The present invention provides an electrostatic spraying device which includes a primary charge return path between the device and the target to be sprayed and circuitry for warning the operator of potentially hazardous spraying conditions. More particularly, the present invention includes circuitry for warning the operator of conditions wherein the primary charge path is inadequate and other conditions in which the return of spray current via the primary charge path is affected.

An indicator light apparatus having two terminals, one of the terminals being connected to the common or ground circuit of an electrostatic spray gun, preferably by connection to a grounded spray gun handle, the other terminal being placed in the proximity of the electrostatic field generated by the spray gun, so as to collect voltage charges emitted from the high voltage electrode of the spray gun and to conduct these charges to ground through the light indicator, which is typically a neon light or the like. The presence of electrostatic high voltage causes sufficient current flow through a light indicator to illuminate the light and provide an indication that the high voltage circuits are operating properly.

A safety harness for use with an electrostatic spray paint gun is disclosed which fits over the feed tube and the barrel of a standard electrostatic spray gun and acts both to protect the hand of the spray gun operator from an electrostatic discharge and to provide an indication of the electrostatic operation of the spray gun. A T-shaped safety shield made of non-conductive material is placed over the portions of the spray gun which may develop an electrostatic charge thereon, and is held onto the spray gun by mating strips of material. Located on the inner surface of the safety shield is a thin sheet of conductive foil which acts to channel the discharge through a wire to illuminate an indicator light located remote from the spray gun in a highly visible position.

An actuator for electrically charging an aerosol spray has an inductor located adjacent to the spray nozzle to induce a charge on the atomized fluid. Charge to the inductor is provided by a piezoelectric crystal which is stressed by movement of an operating member to open the spray valve. Inductor charging utilizes negligible electrical power so that additional power sources are not required. The crystal may be stressed continuously such as by squeezing, or intermittently, such as by striking. When an intermittent stressing is utilized, the electrical circuit includes a switch between the crystal and inductor which is opened as the valve is opened to isolate electrically the inductor during spraying.