Sublime8365
Well-Known Member
Ok so I started down the path to a partial electric setup here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/looking-into-herms-system-heres-my-approach-s-350658/
Well I didn't do my research properly and discovered (luckily, the easy way by stumbling across it on the forums) that the Johnson A419 is only rated up to 15 or 16 A, which is not enough obviously if my 2000w element is pulling 16.3 A.
The way I see it, I have 2 'easy' options here:
1.) Buy a 1500w element that will work with my Johnson A419 and save the 2000w element for a rainy day when I can try to go full electric. My 2 questions here are: should the 1500w element be strong enough to maintain my mash temps at 154? I would think so (I'm not that worried about how long it will take to get up to that point, I can always heat with my propane burner, I'm really only worried about the mash temps). Also, if I try to go full electric, will 2000w be enough to maintain a rolling boil? I usually have 6.5-7 gallons at the start of my boil. Again, I am fine with using the stove and the element to get it up to boiling, but would really like to only use the element during the boil. Can this be done?
2.) Buy a PID that can handle the amps from the 2000w element. I plan on converting a mini fridge into a ferm chamber anyway so my johnson A419 wouldn't go to waste, but I had hoped to just use the controller for both purposes.
I'd prefer to go with option 1 if it will work out. What do you guys think?
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/looking-into-herms-system-heres-my-approach-s-350658/
Well I didn't do my research properly and discovered (luckily, the easy way by stumbling across it on the forums) that the Johnson A419 is only rated up to 15 or 16 A, which is not enough obviously if my 2000w element is pulling 16.3 A.
The way I see it, I have 2 'easy' options here:
1.) Buy a 1500w element that will work with my Johnson A419 and save the 2000w element for a rainy day when I can try to go full electric. My 2 questions here are: should the 1500w element be strong enough to maintain my mash temps at 154? I would think so (I'm not that worried about how long it will take to get up to that point, I can always heat with my propane burner, I'm really only worried about the mash temps). Also, if I try to go full electric, will 2000w be enough to maintain a rolling boil? I usually have 6.5-7 gallons at the start of my boil. Again, I am fine with using the stove and the element to get it up to boiling, but would really like to only use the element during the boil. Can this be done?
2.) Buy a PID that can handle the amps from the 2000w element. I plan on converting a mini fridge into a ferm chamber anyway so my johnson A419 wouldn't go to waste, but I had hoped to just use the controller for both purposes.
I'd prefer to go with option 1 if it will work out. What do you guys think?