DownRightAft
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- Joined
- Feb 17, 2009
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I am building a new E-rig, thanks to all the threads on this forum. I have been reading through lot's of the threads, but I have a question for the more savvy electric brewers on the forum.
I am renting an older home, built in the 80's I believe. I am not going to modify any existing electrical. I am planning on using receptacles in the kitchen, supplied by 20 amp breakers. 2 are available, both GFCI protected outlets. I can isolate each circuit, to ensure the only consumer will be my brew rig while brewing.
I was hoping to use a 2kw 120v (16.6 amp) element, however, the GFCI protected outlet is of the 15amp variety. By that I mean the receptacle does not have the horizontal "T" shaped input for the plug on the right side. It is a regular plug you would find on any wall.
If the breaker in the box is 20 amps, is it common for a 15 amp GFCI to be used in the wall? How can I assure the wiring in the wall is at least 12 gauge? Are you guys that are running 2000W 120V elements running them through a similar outlet? Or are you using the 20 amp GFCI plug with the "T" shaped plug.
I also have some concerns about exceeding the 80% capacity of the breaker. I have heard this is a design criteria only, and that 100% usage is possible by the end user. In other words, I can run a 15 amp rig, on a 15 amp breaker. I am a bit nervous about this, and I am designing my setup to stay below 80% capacity, of 15 amps per circuit. My plan is to use two 1440w 120v (12amp) elements on separate circuits. Is this overly cautious? I would rather use the single circuit with 2000W 120V element.
I am renting an older home, built in the 80's I believe. I am not going to modify any existing electrical. I am planning on using receptacles in the kitchen, supplied by 20 amp breakers. 2 are available, both GFCI protected outlets. I can isolate each circuit, to ensure the only consumer will be my brew rig while brewing.
I was hoping to use a 2kw 120v (16.6 amp) element, however, the GFCI protected outlet is of the 15amp variety. By that I mean the receptacle does not have the horizontal "T" shaped input for the plug on the right side. It is a regular plug you would find on any wall.
If the breaker in the box is 20 amps, is it common for a 15 amp GFCI to be used in the wall? How can I assure the wiring in the wall is at least 12 gauge? Are you guys that are running 2000W 120V elements running them through a similar outlet? Or are you using the 20 amp GFCI plug with the "T" shaped plug.
I also have some concerns about exceeding the 80% capacity of the breaker. I have heard this is a design criteria only, and that 100% usage is possible by the end user. In other words, I can run a 15 amp rig, on a 15 amp breaker. I am a bit nervous about this, and I am designing my setup to stay below 80% capacity, of 15 amps per circuit. My plan is to use two 1440w 120v (12amp) elements on separate circuits. Is this overly cautious? I would rather use the single circuit with 2000W 120V element.