Two elements in a kettle - one SSR?

I have a 40A SSR on its way to me, and a PID. My local Home Depot has 4500w/240v, 3000w/240v, and 1500w/120v elements. I boil up to 13 gallons for 10 gallon batches. I think 4500w is too small for what I want. I thought of running two elements (4500 and 1500) on two different circuits (4500w on the PID, and the 1500w on a seperate 120v circuit.

But can I run two 3000w elements from the same SSR? What about 4500 and 3000? That would work out to be about 27A for the 6000w, and 32A for 7500w. I know they would both be controlled by the PID with no differentiation between the elements.

I'd just wire the elements to the same terminals of the SSR. Correct?

(I have an electrician who will check our work when we're done!)

That should work if you heat sink the SSR properly.
6000 watts isn't far above how they're usually used (5500) anyway.

I don't see why not.

You'll be fine. 6000W is 25 Amps at 240V.

I boil 11 gal batches and a 5500w 240v element was too much using a simple on/off light switch. Boil over non stop on a 60 min boil. I went down to a 4500w 240v element and was much better. With your PID, you should be able to control your element with percentage of use. Have it 100% to get to boil, then tone it down to like 75% to maintain boil. I was shocked that a 5500w 240v was too much, but I stood at my BK for the whole boil blowing air and using a spray bottle with cold water to keep from boiling over. PITA!!! Hope that helps.

tannnick said:

I boil 11 gal batches and a 5500w 240v element was too much using a simple on/off light switch. Boil over non stop on a 60 min boil...I stood at my BK for the whole boil blowing air and using a spray bottle with cold water to keep from boiling over.

Click to expand...

Ha, you could have practiced your light switch trigger finger - 1.2 seconds on, 0.8 seconds off 30 times a minute.