mcgeebc

Recipes 

I've been buying parts and researching for over a year. I've finally made significant progress on my electric brewery.

I'm trying to keep it inexpensive and safe. It's modeled after the countertop brutus 20, but 240v 5500 watts for 5 gallon batches.

My goals are simple and accurate temperature control and to brew in the basement safely. That is why I chose the electric path.

I didnt see the need to add switches. Like I said, I'm trying to keep it inexpensive.

The panel will plug into a gfci protected spa panel nearby. The breaker will be powered off when the panel is not in use.

The wiring is almost done. Just need to connect the pigtail and solder the connection for the temp probe.





One thing I'm still trying to figure out is how I'm going to connect the element. I have had bad luck with weldless fittings, so I had a 1" coupling welded for the element. I haven't seen this approach used often. Any advice for the connection? I'll probably use the 2 gang outlet box approach opposed to potting the connection in a PVC cap.

Any other advice or concerns based on what I've stated or the attached pictures?

passedpawn

Recipes 

You need to get that heat sink outside the box. Take me word for it, it will get hot, especially during the boil. The heat might affect the temp measurement if you are using thermocouples (no prob for thermistors)

I'd highly recommend a cutoff switch for the 240VAC output. Cheap from Lowes. I'll get you a link in a minute.

__________________
Now there's some take delight in the carriages a rolling
and others take delight in the hurling and the bowling
but I take delight in the juice of the barley
and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

passedpawn

Recipes 

__________________
Now there's some take delight in the carriages a rolling
and others take delight in the hurling and the bowling
but I take delight in the juice of the barley
and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

mcgeebc

Recipes 

I had considered and attempted to mount the heat sink on the outside, but had some trouble. Notice the holes I attempts to drill on the heat sink. I figured I'd take it for a test run and measure the internal temps. Probably install a computer fan if I need to.

mcgeebc

Recipes 

What's the reasoning for the cut off switch? If I can unplug the control panel or shut off the breaker, doesn't that cover me?

passedpawn

Recipes 

You'll need it. There are many, many times when you want to run water out of a container or something. Easy to flick the switch.

The heat sink should be outside. I mounted a couple of shelf brackets or something on mine (had to drill holes), them mounted the whole SSR / heatsink assembly the box. I'll find a pic...

__________________
Now there's some take delight in the carriages a rolling
and others take delight in the hurling and the bowling
but I take delight in the juice of the barley
and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

passedpawn

Recipes 

Like this:

__________________
Now there's some take delight in the carriages a rolling
and others take delight in the hurling and the bowling
but I take delight in the juice of the barley
and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early