Well it looks like I found some information from: WOP31
I figure I'll add it to this post in the event someone aside from me is looking for some help.
https://cdn.homebrewtalk.com/gallery/data/1/7985-NewKettles5Edit.jpg
I have an electric HLT and can say from experience that as long as you do the proper research and follow proper & safe practices with it, anyone can build/use one. That being said, find a local Mom & Pop Hardware store, you know the kind where it looks like they have stuff on the shelves from 1952. In my experience the folks that own/operate these type of hardware stores have more knowledge about the products they sell and they are more likely to spend the time with you discussing the proper way to do things rather than the "big box stores"
I have two 1500 Watt, 110 Volt Elements in my HLT and can maintain 10 gallons of water at a rolling boil with ~35 deg ambient air temps. I brew out side and have seen first hand that it is possible. Not saying that it will be kind to your electric bill though.
A few considerations when building/operating an electric HLT/kettle:
1. Always plug the elements (if there are more then one) in to separate circuits in the house. (seperate outlets that run off of different circuit breakers in the box) In an apartment you may need to plug one into a kitchen outlet and one into a bedroom or living room outlet to achieve that. A GFCI outlet is preferred, it would be an outlet that has the little buttons in the middle. Most places it is code to have them in the kitchen as well as the bathrooms, may vary in different areas though.
2. Make sure that all electrical connections inside and outside of the HLT are well sealed. Mine are sealed on the inside with high temp o-rings and the outside is all sealed up with high temp silicone.
3. Leak check everything prior to initial use, and always inspect before using. Fill up the kettle with water and let it sit for a couple of days to see if water is leaking out of the inner fittings, before sealing up the outside.
4. THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT! NEVER NEVER NEVER leave an extension cord coiled up while using the HLT! Did i mention NEVER do this. It will act as a big inductor and build up heat from the current flow. I know this from experience as well. I should have known better as i am an electronics technician, but none the less i made the mistake and melted a cord, luckily we discovered our mistake before anything bad happened.
Here is a picture of mine if you would like more specs on it PM me:
Outside:
Inside:
Cheers
