For those who use space heaters in chamber

signal2noise · 02-07-2012, 01:03 PM

Hello All,

I use a space heater in my fermentation chamber with great success. Today I was notified of an unexpected work trip (3 days) and have a batch in primary fermenting away. My space heater normally runs with no problem and maintains 68F +/- 2 and cycles on and off every 20 min or so with a 1-2 min run time.

The question is, should I leave the space heater unattended for 3 days? Has anyone else left theirs alone for a significant amount of time?

The heater is in a chest freezer, which I use as a chamber, and is hooked up to an Ranco thermostat and all are grounded to an EFI switch on the outlet.

Thanks in advance!

day_trippr · 02-07-2012, 01:26 PM

I suppose it comes down to the level of confidence you have in your setup, which is a function of experience.

fwiw, 68°F +/-2° seems pretty warm for primary fermentation, considering it's not unusual for the inside of a fermenter to run 5 to 10 degrees warmer than ambient...

Cheers!

signal2noise · 02-07-2012, 01:38 PM

True, my setup seems reliable. However, I've had no problem with that temp range and the temperature strip on the fermenter itself always reads between 66-70.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 02-07-2012, 01:42 PM

Personally, I wouldn't want to leave mine unattended for even a day.

Sh!t happens and the heater is being used in a space that was not designed for it.

It would prolly be just fine, but I'd not risk personal/household property over a batch of beer.

Misplaced_Canuck · 02-07-2012, 02:09 PM

I put mine in a spare bathroom, plugged into a CGFI outlet. Never had a problem.

MC

**Stauffbier** · 02-07-2012, 02:15 PM

I see way too many stories about fires caused by space heaters. I don't use one since I have no ferment chamber, and I use swamp coolers. If I did use one I would never have it on while I was away from the house. Maybe I'm paranoid, but that keeps my home and I safe!

TyTanium · 02-07-2012, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilaMinumBeer

Personally, I wouldn't want to leave mine unattended for even a day.

Sh!t happens and the heater is being used in a space that was not designed for it.

It would prolly be just fine, but I'd not risk personal/household property over a batch of beer.

I'm with Gila on this one.

Possible options:
A) Leave it on

1) House is fine, optimal fermentation +1, 99% probability
2) House burns down, sub-optimal fermentation -100, 1% probability

B) Turn it off

3) House is fine, fermentation a little warm or a little cool -1, 100% prob

Risk adjusted, you're indifferent between A or B (both -1)
What's your risk tolerance?

I pick B.

signal2noise · 02-07-2012, 02:25 PM

Yeah, you guys are right. I'll bring the batch in from my garage and leave it in my home.

The only hard part is carrying the 6 gallons up 30 steps (I live in the top two floors of a 4 level split condo).

tektonjp · 02-07-2012, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signal2noise

Yeah, you guys are right. I'll bring the batch in from my garage and leave it in my home.

The only hard part is carrying the 6 gallons up 30 steps (I live in the top two floors of a 4 level split condo).

Break it down into small parts. Just think of each step as a pint!