Safe Humidity

[jj1903]

I've got one of the larger Amsec BFs and I am perplexed by the interior humidity levels. Outside the safe, the humidity stays at 50-55% whereas in the safe it stays at 65-70%...

I have three different humidity sensors and I've rotated them all in and out of the safe. They are all consistent with the interior and exterior readings.

I have freshly recharged dessicant inside the safe and a golden rod.

I've only had the safe a couple of days. Is it possible there is residual humidity in the carpet, interior, insulation that needs to be dried out? What else could be going on???

 

[Zebraranger]

Depending on how and where the safe was stored and transported prior to purchase, it is possible it has asborbed some moisture, especially if it has experienced fluctuating temperature changes recently. Once in place, I'd leave the door open for a day or two (while your home of course) to allow the interior to stabilize and acclimate to its new environment.

 

[a1abdj]

Is your safe sitting directly on a concrete floor? Steel against concrete will attract moisture, and it can come up into the safe through the bolt holes.

The dryrod itself will not drive the moisture out, but it will raise the condensation point.

I would suggest doing what Zebraranger said, and let the safe sit with the door open for a few days. If the safe is flat on the floor, you may want to consider setting it up on something.

 

[Horsemany]

Definately isolate the safe from the floor with something if not already. What is the temperature in the room? Is the steel cold?

 

[jj1903]

The safe is isolated from the floor on hockey pucks.

Room temp is about 70 and the safe stays a degree or two warmer with the goldenrod running.

Thanks for the replies. I am going to try leaving the door open for a while and see if that helps.

 

[a1abdj]

The AMSECs have steel interior walls that will create condensation when cold. Most of these safes are warehoused in areas that are not climate controlled, so it is possible that there is some moisture hiding inside.

The insulation that this safe uses is dry, so the humidity would not be coming from it.

Where did you acquire the safe? What did they have to say about this?

 

[jj1903]

I'll talk to the dealer this week. Left the door open a good chunk of the day yesterday and last night and now after being shut all day, humidity was a more reasonable 55%. Still higher than ambient (50%), but much closer than it was...

 

[JohnBT]

"I have freshly recharged dessicant inside the safe and a golden rod."

Have you tried removing the dessicant and just leaving the Golden Rod on the floor to warm the air? I had much better success with just a GR.

The dessicant is holding moisture, or trying to, but I suppose the heat from the GR could be cooking it back out in an endless cycle.

John