Electric Question

tlarham · 02-11-2010, 02:58 AM

So I've only used a 1500w heat stick because I've yet to spring for a couple of 20amp outlets run to my deck for brewing. But recently the thought hit me...

...why not use my Dryer plug?

In my basement I have two circuits -- washer and dryer. One is labeled 20amp, and the other is the 220 outlet for the dryer. I could utilize both and do all electric brews in the basement -- two heatsticks (1500 and Other)

What size heating element could I run into a 220 outlet? Do they make GFCI for those outlets?

**bf514921** · 02-11-2010, 03:34 AM

yes, dryer would wrk no problem should be at least a 30 amp circuit. you would only need 1 element. you could run up to a single5500 watt, maybe a 6000.
i am in process of building one that plugs into the dryer outlet myself.

**IrregularPulse** · 02-11-2010, 03:42 AM

24 A is the max you'd want to pull on a 30A breaker. (80% load)
Is it a 220V outlet or a 240V outlet?
5500W on 240V = 22.9A is really the only option on that 30A circuit,

Watts/Voltage=Current draw.

I too plan to look at using my dryer outlet and will go with either a 4500-5500W element depending what my breaker is. I haven't looked that far ahead yet.

**CodeRage** · 02-11-2010, 03:56 AM

I run my whole brewery from my 30A dry circuit. I put in a sub panel and put a gfci in for the brewery and a 30A for the dryer.
I have 5500W for my BK and 4500W for my RIMS. I only run one element at a time. Doesn't seem to really slow me down at all.

tlarham · 02-11-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IrregularPulse

Is it a 220V outlet or a 240V outlet?

Stupid Question: How do you tell the difference? The outlet looks like this: PIC! Which is why I assumed it was 220.

**luvhopps** · 02-11-2010, 11:46 AM

A 220 outlet and a 240 outlet are the same thing, it is just a matter of terminology. The industry prefers the term 240. The outlet you show is a 220/240 standard dryer outlet, it has the two 110/120 legs and a neutral leg, but no grounding leg. They make GFCI breakers, not GFCI outlets for 220/240. The breakers run anywhere from $80 to $250 bucks.

The Pol · 02-11-2010, 11:53 AM

Yah, my 30A GFCI breaker was about $80, my 50A GFCI was $99 plus tax

tlarham · 02-11-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Pol

Yah, my 30A GFCI breaker was about $80, my 50A GFCI was $99 plus tax

So would the consensus be to get a gfci breaker in there before attempting to use the dryer outlet?

**BargainFittings** · 02-11-2010, 12:12 PM

Look in your breaker box for the size they used. The circuits should be marked. If they are not I would test them all and document where they go.

You can get gfci power cords. Sold for RV use.

**IrregularPulse** · 02-11-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvhopps

A 220 outlet and a 240 outlet are the same thing, it is just a matter of terminology. The industry prefers the term 240. The outlet you show is a 220/240 standard dryer outlet, it has the two 110/120 legs and a neutral leg, but no grounding leg. They make GFCI breakers, not GFCI outlets for 220/240. The breakers run anywhere from $80 to $250 bucks.

True, but you want to make sure of the actual voltage coming out. That will make the difference in the amperage you pull.