15 gal 30A BK question

[Brewvy]

I would like to build a simple on off , 15g BK. Could I use a 5500w element running on 220 30A circuit to achieve boil then switch over to 120 20a to maintain boil? Instead of building a control panel. Thanks for any input. I generally boil about 14 gallons.

 

[AnOldUR]

Switching to 120 volts would only give you 1375 watts. Probably not enough to hold a boil.

 

[Brewvy]

In the most simple , safe , situation, could the 5500 w element be hooked up to a three wire 220 plug using no controller, just a switch?

 

[mrwizard0]

You could definitely hook it up to a switch. You just need to make sure the switch is rated for 30a and that you get it gfci protected

 

[jeffmeh]

But are you going to stand there, turning the switch on and off, for a 60 or 90 minute boil, if "on" provides too vigorous a boil?

 

[mrwizard0]

I don't really know the math for how much power to keep it at a boil, but if the pot kettle was insulated does anyone think it might be possible to keep it at a boil on 120?