I want to build an electric HLT, but I am having trouble finding the heating element and wiring diagram to get it hooked up. Are there elements that come prewired?
You might find bucket heaters prewired but electric brew vessels at our small scale are a pure DIY seat of your pants endeavor. There are only two screws on the element, hot and neutral on a 120v or hot and hot on a 240v. You have to ground it via the threads or tap a ground screw into some metal that touches the threads. There are a lot of discussion threads on building electric vessels. Search.
Here is a good source for heating elements. Make sure you go with a low to extra low density element. There are only two conections, hot and neutral. You will need a PID controller, Temperature Sensor (RTD or Thermocouple) and Solid Sate Relay to control the heating element. It will cost you about $100 for the PID, Temp Sensor and SSR.
I agree with Sawdust guy except that the density of the element is no consequence in the HLT because wort scorching wouldn't happen. I'd probably go high density because it's more compact.
I agree with Sawdust guy except that the density of the element is no consequence in the HLT because wort scorching wouldn't happen. I'd probably go high density because it's more compact.
Sun of a gun. You are absolutely right! Dam, I do this every time. I have to learn to read a little slower.
....You will need a PID controller, Temperature Sensor (RTD or Thermocouple) and Solid Sate Relay to control the heating element. It will cost you about $100 for the PID, Temp Sensor and SSR.
I've got a 1500 watt element from HD (~$8.50) that will be controlled with a normal 110V switch on GFCI circuit, mounted on the end of a 1 1/4" brass/chrome drain pipe. This is all in a cooler with a stirrer, and an analog temperature gauge. Wait for water to hit desired temperature, turn switch off. Not as flexible as SSR+PID perhaps, but it is simple and cheap.
Well, OK you CAN manually control it with a switch and watch the temp but the big advantage of electric is the ability to automate to some degree. I'd at least put a simple on/off style temp controller on it so it holds a set temp. This takes a lot of mental load off the brewer.
If you use a cooler, it will be much more eff. but I have seen SS HLTs with these elements.
Where can I find these?? I tried lowes but all they had were the electric range elements. Yes it is going to be in a 10 gal gott cooler. and the A419 temp controler. I am still new at this DIY stuff.... thanks
HLT Build
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