CRT System Architecture & Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended relative humidity (RH) range for a walk-in cigar humidor?
- 55–60%
- 65–72% (Correct answer)
- 80–85%
- 45–50%
Correct answer: 65–72%
Walk-in humidors are maintained at 65–72% RH to keep cigars properly conditioned without promoting mold.
Question 2: Which material is the traditional choice for lining the interior walls and shelving of a quality humidor?
- Pine
- Mahogany
- Spanish cedar (Correct answer)
- Balsa wood
Correct answer: Spanish cedar
Spanish cedar is preferred for its humidity-regulating properties, pleasant aroma, and resistance to tobacco beetles.
Question 3: What temperature range is best for storing premium cigars in a walk-in humidor?
- 55–60°F
- 62–65°F
- 70–72°F (Correct answer)
- 78–80°F
Correct answer: 70–72°F
The industry standard for walk-in humidor temperature is 70–72°F, which works synergistically with proper RH to prevent beetle hatching and mold.
Question 4: What type of humidification system is most commonly used in large commercial walk-in humidors?
- Passive foam sponges
- Electronic ultrasonic or HVAC-integrated systems (Correct answer)
- Open water trays
- Gel bead packs
Correct answer: Electronic ultrasonic or HVAC-integrated systems
Commercial walk-in humidors use electronic ultrasonic humidifiers or HVAC-integrated systems capable of maintaining consistent RH across large spaces.
Question 5: What is the primary function of a digital hygrometer in a retail humidor system?
- Measure temperature only
- Monitor and display relative humidity levels (Correct answer)
- Control the humidification pump
- Alert staff to tobacco beetle activity
Correct answer: Monitor and display relative humidity levels
A digital hygrometer continuously monitors and displays relative humidity so staff can ensure the humidor stays within the proper range.
Question 6: How should shelving be arranged in a walk-in humidor to maximize air circulation?
- Packed tightly floor to ceiling with no gaps
- Slatted or louvered shelves with open space between rows (Correct answer)
- Solid shelves pressed against all four walls
- Enclosed wooden cubbies per brand
Correct answer: Slatted or louvered shelves with open space between rows
Slatted or louvered shelves allow conditioned air to flow evenly around cigars, preventing humidity pockets and dead zones.
Question 7: Which factor most directly causes tobacco beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) hatching in a humidor?
- Humidity above 72%
- Temperature above 72°F (Correct answer)
- Spanish cedar off-gassing
- Carbon dioxide buildup
Correct answer: Temperature above 72°F
Tobacco beetle larvae hatch when temperatures exceed approximately 72°F, which is why temperature control is as critical as humidity control.
CRT System Architecture & Design 2
What is the recommended relative humidity (RH) range for a walk-in cigar humidor?