A dry box protects sensitive items from excess humidity and fungal infection. It is used in many industries but is popularly used to store cameras and lenses. They often have humidity control features, such as desiccants or dehumidifiers, to maintain a low humidity level inside the box. If you are living in a climate with a high humidity level or if your house has condensation problems, then you must invest in a dry box cabinet.

Types of dry boxes and their working
Broadly, dry boxes are of two types – active and passive. Let us learn more about the dry box types.

Active dry box
An active dry box is a more straightforward solution than a passive one. It is usually preferred for regular home use. It maintains the optimum relative humidity level automatically; there is no need for manual changes. In most of the models, there is a feature to condense and remove the water droplets. It also requires a regular electricity supply.
Passive dry box
In a passive model, there is limited control over the humidity level. Unlike active dry cabinets, passive models do not require electricity. So, if you are concerned about electricity consumption, passive dry box cabinets are an excellent option. In this model, a desiccant is used inside an airtight sealed box.

This desiccant needs to be changed regularly. The best humidity level for cameras and lenses is 40% to 45%. You should use enough desiccant to maintain this level in a passive dry box.

Uses of a dry box
The various dry box uses are:

To fight fungal growth
Fungal infections take place due to excess humidity. Dry boxes help in fighting such fungal infections.
To maintain the humidity level
A dry box maintains an optimal humidity level for the devices. It removes the moisture entirely and keeps the devices safe, as the moisture can have a negative impact on the devices.
For storage
Although you can primarily store a lens, camera, or film in a dry box cabinet, they are also used to store other equipment. Other equipment includes batteries, 3D printing filaments, memory cards, polymers, hygroscopic materials, optical lenses, seeds, etc.
To save time
Unlike other dehumidifiers, dry cabinets are easy to use. You can place your product in the cabinet and leave it; this makes the devices convenient to use. You will not have to worry about the humidity level on every usage. If you are using an active dry cabinet, the humidity level can also be adjusted automatically.
To reduce costs
If you are using a passive dry cabinet, you can save a lot of money. Passive dry boxes do not require electricity to function. It will save you from spending money on other storage cabinets for keeping your devices. If you want to save more, you can also create your DIY dry box at home with a plastic dry box and lock.

The dry box cabinets provide a moisture-free place for delicate electronics to scientific instruments. Whether you’re a photographer or simply someone who values their devices, a dry cabinet is an investment that ensures the longevity of these devices. Before buying, choose the right type, learn how dry box works and check the reviews per your needs.