Heat Stick and Electricity Questions...

JDL said:

I have searched all over the forums and read a tons and am thinking of building a heat stick for my small brew system.

I currently make 2.5 gallon batches and start boiling with 3.25 gallons normally. I want to create a heat stick but have some very basic questions.

1) What watt heating element can I use with not having to do anything at all to my service in my apartment? I rent a side of a duplex and cannot do anything to the wiring. 1500W

2) What watt would be good to bring 3.25 gallons to a boil? (I know I will grow it eventually to 5+ gallons but then I will probably boil with propane and use the stick to assist and heat sparge and strike water) 2500W, or use 1500W to assist the stove

3) Can I hook a dimmer switch up to it to effect how much electricity runs to it and how much heat it produces? easy answer, no

4) What other heat regulating is available with a heat stick? PWM or PID

What is any danger along with this? This would be my first electrical DIY setup so a little nervous about it. electrocution

If I use a GCFI outlet (plan on using one of the portable ones) does that take care of any electrocution fear? Like if the sealing fails after a little bit and water gets into it? you will still get knocked to the floor, just short of dying perhaps

Thanks for all your help in advance!

Jeff

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JDL said:

Hmm, electrocution is not my idea of fun...will this bring the ability to be electrocuted to zero?

Put it in the boil pot submerged, then plug it into the GCFI, then plug that into the wall and never touch the heat stick while it is plugged in.

I am sure I will get more confortable with it over time but want to be as safe as possible...

Thanks,
Jeff

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