Static electricity question

A good question. Modern circuits are hardened and less susceptible to damage. Theoretically, you should have a ground wire attached to your wrist when working on circuit boards. Probably you were wearing a nylon jacket, which generates much static. Touching the coupler should not damage the boards

Just to clarify, I wasn't working on the circuit board. I was simply running the locomotive on a piece of track, and I touched the coupler while kneeling down on the carpet. Very small spark, but what concerned me was that the engine shut down briefly, and I had to re start it.

I think it is more likely a short. I just had to replace a coupler because it would fire if moved in the right place. Just have a look at the wires and see if you can make it  happen again.

@Traincollector, Static Electricity and Trains do not mix. When I serviced computers and their hardware, we always use a static mat and a wrist grounding strap to prevent a static buildup on our bodies from damaging electronics. This is applicable not just to computers, but anything with sensitive electronic components, including our toy/model trains.

Here is a video about ESD:

ESD Mat and Wristband:

So to get back to your main question, yes, it is possible (but not a certainty) for a static buildup on your body to damage your train equipment. However, in your case, I think that it is more probable that the electronic coupler may have an issue and is shorting out.

As for referencing the static mat and wristband, anyone doing professional work should have and use one, but when I am at home working on my own things, I frequently just make sure to touch a good ground before working on sensitive electronics.

https://ogrforum.com/...06#77734316068443206

I don't know if they still do it, but MTH used to recommend working on a grounded mat when upgrading to PS2.  I would note that train boards are in circuits where sparking and surges are commonplace:  moving derailments usually create much sparking & surging.  Installing a TVS in a loco would be a good idea, although I haven't gone to the effort.

Sounds like you may have escaped damage this time, but that sparking is shortening the life of the electronics.