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christpuncher123 · 12-30-2012, 04:57 PM

It seems to me that there is a lot of unnecessary pieces in most peoples EBIAB Builds. Don't get me wrong I think these things are awesome but has nobody built any simple versions? Why have a switch for the heat, should the temperature controller not do that? Turn the PID on you have heat, turn it off you don't! Same for the pump, plug it in it's on, unplug it its off! Can I just use a 30Amp Gfci breaker on my dryer or stove circuit? I love all these high tech an Shinny builds, but I want this thing to do one thing, make the great beer that I have been making for years

!!

**lorglath** · 12-30-2012, 06:57 PM

Kal made a brewery and reference design that was above and beyond most 'needs' because his #1 concern wasn't cost, it was safety. There are a few extra switches... like you don't need a switch under each PID if you don't want to allow each of them to trip the alarm, the switch for the pumps is necessary as you don't want to plug the motor in hot and have it running when you unplug, it will spark and isn't as safe as it could be.

now some of the more recent builds have been putting in breakers for each line, not necessary, but they are there for added protection, and so they don't trip their big breaker which could be in the basement - far away from the garage.

Keep looking on the site, there are plenty of simplified builds, but it won't look as cool, or have as much functionality.

-Matt

christpuncher123 · 12-30-2012, 07:28 PM

The switch for the pump makes sense. I am fortunate enough to have a pump out of a hydronic furnace I just removed! Now to see what other parts I can round up!

**lorglath** · 12-30-2012, 07:30 PM

id be cautious as to what has been pumped through that pump before.

christpuncher123 · 12-30-2012, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorglath

id be cautious as to what has been pumped through that pump before.

Only my well water!

**Jps101** · 12-30-2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorglath

Kal made a brewery and reference design that was above and beyond most 'needs' because his #1 concern wasn't cost, it was safety. There are a few extra switches... like you don't need a switch under each PID if you don't want to allow each of them to trip the alarm, the switch for the pumps is necessary as you don't want to plug the motor in hot and have it running when you unplug, it will spark and isn't as safe as it could be.

now some of the more recent builds have been putting in breakers for each line, not necessary, but they are there for added protection, and so they don't trip their big breaker which could be in the basement - far away from the garage.

Keep looking on the site, there are plenty of simplified builds, but it won't look as cool, or have as much functionality.

-Matt

Matt,

I see a bunch of people using switches to power on their PID's, this seems overkill. Why does it matter if they are on, especially if you have a switch that will control power to the element. I am all for safety, but let's face it, there is enough electricity running through a household light switch to make it a bad day and I don't have redundancies there. I accept I am new to this and may be missing something...

**lorglath** · 12-30-2012, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jps101

Matt,

I see a bunch of people using switches to power on their PID's, this seems overkill. Why does it matter if they are on, especially if you have a switch that will control power to the element. I am all for safety, but let's face it, there is enough electricity running through a household light switch to make it a bad day and I don't have redundancies there. I accept I am new to this and may be missing something...

I thought the same thing, then when I dove into Kal's design, the switch underneath each PID isn't to turn it on/off, it is to arm the alarm, so your alarm will turn on when your set point temp is hit (like when your water is at 163 degrees and ready for mash in). This is helpful if you turn it on, walk away and want to be informed when it is ready to get to the next brew stage.

**Jps101** · 12-30-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorglath

I thought the same thing, then when I dove into Kal's design, the switch underneath each PID isn't to turn it on/off, it is to arm the alarm, so your alarm will turn on when your set point temp is hit (like when your water is at 163 degrees and ready for mash in). This is helpful if you turn it on, walk away and want to be informed when it is ready to get to the next brew stage.

So to be clear, we are on the same page. No need for a Switch to turn on the PID?

**lorglath** · 12-30-2012, 10:23 PM

correct, just the main power to the entire unit, someone else that has completed their design can step in and correct me if I am wrong.

**Bobby_M** · 12-31-2012, 03:09 AM

Without getting too deep into the topic, the idea of unplugging something to turn it off is just bad design when you have electricity operating in or near water. I'd say most full on control panels put safety first, convenience second. You can heat water with electricity with a LOT less, but this is one place where going overboard is generally a good idea.