2 element/SSR from one PID

Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

franknh

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2019
Messages
14
Reaction score
2
Location
Norway
Hi there.
Can someone comfirm that this is the correct method to do this.
I hope that this will work because i only got 16A i my house. So derfor 2 x 3200W element and not 5500W :p

Frank
PID Control.jpg
 
I went a different route... dual elements, and i just ran the power plug from the SSR to each outlet. Eg, through contactor to each "x" leg on the plug, then through the SSR to each "y" leg. That way the SSR toggles the 240v leg for both elements in unison. No reason to have two SSR's unless you're trying to fire two elements at different times.
 
Thanks for reply :)

I agree that both elements are not always needed.
And have the ability to turn them on and off individually.

So here is my plan nr 2 :)
If I turn switch on 1 then element 1 will be ON and when I turn the switch to 2 will both be ON?

Bought me an Auber EZboil, so I'm terrified of ruining something here: P

PS: I have contactors available but haven't added them here..

PID control 2.jpg
 
What size of brewing are you doing? 5 gallon 10 gallon? A single 3200watt may be more than enough? Just curious.
 
What size of brewing are you doing? 5 gallon 10 gallon? A single 3200watt may be more than enough? Just curious.

At this time the fermenting volume is 15 gallon.
And i do a 2 vessel brewing (loop) so i heat all the water at onse (20 gallon).
The heating time between each mesh steps or when its boiltime is to long now.
 
Last edited:
Or you must use two separate 16A circuits that cannot be connected to a single SSR...

I'd advise against anyone trying to run multiple circuits into a single enclosure... just seems like a bad idea unless you really know what you're doing. Even if it's a rented apartment and you're trying to make due with limited electrical... If Franknh is doing 15gallon batches he should probably at least use the dryer outlet for 30amps. Grab an "RV Extension cable" and run it to your brew area and you'll have 30 or 50 amps at your disposal. This will also allow you to go 240v without trying to combine two circuits in your house off different service legs. 240v will allow more wattage at less amps.
 
I'd advise against anyone trying to run multiple circuits into a single enclosure... just seems like a bad idea unless you really know what you're doing. Even if it's a rented apartment and you're trying to make due with limited electrical... If Franknh is doing 15gallon batches he should probably at least use the dryer outlet for 30amps. Grab an "RV Extension cable" and run it to your brew area and you'll have 30 or 50 amps at your disposal. This will also allow you to go 240v without trying to combine two circuits in your house off different service legs. 240v will allow more wattage at less amps.
Thanks for reply.
Yes i know, but i only got 16A in my house. Beside the 25A for the stove.

Not that I have no respect for electricity, but 2 sircuits into the brewery panel as long as you keep them separate is ok.
The cabinet is designed with 2 circuits where each feeds 1 element and 1 pump.
 
If you use two separate circuits, then you need to keep the neutrals separate as well as the hots. If you don't, the GFCI's, or equivalent in your country, will be tripping all the time.

Brew on :mug:
 
If you use two separate circuits, then you need to keep the neutrals separate as well as the hots. If you don't, the GFCI's, or equivalent in your country, will be tripping all the time.

Brew on :mug:

I was asking in another forum about merge 2 pcs 16A as one 32A but that was no-go :p
So i will totally seperate these sircuits.

Frank
 
Thanks for reply :)

I agree that both elements are not always needed.
And have the ability to turn them on and off individually.

So here is my plan nr 2 :)
If I turn switch on 1 then element 1 will be ON and when I turn the switch to 2 will both be ON?

Bought me an Auber EZboil, so I'm terrified of ruining something here: P

PS: I have contactors available but haven't added them here..

View attachment 637155
This circuit will not work the way it is intended. Both elements will be enabled (i.e. "on") for both switch positions. Trace the connectivity in the two states, and you will see why. If you can't figure it out, ask and I will walk you thru it.

It can be fixed by adding a second switch block for position 2.

Brew on :mug:
 
This circuit will not work the way it is intended. Both elements will be enabled (i.e. "on") for both switch positions. Trace the connectivity in the two states, and you will see why. If you can't figure it out, ask and I will walk you thru it.

It can be fixed by adding a second switch block for position 2.

Brew on :mug:

Unless I'm misunderstanding, I think you're wrong here. The SPDT ensures that only one of the SSRs are turned on at a time (floating input on an SSR = off).
 
Unless I'm misunderstanding, I think you're wrong here. The SPDT ensures that only one of the SSRs are turned on at a time (floating input on an SSR = off).
When the switch is in position 1, then terminal 1 on the switch (which is hot) connects to terminal 2 on the left SSR. Terminal 2 on the left SSR is also connected to terminal 2 on the switch, so now terminal 2 on the switch becomes hot. Terminal 2 on the switch connects to terminal 2 on the right SSR, so now the right SSR terminal is also hot. The heavy red line shows what is connected to the PID output when the switch is in position 1.

