Simple Electric Build....From the Pros

ekjohns · 10-24-2011, 08:37 PM

I have been wanting to make a jump to a simple electric brewery once I move into a new place. The problem is I want a simple and SAFE simple system and have little knowledge of complex electric builds. I have been looking for a thread but most are either too extravagant or partial builds. What I am hoping is to get the Pros (P-J, Kal, etc...) to build on this thread with diagrams and all the parts needed to make a simple and safe electric brew build. This could then be used for all those people wanting to make the jump but overwhelmed with doing so. I will try and fill in as much as I can but there is a lot still missing.

As of 10/24/2011 - Still need a lot of parts for the build. Still need discussion on GCFI connections (where and what)

Simple Electric Brewery Build
2 Elements (BK, HLT Optional) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BPG4LI/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0002YU2YS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=10E5DST71SR9C41B64R1
1 PID $45.50
1 Pump (Optional) $150
SSR 40A $19
Heat Sink $19.50
4 prong Dryer Cord http://www.amazon.com/PETRA-90-2028-4-Wire-Dryer-10-Foot/dp/B0014KO11O/4 wire outlet http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-071-00278-000-Flush-Mount-Receptacle/dp/B00009W3A9/ref=pd_cp_hi_1
Project Box $27
Dryer cord for each element $6
3 wire outlets (X2) http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-800-05207-00K-Dryer-Receptacle-Flush/dp/B000FKDM6E/
Spa Panel with GFCI $50
terminal strip (pack of 2) http://www.amazon.com/Position-Terminal-Barrier-Strip-Block/dp/B005I03WOI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319502899&sr=8-2
Simple Diagram

From the wall outlet (either a 3 prong or 4 prong plug) the appropriate dryer cord will go into the spa panel which is also the GFCI. If you are using a 3 wire cord, the ground will be split in the spa panel to neutral and ground. This will then be wired into a 4 prong outlet.

From there follow the diagram below.

**P-J** · 10-24-2011, 09:20 PM

Wishing you the best and I'm more than willing to help you in any way that I can..

Questions for you. What size kettles are you planning on? What kind (?Sanke?)? What power source do you have for your brewery? 240V 30A dryer outlet? (Oh, and if so is it a 3 or 4 prong plug? Or is it something else.) What about GFCI protection?

One of the things that you can use for your controller is the Project Box offered by Auber Instruments.

Wishing you great success & I'd be glad to help in your plan.

P-J

**DamageCT** · 10-24-2011, 09:31 PM

ekjohns, I planned on transitioning to all electric and this post has convinced me to jump on the train sooner then later, let me know how this works out and I will most likely follow in your footsteps.

**runningweird** · 10-24-2011, 10:07 PM

well then, after perusing the electric brewing forum for a few days I find this, which is pretty much where I am sitting right now. subscribed and looking forward to taking as much info from this as possible.

shortyjacobs · 10-24-2011, 10:39 PM

If you're looking for a parts list, (since I'm planning out something similar right now).

Dryer Cord -http://www.amazon.com/PETRA-90-2028-4-Wire-Dryer-10-Foot/dp/B0014KO11O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319495762&sr=8-2
Spa Panel with GFCI - $50
Dryer cords (for elements) = http://www.amazon.com/PETRA-90-1010-3-Wire-Eyelet-4-Foot/dp/B00009W3P5/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319495828&sr=8-6
Element potting, (a-la Kal's theelectricbrewery.com), ~$20 for two (best guess) (buy parts at hardware store)
3 wire outlets for elements - 2x $6 = http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-800-05207-00K-Dryer-Receptacle-Flush/dp/B000FKDM6E/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1319495929&sr=1-8

Edit: Note, my outlets and cords for the elements are NOT as fancy as Kals. They are not locking, NEMA grade ones. Those cost big money. These are still safe, just not ideal. You have to choose two: Safe, Ideal, Cheap.

crypt0 · 10-24-2011, 10:47 PM

Subscribed. Great idea, I personally would love to jump into electric but am intimidated by the super-fancy controller boxes (even though they are works of art

)

shortyjacobs · 10-24-2011, 11:28 PM

Also, in terms of "cheap", 40A SSRs and Heat sinks can be had as a set for about $12-14 on eBay, (not posting links since they expire, and you want this to be a reference thread), saving you around $26, (as long as you don't mind waiting for chinese shipping). Search "40A ssr heat sink".

**runningweird** · 10-24-2011, 11:51 PM

so is your simple electric build just a heated hLT and BK, or are you headed toward herms/rims?

ekjohns · 10-24-2011, 11:53 PM

PJ, I will not be building this for at least 9 months, but like to plan ahead as to future proof my system. Therefore, I do not have the exact specifications of everything. I want to make this applicable to as many people as possible. With that said, lets just assume a 10 gallon system (sanke or 15 gallon pot). For dryer connection I am not sure what is common, if you have time could you please explain the difference in wiring between the 2? Finally, cause it is harder to add GCFI let assume there is NO current GCFI installed (therefore, one needs to me installed).

ekjohns · 10-24-2011, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runningweird

so is your simple electric build just a heated hLT and BK, or are you headed toward herms/rims?

Simple BK and HLT no herms/rims