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RTV High Temperature Silicone to Seal Heat Element Connections

Discussion in 'Electric Brewing' started by sleewok, May 17, 2013.

 

  1. #1
    sleewok

    Active Member

    Posted May 17, 2013
    I'm 99% sure this will work, but I want to double check. Most people seem to be using JB Weld to seal the power connections to their heating element. I was planning on fitting PVC right around the connections and then filling it will the silicone.

    Would it be easier/just as effective to use a high temp RTV silicone to seal the electrical connection?

    I was thinking the benefit of this would be that if there was ever a leak I could cut away the silicone and reseal it. I could also use the silicone for a wider variety of jobs.

    This is the silicone I am considering:

    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V40DJ4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

    Thanks!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 23, 2018
  2. #2
    microbusbrewery

    Senior Member  

    Posted May 17, 2013
    Should work but have you considered the Blichmann-style setup? If you haven't seen it, here's a link to Kal's site where he details the parts and assembly. I used this style setup on the elements on my standalone HEX and HLT. They work awesome and I'd think they're more easily serviced than encasing your connections in silicone.
     
  3. #3
    sleewok

    Active Member

    Posted May 19, 2013
    Thanks for the response. I'm not sure if I've seen the setup you're referring to. Did you forget the link? :)
     
  4. #4
    brewmcq

    Well-Known Member  

  5. #5
    microbusbrewery

    Senior Member  

    Posted May 19, 2013
    brewmcq likes this.
  6. #6
    sleewok

    Active Member

    Posted May 20, 2013
    Heh, no worries (double thanks brewmcq). I do appreciate the link. I'm familiar with the setup you are talking about. The more I think about it .... I'm leaning towards a box now. I just didn't want to use the JB Weld (In case I ever want to remove the box). I'll probably do a box with the high temp silicone (seal from outside and inside).

    I did a test boil with everything exposed (a couple days ago). Either way I go will be safer than that!
     
  7. #7
    ThreeDogsNE

    Good for what ales you  

    Posted May 20, 2013
    I used White Lightning Silicone Rubber RTV formula for my heatsticks a few years ago. The silicone is now pretty much wort colored, not clear, but it continues to seal well. I couldn't find it locally recently, so I used Dap 08641. I found that at an Ace hardware. Non of the local big box stores hand anything suitable at the time.
     
  8. #8
    xecutech

    New Member

    Posted May 20, 2013
    You can use rtv sealant from an auto parts store.
     
  9. #9
    jCOSbrew

    Well-Known Member

    Posted May 20, 2013
    I also use a low tech element mount:
    1" lock nut inside kettle, stock element gasket outside kettle and PVC cap to cover connections.

    I used some silicon around the PVC cap to make it "water resistant".

    When it is set the silicon encapsulated connections would be very difficult to remove. Do a leak test and a functional test before adding the extra silicon.
     
  10. #10
    alien

    Well-Known Member

    Posted May 23, 2013
    Edited - misunderstood original post.
     
  11. #11
    JRems

    Well-Known Member

    Posted May 25, 2013
    I used electronic potting compound. It's what should be used, and isn't very expensive.
     
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