Dehumidifier -safety issue

[JScott]

I have a one car attached garage that can get very humid in the summer. it is not heated or airconditioned.
The problem is that I have three motorcycles in there and they actually get mold on the non-metal surfaces and I want to take some moisture out.

One is a vintage bike and the fuel system is not what it is on bikes today. It is not dripping gas per se but you can smell vapors in the air near the bike.

So, I have a new DeLonghi dehumidifier (with a built in pump) that I really like and it works well. However, I've stopped using it as I have concerns that a spark could create a little fireworks show. Considering my kids are sleeping right upstairs from the garage I've decided I like them more then a dry garage.
Am I being overcautious?
Is there another avenue to take here?
Would elevating the unit really make a difference?
If I installed some type of full A/c heating system on the wall would I get the effects of dehumidifying without the risk? (although the cost would be mcuh greater)

 

[Junkman]

A dehumidifier is a closed refrigeration circuit, and I don't believe that there are any sparks that can present a problem. The moist air is drawn across a cold coil, and the condensing moisture is then dropped into a collection vessel, such as a pail. Since the refrigeration compressor is a sealed unit, I don't see any possibility of a spark. You might want to contract the manufacturer for their advise on the situation..

 

[Torque1st]

The sparks won't come from the motor, they will come from the switch if any.

A blower or vent fan set up to blow air into the garage would not be exposed to any fumes.

At the moment I can't think of any reasons not to use a fan but there may be some.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Codes require water heaters and the like to be elevated 18" to raise them out of the area where fumes are likely to accumulate, so why not do the same with the dehumidifier? Gasoline fumes are heavy, and will lie close to the floor.

Charles

 

[JScott]

Thanks guys. JustBoosted has the right idea. Time for a Mythbusters experiment! Also, the manufactuer recommends not using the unit near gas appliances. And, indeed the spark could come from the switches as noted. Also, Charles is right. Local codes do specify water heaters to be elevated so I was thinking of going that route.

I wrote to the manufacturer by the way and they said they would refer it to their "resarch" department. I never heard from them again. Maybe they are building a tent in the driveway right now and putting in a can of gasoline and...............

 

[PAToyota]

As others have stated, elevate the dehumidifier and don't worry about it that much - elevating it will also make it easier to run a drain line.

If you had enough of a problem with fuel vapors, you should also be concerned about using light switches, other electric appliances or tools, or even starting a vehicle in the garage.

Being cautious is never a bad thing and better to ask the questions, but I don't think the dehumidifier is that great of a concern.

 

[JScott]

As others have stated, elevate the dehumidifier and don't worry about it that much - elevating it will also make it easier to run a drain line.

If you had enough of a problem with fuel vapors, you should also be concerned about using light switches, other electric appliances or tools, or even starting a vehicle in the garage.

Being cautious is never a bad thing and better to ask the questions, but I don't think the dehumidifier is that great of a concern.

Thanks PA. That's the way I'm leaning. The odor is concntrated near the bike itself. I've run other eletrical items in the garage and probably thrown sparks as well. I think elevating it is probably a good thing anyway.