Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a vented container having a desiccant mounted therein for reducing the relative humidity of and gases within the container, the container having at least two electrical contacts positioned therein, one of which is moveable in relation to the other. The desiccant may be positioned within a receptacle having means for permitting contact of the internal container environment with the desiccant. The invention is particularly effective where ambient temperatures rise to above 100 degrees F., thereby regenerating the desiccant. The container may be substantially formed of a desiccant having its external surface coated with an insulating, water impermeable material and having selected portions of its internal surface coated with a material similar to the external coat.