HERMS Build Question

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bobsstory182

bobsstory182

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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?
 
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.
 
The Pol said:
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.
Click to expand...

Right you are!:drunk: 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.
 

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