Container (or loft) storage of electronics

[MickyP]

Not through choice but I find myself needing to store some hifi gear in a container for a while. An amp, streamer and speakers (minus boxes). I have the original boxes for the amp and streamer. I also have some silica gel satchets too. Is it a case of sticking the component in a pillow case with a few satchets, then in original box and sealing all round with tape?

Any thoughts welcomed.

 

[Jules_S]

Silica gel is a good idea. I'd be a little cautious about the pillow case if the storage location might be at risk of damp - if this is a metal storage container you're talking about? The cotton could end up getting damp too and going mouldy. Maybe unlikely, but it would be gutting to think you'd done the best to protect your kit and then find it was manky when you unboxed it.

Are there any of those Lock 'n' Store sort of places nearby you could use? They might be a better bet for environmental consistency. You can often get tiny little spaces a bit like a big safety deposit box that you might be able to fit your kit in. Bigger units can get expensive quickly so go for the smallest you can manage

 

[tonee73]

I am using these very good quality "scuba" boxes of Solent Plastics to store my power tools in the damp shed.Absolutely waterproof ones, filled into the box (+added some silica gel bags), sealed and that's it.The big size ones have wheels on one of their sides, so its easy roll them if you filled them up well.
https://www.solentplastics.co.uk/scuba-box-xl-black-water-resistant-storage-trunk/

 

[rabski]

The Solent Plastics ones claim to be the only completely sealed ones available in the UK. They also state the cases are completely watertight unless submerged, and are airtight. Assuming you put stuff in them in a dry atmopsphere (not always a certainty) and check in some silica sachets, that's possibly the best bet.

Overall, mind you, I would always suggest the absolute ideal is to never store stuff anywhere cold and/or damp in the first place. There is always some moisture in the air, but as long as the temperature stays reasonable, it isn't a problem. Seal stuff in a box and then put it somewhere that gets close to or below freezing point, and there will be some condensation. There always is, and it can be an issue if stuff is left for too long.

If there really is no option, then one of the indoor storage unit type places may be the best bet. They're dry and not overly cold. As someone has already mentioned, the downside is that they're not cheap. If you need to store stuff for an extended period, it can get very costly overall.

 

[bigrod]

For future reference

When we have delivery of pallets of empty cans there is a bag of moisture absorbing material on each pallet
I used these when storing equipment for long periods in my garage and also for filling speaker stands , and also inside speakers themselves

My loft is totally dry so I don’t need them anymore
If anyone wants some saving I can do so
Kindest regards Julian