Good humidity level for gun safe?

[kmullins]

Hello,

Just acquired my first safe about a 2 weeks ago. It has a 12" dehumidifier rod in it and it's a 1996 Liberty Washington 40 model, meaning it is 40 cubic feet in size. I got a $7 humidistat and it says it is right around 45% humidity in the safe. I live in Southern California, and was wondering at what percentage humidity you all try to keep your safes at. Want it as dry as possible. Thanks.

Kyle

 

[jim357]

I don't want it too dry because that is bad for the wood. I am ok with up to about 55 percent. Hatcher had much information on this issue as well as info on the internet about this. Right now I can not recall the internet location. The internet page was good with anything under 65 percent, but 55 is not difficult and not too dry for the wood.

 

[kmullins]

Sounds good. Considering California is very dry and mostly dessert, then right around 45% sounds good. I'm going to track it once a week and see where it's at.

 

[a1abdj]

Many museums use 45% to 55% at 70 degrees.

 

[kmullins]

Sounds good. Just checked it again and it's right at 40% and says it's right around 93 degrees F. I do live in a pretty hot place, a dry heat but this whole week is above 100, so I think it's doing pretty well. It's also summer so I guess during winter (if you want to call it that in California) then I'll be able to have a better idea of humidity.

 

[heeler]

I dont even use a dehumidifier rod and the inside of my Amsec never gets above 55% humidity.
And i live in humid Houston.
I guess that's the benefit of modern air conditioning.

 

[kmullins]

Just checked the humidity again tonight, and it is right at about 30%.

Hotter than blazes in the safe and the garage thought, it's been right at about 93 F today and inside the garage it was just about 97, and it the safe it was the same. What would the effects of it being too hot in the safe? I'm talking reasonable heat, as in rarely above 100 F? The humidity seems good.

 

[TX Hog Hunter]

In a dry climate you won't need to use a dehumidifyer rod. Your problem will be having enough humidity.