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OH, USA
Posted: 8/17/2026 9:38:19 PM EDT
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I have been using the dessicant style dehumidifiers and decided to go to plug in type. I purchased the hornady red dehumidifiers and curious what other people use. Can you have one thats too large? What is too close for a firearm and optics to be to the rod? I tested it and it seems to be around 125f. The dessicant style failed me as I found a spot of rust on a barrel where it was making contact with the light fabric that is on the shelves. I decided that I was no longer trusting of that style. Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance! |
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The dew point is the temp at which relative humidity becomes 100% and relative humidity determines the temp at which water vapor can condense. Raise the temp above the dew point and you reduce the risk of condensation formation. Air inside the safe that is cooler than ambient air is no bueno. That scenario will decrease the temp below the dew point and cause condensation to collect within the safe. Think cold beverage stored inside the fridge, removed and because its colder than ambient temp condensation begins to collect. See the dew point chart below... https://www.protectiveindustrialpolymers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Dew-Point-Graphic.jpg You can attack the problem by increasing the temp inside the safe above the dew point, reducing absolute humidity (dehumidifier) inside the safe, or both. There are those who argue that because the safe is not a closed system that using both methods is counterproductive, as the more humid ambient air will find its way into the safe to achieve equilibrium within the safe. I have not found this to be the case. I personally prefer to use lightbulbs and a PEET dryer to raise the temp. The golden rod has never given me enough of a rise in temp inside my safes. It may be a size issue. The Peet dyer and lightbulbs do a much better job. PEET SafeKeeping Gun Safe Dryer and Dehumidifier Additionally, you can use volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) chips/packs. VCI molecules sit on the surface of metal and prevent the electrochemical oxidization process. The beauty of VCI is that the appropriately sized chip/capsule will protect a certain volume. Choose the right size and replace per manufacturer’s instructions. The VCI molecules treat all surfaces (including cracks and crevices) within the treatment zone. I like these: Zerust VC2-2 NoRust Vapor Capsule - Pack of 4 Amazon.com: Zerust VC2-2 NoRust Vapor Capsule - Pack of 4 - Made in USA : Automotive More information can be found here: Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) and Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor - What Is It and How It Works. My safe is stored in a room with HVAC. I also have a powered dehumidifier in the room that only kicks on when needed. In the past it has been in a garage and in a basement that vents to the outside with standard basement vents. When it was in the former two locations I also used the rechargeable large EvaDry desiccant type dehumidifiers. I’ve not needed those since moving it into an air conditioned space. I use a home weather meter with the outdoor sensor in the safe, the indoor portion outside the safes to monitor conditions. With my setup, in all those scenarios it stays about 4 degrees warmer than ambient temp and around 47-50% humidity inside the safes. The ambient humidity of the room tends to be about 60%. |
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