I'm trying to piece together my system and have read this thread start to finish a couple of times. There doesn't seem to be a concensus on the "best" element for use with Brewers Hardware RIMS tube. I spoke to Derrin and he said most are going with 4500W 240V LWD and running it at 110V. The posts on here about corrosion / gunk on element are making me think a stainless / incoloy elelment is the way to go. I found this
http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/5...inless-steel-water-heater-element-684528.aspx
but at 13 -1/2" length it will be touching the temp probe at the other end (total length of RIMS tube from Derrin is 16") - I'm using this probe
Liquid tight RTD sensor, 60 mm probe, 1/4 NPT Thread
Item# PT100-L60NPT
Any suggestions (links) to a good element would be appreciated.
One more thing, and I'll preface this with I'm a noob moron when it comes to this stuff, but I do try and plan to have an electrician friend help me with the actual install once I get to that stage.
I've read on here about people having the same concerns I do with regard to being able to use my pump (single tier, single pump system) when not in RIMS mode to move wort to BK, BK through CFC, etc. Does the pump HAVE to be wired per the OP diagram (pump integrated with PID and element) or can it be run off a separate switch with the PID and element working independently. In other words, I would flip pump to ON to begin circulating the mash, then turn on the PID to control temps during mash. Then turn PID OFF, pump off, switch my disconnects around and use the pump switch independently?
I guess what I'm saying is does the PID communicate with the pump to control flow or is it a simple on/off? I'm pretty sure it's the latter? Ideally I'd like to have it where i could flip a pump toggle from AUTO / ON / OFF where AUTO switch would have to be on before the PID would power up / element would function - but I don't have the confidence I could ever figure that out.
I realize there is inherent danger with having them independent (forgettign to turn pump on prior to activating PID = bad).
Thanks and I apologize in advance if these are dumb questions.