Safes, fire resistance, humidity

[mjrodney]

The typical gun safe contains gypsum wall board of a type to add fire resistance.

This resistance is due, in part, to the ~21% chemically combined moisture content in the gypsum.

That fact aside, some safe vendors will recommend the use of de-humidifiers inside the safe, in certain climates, such as where I live, in Florida.

Would doing so also tend to reduce the effectiveness of the gypsum?

Just a thought.

 

[a1abdj]

The word "dehumidify" is really the wrong word for the device you're talking about.

The plug in dry rods get a little warm, and keep the interior temperature of the safe a few degrees warmer than the outside. This doesn't remove the moisture, but changes the dew point.

This shouldn't have any effect on the gypsum insulation inside the safe.

 

[mjrodney]

Of course. What a dummy I am.

Where would the moisture go anyway? Duh.

Thanks.

 

[skeeter1]

I got a couple of 40 gram aluminum silica gel canisters (from sportsmansguide.com, I think) and put them in my safe. They change color when they're saturated, and then you put them in a 300 degree oven for 3 hours and they're good as new. Of course, my gunsafe might end up smelling like chicken wings... I'll have to see.