Correct Spa Disconnect

Looking to add this to my garage to supply the power to my electric brewing setup. I will have it mounted beside the house circuit box and then hard wire to my control panel. Or would I be better off just adding the 50amp GFI breaker to my house circuit box and wire from there?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100686230&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=100686230&ci_kw=%7bkeyword%7d&kwd=%7bkeyword%7d&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-100686230&ci_gpa=pla#.UKJcbW_R7HQ

How many amps are you expecting to draw from your panel? I am going to use less than 30, so I rewired the air compressor outlet in my garage to 4 wire and bought one of the kal style gfi cords from friesen electronics. Way cheaper than a gfi breaker setup. Cost me maybe 50 bucks all together.

I was planning to bring over the 50 amp service to the control box and use it to power :

1) 110v 2000w for the RIMS
1) 220v 5500w for the BK
2) 110v outlets for PUMPS
1) BCS controller

I don't every see myself running both elements at a time, but I want the option to start another batch while the first is boiling in the BK.

If you want to start another batch while one is boiling you will more than likely need 50 amp service. Your 5500 watt bk element will draw approximately 23 amps by itself. The 200 watt element will draw another 18 or so.

The more I think about it, I can just put the breaker in the house box and not need another box. My control box will have an emergency switch to kill power.

You really need a GFCI breaker. Is that in your house box? If it isn't, then you should reconsider your decision.

Also, if you change your RIMS element from 110v 2000w to 220v 2000w, you reduce your load. i.e. from 16.67A at 120v to 8.33A at 240v.

And if you really wanted to run everything on the 50a circuit, change out your two 5500w elements for 4500w elements (these use 18.75A compared to the 23A for the 5500w elements) and you'll use something like 47A.

Can you not add a GFI to the house breaker bar and run from that to your control box?

Also, if you change your RIMS element from 110v 2000w to 220v 2000w, you reduce your load. i.e. from 16.67A at 120v to 8.33A at 240v.

And if you really wanted to run everything on the 50a circuit, change out your two 5500w elements for 4500w elements (these use 14.75A compared to the 23A for the 5500w elements) and you'll use something like 47A.
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4500 watt elements draw 18.75 amps.

grandequeso said:

4500 watt elements draw 18.75 amps.

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Correct you are! I have corrected the post.

garbageman said:

Can you not add a GFI to the house breaker bar and run from that to your control box?

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Yes you can. I think stlbeer mistakenly thought the link was for a disconnect only. Either way make sure you have GFCI protection!

Will do and wow its expense even by itself.

garbageman said:

Will do and wow its expense even by itself.

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Yeah. Breakers alone are expensive. Spa panels are a lot less expensive.

Just remember electricity only hurts until you are dead!

Proper sizing of breakers n wiring along with a GFCI is imperative

I agree.

I think ill add this beside my control panel. I could also add a plug into this box like this thread
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/spa-panel-wiring-dummies-266751/

The four wires coming out will match perfect gong into the box. I will change the plugs used in above thread to 50 amp.