LifeLongWNYer
Well-known member
I am moving a safe and have some questions on keeping the contents dry.
In the previous location, I used a product called a "Golden Rod", which is a small plastic tube with a low temp heating element in it. I just discovered that the device quit working and the manufacturer will not respond to my questions on warranty coverage. Therefore, I am looking for an alternative.
Ooops; let me add that the house is a 1880's era structure, with a very damp basement. In the winter, the hydrometer ( in the cellar ) reads between 70-80% and in the summer it is between 90 and 100%. That said, the first floor shows no signs of dampness or high humidity.
The safe will be located on the first floor living quarters, albeit a room which has minimal heat during the winter. By that, I mean, about 60 degrees when not in use, but I will raise it to 68-70 on the evenings when I am in there.
I have used the cans of desiccant, which seem to absorb moisture rather quickly, and then require a 2 - 3 hour baking in a 350 degree oven to dry them back out. It appears to me that this is a fairly expensive way to keep a cabinet dry.
A buddy suggested a low level heating pad, such as used under reptile cages. Supposedly, they draw 10 - 15 watts and create enough heat to keep a safe dry.
I've also been told to put a pair of 7 watt night lights in there, and the heat from them is adequate. That sounds a little too small, but I am open to the thoughts of others.
There is also supposed to be a "ceramic" light bulb, which emits not light, only heat. I've never seen one, so don't know anything more on those.
So, what say the experts?
.
In the previous location, I used a product called a "Golden Rod", which is a small plastic tube with a low temp heating element in it. I just discovered that the device quit working and the manufacturer will not respond to my questions on warranty coverage. Therefore, I am looking for an alternative.
Ooops; let me add that the house is a 1880's era structure, with a very damp basement. In the winter, the hydrometer ( in the cellar ) reads between 70-80% and in the summer it is between 90 and 100%. That said, the first floor shows no signs of dampness or high humidity.
The safe will be located on the first floor living quarters, albeit a room which has minimal heat during the winter. By that, I mean, about 60 degrees when not in use, but I will raise it to 68-70 on the evenings when I am in there.
I have used the cans of desiccant, which seem to absorb moisture rather quickly, and then require a 2 - 3 hour baking in a 350 degree oven to dry them back out. It appears to me that this is a fairly expensive way to keep a cabinet dry.
A buddy suggested a low level heating pad, such as used under reptile cages. Supposedly, they draw 10 - 15 watts and create enough heat to keep a safe dry.
I've also been told to put a pair of 7 watt night lights in there, and the heat from them is adequate. That sounds a little too small, but I am open to the thoughts of others.
There is also supposed to be a "ceramic" light bulb, which emits not light, only heat. I've never seen one, so don't know anything more on those.
So, what say the experts?
.
