Electrical Access hole on a gun safe.

MLB78 · December 21, 2007, 09:24 PM

Hello, I just purchased an Amsec BF3060 and I have setup my dehumidifier by threading the wire through the electrical access hole.

I have a few questions about the access hole.

Should I use some caulk or silicone to seal up the outside of the hole now that I have the electrical cord threaded through? Is it a good idea to seal up the hole?

For those with an Amsec, does the spongy material in the hole expand with heat?

The safe is in the basement and I would like to seal the hole so no spiders could have the chance to crawl into it.

Thank you for your input.

MLB78

Wapiti · December 22, 2007, 08:29 AM

If it is a fire rated safe, I would you the clay that is used around conduit that goes through a fire wall. It is rated to stand heat/fire etc...

xcop · December 23, 2007, 06:44 AM

I have been told by two different safe companies not to worry as the hole wont effect the fire resistance at all. The wire will melt away anyway so it is no issue for fire. But if you are concerned about water it is possible for water to get in thru the hole and the access hole is almost always lower than the door frame so it could be the first entry point.

Creature · December 23, 2007, 09:34 AM

Plumber's putty.

Edward429451 · December 23, 2007, 01:10 PM

Plumbers putty dries out and cracks over time. Silicone will not and would be the better option I think.

Pahoo · December 23, 2007, 05:25 PM

The access hole in my safe is 1/2" pipe thread. Actually I have two and they came plugged. I installed a threaded "cord connector" in the lower hole. I was not concerned about the integrity as much as protecting the cord from any sharp metal edge. These connectors have a rubber center grommet. Google appleton of square-D. Any electical supply house will know what you are looking for. Again, this is assuming that you have a threaded access. Be safe.

MLB78 · December 28, 2007, 12:36 AM

Well, I sealed the hole with some of this 3M moldable putty I found online.

http://products3.3m.com/catalog/ww/e...er/output_html

Pretty neat stuff. It seals the hole well, and hopefully it will work for fire protection if needed.

December 21, 2007, 09:24 PM	#1
MLB78 Junior Member Join Date: December 21, 2007 Posts: 2	Electrical Access hole on a gun safe. Hello, I just purchased an Amsec BF3060 and I have setup my dehumidifier by threading the wire through the electrical access hole. I have a few questions about the access hole. Should I use some caulk or silicone to seal up the outside of the hole now that I have the electrical cord threaded through? Is it a good idea to seal up the hole? For those with an Amsec, does the spongy material in the hole expand with heat? The safe is in the basement and I would like to seal the hole so no spiders could have the chance to crawl into it. Thank you for your input. MLB78

December 23, 2007, 06:44 AM	#3
xcop Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2001 Posts: 124	hole I have been told by two different safe companies not to worry as the hole wont effect the fire resistance at all. The wire will melt away anyway so it is no issue for fire. But if you are concerned about water it is possible for water to get in thru the hole and the access hole is almost always lower than the door frame so it could be the first entry point.

December 22, 2007, 08:29 AM	#2
Wapiti Member Join Date: December 16, 2007 Posts: 21	If it is a fire rated safe, I would you the clay that is used around conduit that goes through a fire wall. It is rated to stand heat/fire etc...

December 23, 2007, 09:34 AM	#4
Creature Junior member Join Date: April 8, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,769	Plumber's putty.

December 23, 2007, 01:10 PM	#5
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	Plumbers putty dries out and cracks over time. Silicone will not and would be the better option I think.

December 23, 2007, 05:25 PM	#6
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	The access hole in my safe is 1/2" pipe thread. Actually I have two and they came plugged. I installed a threaded "cord connector" in the lower hole. I was not concerned about the integrity as much as protecting the cord from any sharp metal edge. These connectors have a rubber center grommet. Google appleton of square-D. Any electical supply house will know what you are looking for. Again, this is assuming that you have a threaded access. Be safe.

December 28, 2007, 12:36 AM	#7
MLB78 Junior Member Join Date: December 21, 2007 Posts: 2	Well, I sealed the hole with some of this 3M moldable putty I found online. http://products3.3m.com/catalog/ww/e...er/output_html Pretty neat stuff. It seals the hole well, and hopefully it will work for fire protection if needed.