HERMS Build Question

bobsstory182 · 04-30-2009, 05:30 AM

I'm in the process of gathering parts for a new HERMS system. I have a 1500 watt and 2000 watt 120 volt water heater elements. I want to use these in the HLT but am having trouble figuring out which one to use. I would like to use the 2000 watt bc it would heat faster but i think that it pulls 16 amps. Ive only found 15 watt temperature controllers that are reasonably priced. Should I use the 1500 watt with a Johnson A419, which is rated at 15 amps, or is there a reasonable solution to get the 2000 watt element controlled?

eriktlupus · 04-30-2009, 06:18 AM

look into the pols thread on his herms, i know he uses the 419 and i think he's running 2500watts.
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/bling-bling-electric-herms-conversion-93217/

The Pol · 04-30-2009, 04:17 PM

FWIW...

In a large HLT with a large volume of water, pin point accuracy isnt really a concern I have found, because you have a huge thermal mass buffer in that HLT water.

Bottom line, running my HERMS on a JC A419 gives me mash temp control within .5F during the mash. Id say that is pretty good. YOU ARE limited to 1650W on the JC A419 though, but I have had no problems with it.

Also you DO NOT need a low density element for a HERMS, it is heating water... can't scorch water. You can use any HIGH WATT density element, I actually recommend that. They are shorter, so they take less HLT water to keep them submerged.

I have been over this and over this...

1500-1650W high watt density element
JC A419 controller

It is easy, cheap, effective etc. Look over my build threads, if you have any Qs let me know.

**Sawdustguy** · 04-30-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Pol

FWIW...

In a large HLT with a large volume of water, pin point accuracy isnt really a concern I have found, because you have a huge thermal mass buffer in that HLT water.

Bottom line, running my HERMS on a JC A419 gives me mash temp control within .5F during the mash. Id say that is pretty good. YOU ARE limited to 1650W on the JC A419 though, but I have had no problems with it.

Also you DO NOT need a low density element for a HERMS, it is heating water... can't scorch water. You can use any HIGH WATT density element, I actually recommend that. They are shorter, so they take less HLT water to keep them submerged.

I have been over this and over this...

1500-1650W high watt density element
JC A419 controller

It is easy, cheap, effective etc. Look over my build threads, if you have any Qs let me know.

Right you are!

I have no idea what I was thinking. I have RIMS on the brain. Mea Culpa. Listen to the Pol and TOTALLY ignore my post.

bobsstory182 · 04-30-2009, 11:29 PM

thanks guys, that helped out a lot