1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the RUGGARD Electronic Dry Cabinet. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your new dry cabinet. This device is designed to protect sensitive equipment such as lenses, photographic and optical equipment, mobile electronics, and other valuable accessories from excessive moisture, dirt, and dust by regulating the interior's relative humidity.
2. Safety Information
Important Safety Precautions:
- Keep fingers away from the door when closing to prevent pinching.
- Ensure the cabinet is stable and placed on a level surface before use to prevent tipping.
- Do not block the ventilation openings on the unit.
- Use only the provided multi-voltage power supply.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Avoid placing the cabinet in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
3. Product Overview
The RUGGARD 50L Electronic Dry Cabinet is an electronically controlled dehumidifier that effectively reduces humidity to protect your stored items. It features a fast-acting TE Cooling Wafer that regulates the interior's relative humidity from 35-60% to help prevent corrosion and other condensation and wetness-related damage to your gear. Humidity adjustments typically take place over a 1 to 3-hour period.
Key features include:
- Electronically Controlled Dehumidifier
- Protects Stored Items from Dust and Dirt
- Adjustable Plastic Shelves with Fitted Padded Shelf Liners
- Sealed, Locking Glass Door with Handle and Two Keys
- Adjustable Relative Humidity Range: 35-60%
- Interior LED Lighting for enhanced visibility
- Easy-to-Read LCD displaying ambient temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius) and relative humidity
- Powered by an included multi-voltage power supply
- Near-silent operation without a fan or compressor
- Dripless design, eliminating the need for a water tray
- Four rubber feet for stability, with two leveling feet for uneven surfaces
Figure 3.1: Front view of the Ruggard 50L Electronic Dry Cabinet, showcasing its transparent door and internal storage for camera equipment.
Figure 3.2: Interior view of the dry cabinet with the door open, revealing adjustable shelves and organized camera bodies and lenses.
4. Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the dry cabinet from its packaging. Inspect for any damage during transit.
- Handle Installation: The door handle may be packed inside the cabinet for protection. Attach the handle to the exterior of the door using the provided screws.
- Placement: Choose a stable, level surface for the cabinet. Ensure there is adequate space around the unit for ventilation.
- Leveling: Use the two leveling feet at the bottom of the cabinet to adjust for uneven surfaces and ensure stability.
- Shelf Installation: Insert the adjustable plastic shelves into the desired slots. Place the padded shelf liners on top of the shelves to protect your items from scratches.
- Power Connection: Connect the multi-voltage power supply to the cabinet's power input port, then plug it into a suitable electrical outlet (110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz).
Figure 4.1: Example of the dry cabinet placed under a desk, demonstrating its compact size for various placements.
Figure 4.2: Close-up view of the cabinet's base, highlighting the adjustable leveling feet for stability on uneven floors.
Figure 4.3: The dry cabinet with its door open, showing the interior and the included components such as shelves and liners, ready for setup.
Figure 4.4: The multi-voltage power supply unit, which powers the dry cabinet.
5. Operating Instructions
- Power On: Once plugged in, the LCD display on the top of the cabinet will illuminate, showing the current internal temperature and relative humidity.
- Setting Humidity:
- Use the "SET" button to enter humidity adjustment mode.
- Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to set your desired relative humidity level (range: 35-60%).
- Press "SET" again to confirm the setting. The cabinet will begin to adjust the humidity to the set level.
- Monitoring: The LCD continuously displays the current temperature and humidity inside the cabinet. The TE Cooling Wafer will automatically activate or deactivate to maintain the set humidity level.
- Internal LED Lighting: The cabinet is equipped with internal LED lights to make viewing and finding gear easier. These lights can typically be controlled via a button on the control panel.
- Locking the Door: Use the provided keys to lock the door for added security and to prevent accidental opening.
Video 5.1: A demonstration of the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet's control panel and interior lighting. This video shows how to interact with the display and highlights the organized storage of equipment inside.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the cabinet with a soft, damp cloth. For the glass door, use a glass cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Interior Cleaning: Periodically remove items and wipe down the interior surfaces and shelves with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Ensure the cabinet is completely dry before placing items back inside.
- Door Seal: Inspect the rubber door seal regularly for any signs of wear or damage. A proper seal is crucial for maintaining the internal humidity.
- Power Cord: Check the power cord for any damage. If damaged, discontinue use and contact customer support.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet not powering on. | Power cord not properly connected or power outlet issue. | Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into both the cabinet and a working electrical outlet. Test the outlet with another device. |
| Humidity not decreasing. | Door not sealed properly, cabinet overloaded, or ambient humidity too high. | Check that the door is fully closed and the seal is intact. Avoid overloading the cabinet. In very high ambient humidity, it may take longer to reach the desired level. Ensure the set humidity is within the 35-60% range. |
| LCD display inaccurate. | Sensor calibration variation. | While the internal sensor provides a good indication, minor variations can occur. For precise measurements, an external calibrated hygrometer can be placed inside. The cabinet will still maintain the set humidity effectively. |
| Excessive noise. | Unit is designed to be near-silent. Loose components or obstruction. | Check for any loose items inside the cabinet. Ensure the cabinet is on a stable, level surface. If unusual noise persists, contact customer support. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | RUGGARD |
| Model Number | EDC-50L |
| Volume Capacity | 50 Liters |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Glass, Plastic |
| Power Input | 110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | <8 W |
| Relative Humidity Range | 35-60 % (±3% RH) |
| Interior Dimensions (W x H x D) | 11.3 x 20.9 x 11.4 inches (28.8 x 53.0 x 29.0 cm) |
| Exterior Dimensions (W x H x D) | 11.4 x 23.8 x 12.6 inches (29.0 x 60.5 x 32.0 cm) |
| Item Weight | 20.0 lb (9.1 kg) |
| Special Features | Portable, Virtually Silent operation, Automatic Moisture Removal |
| Included Components | 4 x Sliding Shelf Bracket, Multi-Voltage Power Supply, Foam Liner, Contoured Foam Liner, 2 x Door Lock Key, 2 x Adjustable Sliding Plastic Shelf |
Figure 8.1: Diagram showing the key dimensions of the Ruggard 50L Electronic Dry Cabinet.
9. Warranty and Support
RUGGARD products are designed for reliability and performance. For information regarding warranty coverage, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official RUGGARD website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
