Apparatus for removing an electrostatic charge from a charge collector

An electrostatic coating system includes a non-arcing electrical discharge zone having an approach section in which an elongated conductor connected to ground through a resistor converges towards the path of travel of a charge collector. The system also includes a contact section in which the conductor is adjacent the travel path of collector and the conductor physically contacts the collector as it passes through the contact section of the discharge zone. Conventional charge dissipation systems usually require separate resistors in each workpiece support member or a plurality of mechanically operated switches. The system initially inductively reduces the charge on the workpiece and then establishes electrical contact when a conductor connected to ground through a resistor is at about the same electrical potential as the workpiece and associated charge collector. The system is particularly useful in electrostatic coating systems having limited clearances which would prohibit the placement of a resistor in the workpiece support member.