Why Are Dehumidifiers Used in Bank Vaults?

30/07/2024

In the banking system, vaults are critical spaces for storing valuable and important assets. Under hot and humid weather conditions in Vietnam, safeguarding cash and other valuable documents can be challenging. Hence, dehumidifiers are an effective solution to protect vaults from harmful environmental factors.

 

What are impacts of humidity on items stored in bank vaults?

  •          Cash:

Cash stored in vaults is often bundled, sealed in bags, and placed in designated areas. Banknotes made from cotton paper (denominations of 1000 VND, 2000 VND, and 5000 VND) are particularly sensitive to humidity. High humidity levels in storage areas can promote the growth of bacteria and pests, leading to the tearing, damage, or distortion of banknotes.

 

 

  •          Valuable documents:

Bonds, treasury bills, shares, government bonds, and other valuable documents are also sealed and stored in vaults. High humidity can cause these documents to degrade, tear, fade, or become illegible, thus diminishing their value.

  •         Foreign currency:

Foreign currencies like the US dollar, which is composed of 75% cotton and 25% linen, are susceptible to mold growth in humid conditions. Mold on one banknote can easily spread to others, causing significant damage if not detected promptly.

 

Benefits of Using Dehumidifiers in Bank Vaults

  • Protection of important documents against mold damage.
  • Prevention of discoloration and fading of cotton-based banknotes.
  • Reduction of mold occurrence caused by high humidity and maintenance of dry and clean environment.
  • Protection of camera lenses in vaults from moisture damage.

 

 

Here are following criteria to select dehumidifier for bank vaults.

 

 

  •          Energy consumption:

A dehumidifier with low energy consumption saves power and reduces operational costs, which is especially important if the unit needs to run for extended periods.

  • Dehumidification capacity:

For larger vaults, opt for dehumidifiers with higher capacity to maintain the desired humidity levels effectively.

  •         Wastewater management:

Given the strict access control in vaults, frequently emptying the dehumidifier’s water tank is not ideal. Choosing a model with direct drainage minimise entry and exit from the vault, saving time.

  •          Additional featues:

Besides the basic features, consider dehumidifiers with added functionalities like overload protection, automatic defrosting, or energy-saving modes for more convenient and flexible use.

Using dehumidifiers in bank vaults not only safeguards assets but also stabilises efficient and safe operations for related equipment. Contact our hotline for detailed consultation and expert advice.