How To Install A Dehumidifier In Your Gun Safe?

It’s not uncommon for gun owners to be concerned about their shooting gear and weapons that have been stored for a long time. Are they going to rust, or will they cease to work?

The first thing you should know is that humidity and moisture are responsible for damage inside your safe. Rust and mold are created by these elements, which can cause damage to your guns and valuables.

That’s the main reason why you are here, isn’t it? You can end up ruining your guns, ammunition, and accessories if there is too much humidity. Let me show you how to install a dehumidifier in your gun safe so that you won’t have to worry about moisture anymore.

You must use a  dehumidifier particularly if you live in an area with high humidity levels and if you use a fireproof gun safe. After all, guns can be damaged by too much moisture.

However, it is still something that every gun owner with a gun safe should think about. Now, how are you going to do that? It is quite easy. Just follow these steps as I explain the entire installation process.

How Many Dehumidifiers Should You Use?

Installing a gun-safe dehumidifier involves knowing the number of dehumidifiers you need. Depending on how large your firearm safe is, it is necessary to install a number of dehumidifiers.

It is also necessary to consider how many guns you will be stored inside the safe, and how humid the area around the safe will be.

Before installing a dehumidifier, you should check the humidity level of an empty safe to ensure the correct temperature is being read.

Then, you can measure the humidity inside your safe after placing your firearms inside. You can estimate the number of dehumidifiers you need by knowing the dimensions of your gun safe.

Proper Placement Is Everything

When it comes to dehumidifiers, there are different models. Your next step will be to find the best place in your gun safe to keep it, depending on which one you choose.

It may be necessary to connect a dehumidifier rod to the electricity supply in your home if you are using one. There is usually some sort of slit or hole near the bottom of the safe where you can pass the cable through.

The most effective way to use a rod-style dehumidifier is to place it on the base of the safe. Thus, the heat and humidity come out of the air as the heat rises.

You can place silica gel dehumidifiers almost anywhere. There is no need to worry about their performance or their location.

Where To Place Dehumidifiers In Gun Safe?

Dehumidifiers should be placed on the floor of your gun safe when it comes to placement. Dehumidifiers work by absorbing humidity from inside a safe.

When you have a taller gun safe, it is advisable to expose the device between the racks under the firearms. To absorb humidity, you can place the dehumidifier on a broader gun safe below the corners of the rack, which will allow hot air to rise.

It’s Important To Choose The Right Model

Nowadays most safes are fitted with one of two types of dehumidifiers. The first is a silica gel device, and the second is a rod unit. Their jobs are the same, but their approaches are slightly different.

Personal preference is really what determines which one you choose. There are some people who prefer one method to another. Regardless of your final choice, you shouldn’t see tremendous differences in the results you get.

With a rod-type dehumidifier, warm air is provided in the safe through an electrical device. It produces the same end results as silica gel, as it dries the air out. These are also called goldenrods.

Unlike the electric models, the gel models don’t use electricity and can be placed anywhere within the safe. Then they absorb any moisture present in the air. These little gel packs are similar to those that are used to keep things like shoes dry while they remain in their boxes.

Safety Tips Before Installing a Dehumidifier

The following tips should be considered before installing a gun-safe dehumidifier.

• Dehumidifiers should not be used with other plugs.
• When installing the device, unplug the dehumidifier.
• If the cord is damaged, do not use the dehumidifier.
• Dehumidifiers should never be used around explosives or fumes.
• Dehumidifiers, cords, and plugs should not be immersed in water.
• Gun-safe dehumidifiers are designed for indoor use.
• Understand the intricacies of a gun safe being too dry.

DIY Gun Safe Dehumidifier Installation

In order for the dehumidifier to work properly inside the gun safe, you must first read the instructions. You should also measure the humidity around your gun safe. Here are the steps for installing a dehumidifier in a gun safe:

1. The dehumidifier should be placed horizontally and below the gun safe.
2. Pass through the inside of an electrical cord that extends outside of the safe’s walls. A pre-drilled hole is typically found on gun safes, where the wire can be placed.
3. Clips should be used for mounting the rod.
4. Be sure not to block the safe’s hinges by screwing the clips.
5. Ensure that the wire is cut and that the plug housing back cover is removed.
6. Attach the prongs to the cord and secure it in the cavity.
7. Connect the cord as far as possible into the plug housing.
8. Make sure the plug housing cover is closed before locking the plug cord inside.
9. The dehumidifier rod should be plugged into the power outlet.

How To Connect A Dehumidifier Rod In A Gun Safe

Dehumidifiers with rods are quite popular among gun owners and really effective at keeping your guns dry and rust-free. In addition to the rising temperature, the air is heated inside, and the rods vent the heat out along with moisture. It is simple to install a rod model. Follow these steps:

You should choose a place where your shooting gear and contents are not blocking the airflow. You should place it between the bottom of your safe, the bottom of the firearms, and the top of the safe.

The dehumidifying rod must be detached from the electric cord. The rod should be positioned at the bottom of the safe, facing the front. The electric cord should be fed through the hole in the back of the safe and reattached to the rod. You might need to drill a hole if none is present.

You should be able to turn on the rod and it will work. Make sure the electric dehumidifier is working well and schedule some maintenance to keep it running.

Arrange Your Guns to Allow Airflow

You have to consider more than where you place your dehumidifier. Additionally, you need to determine how the air will flow through the contents of the safe.

The guns should be well spaced out, ideally. When you have quite a few guns and your safe isn’t particularly big, this might not be the easiest thing to do. If, however, you have a relatively large, empty safe, then the process will be much easier.

However, if you haven’t yet chosen a safe, you might opt for one that’s bigger than you really need. By doing so, you will ensure that your firearm has enough room for air to flow through it at all times.

Racking Up Your Guns

Dehumidifiers are only part of a solution based on where they are placed. Additionally, you have to figure out how to allow air to pass through the contents of the gun safe.

It is important to spread out the weapons properly. Though it is difficult to do if you have a small safe and own a lot of firearms. We recommend that you choose a larger gun safe than what you need if you have not yet purchased one. Your firearms will breathe easier if you have a spacious gun safe.

Remember To Carry Out Maintenance

You can leave the model working day after day after you have installed the model that you prefer. Nevertheless, you should also keep in mind that you might need to work on it at some point.

As an example, once the silica gel models have absorbed as much moisture as they can, they will need to be dried or reactivated. In most cases, you can notice this because the beads change color over time.

Your safe’s humidity levels and the length of time it takes between maintenance checks will greatly influence how often you should have them done. You can expect it to last you a certain amount of time, but this won’t be accurate.

Consider keeping a note that tells you when you need to perform maintenance. This can be clearly marked with the date and affixed to the side of the safe or somewhere else that’s evident.

There is no maintenance required for rod-style dehumidifiers. In any case, it is always a good idea to check on it from time to time to make sure it is still working.

Final Words

It is actually very easy to install a dehumidifier in your gun safe. Choosing the right model for your needs is the more difficult part.

If you handle your firearms properly, you can expect them to last a long time. As long as too much humidity is not present, they will not suffer the various types of damage caused by too much moisture over time.