After designing a dual circuit 120V system and building most of the panel, I am thinking of converting to 240V before I finish. I was just getting ready to drill the holes (two in each kettle) for the elements. I have two separate 120V, 20A circuits in close proximity, which is why I thought to go this way.
But now a 240V 30A 4 prong circuit is available where I can brew. I'll probably add a contactor, as my DPST switch, although rated for 20A, would seem a bit marginal for regular use, depending upon how big the elements and fused protection (Opinions?)
I now have two separate PIDs mounted to a heat sink, one driving two 25 Amp SSRs for the boil kettle and the other driving two 25 Amp SSRs for the HLT. The PIDs outputs are wired through a switch so that the boil kettle and the HLT cannot be driven simultaneously.
So other than the switch vs. contactor question above, :
1. In converting to 240V, should I just wire the SSRs in parallel? Or put on on each leg of the 240V?
2. I'm only doing 5.5 gallon batches. What size element would you recommend? 3500 watts?
3. Other than wire sizes, cords and connectors(arrgh), what other things should I be on the lookout for?
4. Anybody need some unused 120V heating elements and connectors? (LOL - I'll post in the classifieds if I do this)
-Rich
But now a 240V 30A 4 prong circuit is available where I can brew. I'll probably add a contactor, as my DPST switch, although rated for 20A, would seem a bit marginal for regular use, depending upon how big the elements and fused protection (Opinions?)
I now have two separate PIDs mounted to a heat sink, one driving two 25 Amp SSRs for the boil kettle and the other driving two 25 Amp SSRs for the HLT. The PIDs outputs are wired through a switch so that the boil kettle and the HLT cannot be driven simultaneously.
So other than the switch vs. contactor question above, :
1. In converting to 240V, should I just wire the SSRs in parallel? Or put on on each leg of the 240V?
2. I'm only doing 5.5 gallon batches. What size element would you recommend? 3500 watts?
3. Other than wire sizes, cords and connectors(arrgh), what other things should I be on the lookout for?
4. Anybody need some unused 120V heating elements and connectors? (LOL - I'll post in the classifieds if I do this)
-Rich