In general, static electricity happens because of the movement of electrons from one surface to another. Categories of static electricity include heat-induced charge difference and charge-induced discharge difference. Concrete examples include lightning, which is a powerful transfer of electricity to the ground, and various observable phenomena involving static electricity that is often built up through the rubbing of fabrics or carpets.

Ways that technology has responded to static electricity include the Faraday cage, an 1800s-era invention designed to protect internal areas from electrical interference. One of the modern technologies relevant to static electricity is the anti-static bag or container, or the anti-static strap. These kinds of tools are used to protect sensitive semiconductors and other electrical pieces from a buildup of static electricity that could be harmful to them.