PJ

Thanks Sh3lock - I figured I'll need to give more information but in essence, the question arises from a potential discharge between a plastic board and a metal grid, The distance is about 30 mm. When creating a static charge, I can measure 15kV with this device http://www.detectortechnologies.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=20. Considering the 3kV/mm I shouldn't see or hear arcing over that distance ... I could probably come up witha little higher voltage but for 30 mm that would require almost 100kV ... So I feel like I am missing something.

How does the voltage measured at the surface of a material compare to the voltage that drives electrostatic discharge? I am using the following instrument:

http://www.detectortechnologies.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=20

Is it equivalent, meaning is that the voltage that would be needed to overcome the dielectric strength of air and result in a discharge?

How is the dielectric strength of air affected in reality. Consider dust, humidity, temperature, and air pressure, how much lower or higher does the 3 kV/mm value go?

In the case of static electricity discharge, how can I calculate how much energy is given off (i.e., arrives at the recipient side)?