What gauge electrical cord for element

[brett1341]

Another noob diving in to electric brewing, so forgive my ignorance.

Am I correct in assuming that with the below heating element (5500w 240v) that a 10 gauge electrical cord (10 ft at most) will be required and a 30amp dedicated circuit for each element?

I have plenty of room for the circuits on my panel so I am not limited by space. I am planning on using two of these to build heat sticks. One heat stick for the HLT which will be part of an eHERMS build (with the pumps on a separate circuit). The other will be used in the boil kettle.

http://m.lowes.com/pd_362369-135-9008070046_0__?productId=3693210


Using this as the temperature controller:

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1



Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[gunmetal]

10 guage is correct, can handle 30 amps. watts/volts =amps. 5500/240=22.92 amps. However, I think you want the SSR controlled pid #SYL 2352. You can run a single PID with both elements, PJ has a diagram for this, it is the second one listed in this thread,https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/list-pj-electrical-diagrams-382286/ it is titled "5500 2 element E stop PID 30 amp. This diagram or control panel, ensures that only one element is powered at one time, via a switch ( switch one determines the output, either HLT or boil Kettle), and contactors, using only one 30 amp gfi breaker or spa panel, and can control the pumps as well.

 

[Bobby_M]

Actually, one of the primary reasons you'd use a heat stick over a thru-wall install is that you can move it from the HLT to the Boil kettle. If you do that, you only need one 30a circuit and controller.

 

[atoughram]

5500W 240V Elements pull about 23a - I've got a 12 awg SO cord on my elements rated at 25a and they do not get warm. You can save a little money on the 12 awg wire (And it meets NEC code).

The main wire feeding my brew panel is 6 awg.