1 bbl system- build vs off the shelf panel

[kcinpdx]

Hi all - I’m beginning to piece together a 1 bbl system and would like to avoid the high price tag of an off the shelf panel. I’d like a 240v panel that’s capable of running 4x5500 watt elements, 2 in bk, 2 in hlt. I don’t think I’ll have the capacity to run all 4 at a time, so that will have to be taken into account. Essentially I’m looking for the electric brewery “30+ gallon” set up without spending 3k. I’ve been using electric for years now and am handy enough to build it. Does anyone have schematics for something similar or any advice as I undertake this project? I’ve got lots of time as I already have a smaller system that works well.

 

[augiedoggy]

Hi all - I’m beginning to piece together a 1 bbl system and would like to avoid the high price tag of an off the shelf panel. I’d like a 240v panel that’s capable of running 4x5500 watt elements, 2 in bk, 2 in hlt. I don’t think I’ll have the capacity to run all 4 at a time, so that will have to be taken into account. Essentially I’m looking for the electric brewery “30+ gallon” set up without spending 3k. I’ve been using electric for years now and am handy enough to build it. Does anyone have schematics for something similar or any advice as I undertake this project? I’ve got lots of time as I already have a smaller system that works well.

schematics would be 85% the same as a smaller system only with heavier wire and main breakers splitting off to a couple extra contactors /and or SSR's. theres lots of ways to do it though.. You can just go with bigger ssrs and contractors and run a couple elements off each one or use smaller dedicated contactors and breakers for each element. It really depends on how fancy you want to get. I would use fuses or breakers for each individual element outlet regardless myself.
I built a 3bbl electric control panel that uses brucontrol software for around $1,500 myself. I could not find schematics when I was looking but found plenty I could use for a baseline or to understand how best to design it myself.

If this is for a business such as a nanobrewery you have to make sure your inspector doesnt require UL listing... if he or she does, your looking at limited options with the cost tripling or more in many cases. Its quite a profitable business for the panel builders and the folks at UL...

 

[kcinpdx]

The UL thing is my biggest concern to be honest. I can’t find anything to confirm that it’s required, but certainly don’t want to spend the time and cash to build one only to turn around and have to buy another one anyway.

 

[augiedoggy]

The UL thing is my biggest concern to be honest. I can’t find anything to confirm that it’s required, but certainly don’t want to spend the time and cash to build one only to turn around and have to buy another one anyway.

Its really up to the inspector... a couple things you can do to remove this from being his responsibility is to buy a panel that "plugs" in instead of being hardwired but even that can be an issue if you get someone who really wants to give you a hard time. My advice is to make sure it uses all ul listed components and is built to code. then have an electrician look it over.