.  
 
Do you see/feel the static when you touch the panels?  Is there a visible spark or do you hear it?
 
There are also anti-static sprays you could use on the carpet to reduce static build up.

 

[kanedl]

Well, after 1 day of the metal band being removed the keypad resurrected itself!  Thanks for all the good input.  I have removed the band from all keypads.  Wish I had seen this fix before I ordered the replacement.

 

[mikefamig]

Or if possible connect the metal band to the metal outlet box with a small wire.

 

[video321]

I was going to suggest grounding it as well.
 
I don't have a KP... what is this metal band?

 

[Del91574]

chrome trim on the keypad. also has some metal mesh on each side of the keypad itself, where the prox plugs in and roughly where the thermistor for temperature is.

 

[foxtail22]

I have had the same issue.  It blew out one keypad completely, on another static destroyed one of the sections of the LCD screen.  I tried grounding and if anything it makes it worse because it provides a better path for the static charge.  An antistatic mat under the thermostat seems to work but it is not very attractive in your carpeted area.  I have a pair of leather slippers and I don't even dare come near the keypad with those on.  I put a metal cover on a nearby light switch and zap the charge off to that before touching the keypad.