How To Install a Dehumidifier in a Gun Safe

Gun owners take pride in their firearms, and these items should get protection inside a high-quality gun safe. Although some think this item is all they need to protect rifles, there is one more they need – a dehumidifier. But, how do you install it? Why do you need one in your gun safe?

In this piece, we’ll talk about how you can install a dehumidifier right inside your gun safe. We’ll also discuss what a dehumidifier is and why owning one can help keep your valuable possessions in the best possible condition for future use in case of emergencies. Let’s jump right in.

What is a Dehumidifier?

Before we talk about installing a dehumidifier inside, it’s critical to understand what this device is so you can better understand why you’re putting it inside your safe.

A dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from the air. It collects air floating in the air and turns it into a liquid, which it stores inside itself in a tank. You can empty this tank to keep it working.

Now, why do you need a dehumidifier in your gun safe? Even if there is some moisture in the air, it can’t be that much, can it? We’ll talk about the logic behind installing one in your gun safe.

Why Does a Gun Safe Need a Dehumidifier?

Why does a gun safe need a dehumidifier? It can seem like extra work that can cost you both time and money, so there needs to be a solid reason why you would take the time to invest in and install a safe. We have several reasons why a gun safe would benefit from a dehumidifier installation.

Although there are many reasons why a gun safe might benefit from a dehumidifier, here are a few of the strongest reasons behind this installation:

  • Rust prevention: Keeping moisture out of a gun safe can prevent the firearms from dealing with early rusting that can take place if the metal makes a connection with water.
  • Mold prevention: Utilizing a dehumidifier also makes it possible to keep mold out of the safe and off the firearms.
  • Erosion: Over time, water can erode the guns. A dehumidifier limits the access they have to the weapons.

These reasons provide extensive support for installing a dehumidifier inside your gun safe. If you’ve made an investment and want to keep them safe, a dehumidifier can help you do so with ease.

We’ve gone over the reasons that support putting a dehumidifier inside your gun safe. Now, it’s time to talk about how you can install one once you get a dehumidifier on your hands. Let’s talk about the two types of dehumidifiers you can invest in for your safe.

If you are interested to find more about this topic have a look at our full article on the best dehumidifier for gun safe

What’s the Best Dehumidifier for a Gun Safe?

When looking at gun-safe dehumidifiers, there are four overarching types you can purchase. Each of these is different in how they operate and look, among other things, but they both work to remove moisture from the air inside your gun safe.

The four types of dehumidifiers for a gun safe include:

  • Desiccant dehumidifiers: This dehumidifier uses silica beads to absorb water. Some need recharging, some need replacement. You set these inside the safe and check on them every month to ensure they’re in working condition.
  • Electric dehumidifiers: Electric dehumidifiers, on the other hand, use heat to keep the safe at a specific temperature. This temperature prevents the accumulation of liquid inside the safe and stops growths from attaching to the equipment.
  • Electric-rod dehumidifiers: These use a rod to keep the safe warm, utilizing electric power to operate inside the confined space.
  • Dryers: These use warm air, but need a hole in the safe to get access to power. Dryers are the least favored of the four dehumidifiers due to their complications, but they’re often the most affordable choices for this tool in a gun safe.

These are the most common that gun owners turn to when looking for a device that will remove the moisture from their gun safe.

Now that we’ve gone over the four types of dehumidifiers that you can invest in for your gun safe, let’s talk about how to install a dehumidifier inside a gun safe. With a few simple steps, your gun safe will be safe from the accumulation of moisture in the air.

Steps to Install a Dehumidifier in a Gun Safe

Now, it’s time to go over the steps you need to follow if you want to put a dehumidifier inside your safe. With caution, this endeavor shouldn’t take very long. Follow each step carefully to get the best results with your dehumidifier.

Since the electric dehumidifier and desiccant dehumidifier are simple, we’ll go over the installation of the rod-type dehumidifier for your gun safe. It’s one of the trickiest to install if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

To install a rod-type dehumidifier in a gun safe, you will need to do the following steps:

  • Put the dehumidifier in the bottom of the safe
  • Run the electrical cord through the hole that should be in the back of your safe
  • Screw the clips and break the rod into them
  • Cut the wire, remove the plug housing back
  • Secure the cord with prongs and run it into plug housing
  • Shut off the housing and lock the strip in place
  • Plug the rod into a source of power.

After these steps, you should have a dehumidifier that works to keep moisture out of your safe.

Of course, each dehumidifier coms with a separate set of instructions for the user to follow. Ensure you look at these beforehand, so you don’t perform a step that is counterintuitive to the task you want to accomplish. 

Keeping your safe dry is vital to keep your firearms protected. Once you have one inside, you can feel safer in the storage of your guns. It may take some extra money and effort on your part, but it’s well worth the price to protect your expensive pieces from the damages water can cause.

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