Side-by-side IC1800

[bmiller8]

Has anyone brewed 2 beers side by side with 2 IC1800 units? Thinking about using the same base beer from mash tun to create 2 2.5 gallon beers.

Have to check, but could 2 IC1800 work in one outlet?

 

[itsnotrequired]

the ic1800 can draw up to 1800 watts or about 15 amps. you could use two of them on the same receptacle but not at full power. if operating on a 15 amp receptacle, you won't be able to get more heat out of two units than with one (without tripping the breaker). if on a 20 amp receptacle (like a kitchen countertop), you will be able to get a bit more out of the two units but not any more than 2400 watts. this also assumes there is no other load on the circuit (e.g. lights, other plug connected devices, etc.)

 

[bmiller8]

Thats what I figured out after reading a bit more. Can an electrician do some magic and up the amps on a receptacle?

 

[prmurphy63026]

Sure! He'd just need to replace the breaker, the wire in the walls (maybe it's rated for the amperage for the breaker) and the outlet.

 

[bmiller8]

Awesome...thanks for the information

 

[itsnotrequired]

Sure! He'd just need to replace the breaker, the wire in the walls (maybe it's rated for the amperage for the breaker) and the outlet.

simple!

if going this route, i would recommend a dedicated 20 amp duplex receptacle, with the tabs broken such that each receptacle can be on a separate circuit. run two 20 amp circuits to the receptacle, each served from a separate 20 amp circuit breaker. you can now plug both ic1800 units into the duplex receptacle and run both at full power with a concern of nuisance tripping. the same scenario might work with 15 amp circuits and 15 amp breakers but 1800 watts is right on the edge of what a 15 amp breaker can continuously carry. if going to all the effort, might as well do it with 20 amp circuits.

 

[bmiller8]

Itsnotrequired - any idea on cost for your idea. Definitely dont want to deal with tripping

 

[itsnotrequired]

lots of variables here. the materials are relatively cheap. the two breakers will be about $10, receptacle/box/wall plate will run you about $5. assuming you can use nm cable (romex), that will cost about $1/ft (assuming both circuits are run in parallel).

the kicker is the labor. is this a finished space, where walls will need to be opened up and repaired? or an unfinished basement? would the receptacle only be 10' or so from the main panel? or is it on the other side of the house and on a different floor? will you do the work yourself or hire a pro? installation could run you $50 up to $1500 or more, depending on your situation.

if you want to go a bit ghetto, you could use the existing receptacles you have in your home and run one of the units off of a receptacle on a different circuit, using an extension cord. if you are brewing in a kitchen of a modern home, it should have two separate 20 amp circuits in the kitchen already, keep the two units on separate circuits.