When should I specify a dry cabinet instead of a nitrogen cabinet?
A dry cabinet removes water vapour and holds a low relative humidity — typically down to 1% RH — without a continuous nitrogen supply. Specify it when moisture is the failure mode: MSDs, ICs, PCBs and many process materials. A nitrogen cabinet displaces cabin air so oxygen and moisture fall together. Use N₂ where oxidation is the risk: wafers, silver finishes, copper leadframes and optical coatings.