Switch Problem.png


Brew on :mug:
 
When the switch is in position 1, then terminal 1 on the switch (which is hot) connects to terminal 2 on the left SSR. Terminal 2 on the left SSR is also connected to terminal 2 on the switch, so now terminal 2 on the switch becomes hot. Terminal 2 on the switch connects to terminal 2 on the right SSR, so now the right SSR terminal is also hot. The heavy red line shows what is connected to the PID output when the switch is in position 1.

View attachment 660117

Brew on :mug:
I believe passedpawn is correct here. An SPDT switch allows continuity between the single pole input to either one of the out outputs. So either ssr# or ssr #2 would get the signal from the pid with no selection to kill both or allow both at the same time. It operates like many a/b selector switches would. The diagram here shows what I mean.
http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-a-single-pole-double-throw-switch-SPDT
 
When the switch is in position 1, then terminal 1 on the switch (which is hot) connects to terminal 2 on the left SSR. Terminal 2 on the left SSR is also connected to terminal 2 on the switch, so now terminal 2 on the switch becomes hot. Terminal 2 on the switch connects to terminal 2 on the right SSR, so now the right SSR terminal is also hot. The heavy red line shows what is connected to the PID output when the switch is in position 1.

View attachment 660117

Brew on :mug:

Oh man I had some sort of mental block. I hadn't noticed that connection from SPDT#2 to SSR#1. You were right. Get rid of that connection and it'll work. Though, I'm not certain what the goal of the OP was.
 
My bad I should have read the whole thread.. I thought Doug drew in the red lines to show current somehow and was really confused.. No arguement from me.. but without the red wires in the diagram the device would work to allow one or the other as long as both ssrs are functioning correctly and not stuck on.
 
Aha, that's why both elements were turned on whether I had the switch on 1 or 2. I did not see that before :p
I had to use 2 switches, 1 for each element.

But if I put a relay between + on SSR1 and Terminal 2 on the switch it would work?

Perhaps there is an easier way to block backfirering of power to the element 2?
 
Aha, that's why both elements were turned on whether I had the switch on 1 or 2. I did not see that before :p
I had to use 2 switches, 1 for each element.

But if I put a relay between + on SSR1 and Terminal 2 on the switch it would work?

Perhaps there is an easier way to block backfirering of power to the element 2?

Assuming it's still like the last diagram you posted, all you have to do is get rid of the one connection (I put an X in it below)

upload_2020-1-10_6-32-14.png
 
Assuming it's still like the last diagram you posted, all you have to do is get rid of the one connection (I put an X in it below)

View attachment 661125

Sure?
I know I'm not good at explaining, but the thing is, I want 3000W when I use switch 1 and 6000W when I switch to switch 2

With your suggestion, I get:
Switch 1. 3000W from element 1 or
Switch 2. 3000W from element 2

but i want:
Switch 1. 3000W from element 1
Switch 2. 6000W total from element 1 and 2
 
Sure?
I know I'm not good at explaining, but the thing is, I want 3000W when I use switch 1 and 6000W when I switch to switch 2

With your suggestion, I get:
Switch 1. 3000W from element 1 or
Switch 2. 3000W from element 2

but i want:
Switch 1. 3000W from element 1
Switch 2. 6000W total from element 1 and 2
you need another type of switch... basically you just need one wired permanently without a switch off the pid output and a regular on off switch on the red line to the second ssr...
 
Think of wires as pipes. In the drawing, the two wires converge on terminal 2 of the switch and are therefore electrically bonded. There is no switch position that will unbond the positive terminals of the SSR. IOW, both SSRs get the connection no matter where the switch position is.

One solution is to use a DPDT switch. The + from the controller goes to both common legs (1P and 2P). In throw position one 1T is connected to SSR#1 +. 2T goes nowhere. In throw position 2, 1T goes to SSR#1 + and 2T goes to SSR#2 +. Sorry I don't feel like drawing.

Augiedoggy's suggestion also works but if you want one switch to also perform the "all off" function, you would use a DPDT switch as I mentioned but you'd get one with a CENTER OFF.
 
What's needed is something like an Auber SW3, with an added NO switch block. This would allow a 1, none, or both selection. Let's say one NO block on the left and two NO blocks on the right. The left block connects to SSR 1, as does one of the right blocks. The other right block connects to SSR 2. The other side of all switches are commoned, and go to the PID.

Brew on :mug:
 
What's needed is something like an Auber SW3, with an added NO switch block. This would allow a 1, none, or both selection. Let's say one NO block on the left and two NO blocks on the right. The left block connects to SSR 1, as does one of the right blocks. The other right block connects to SSR 2. The other side of all switches are commoned, and go to the PID.

Brew on :mug:
I agree or a dual pole on/off/ on switch like bobby mentioned.
 
I agree or a dual pole on/off/ on switch like bobby mentioned.
Yeah, I was in a hurry when I read Bobby's post, and didn't take time to work thru it. The two are equivalent, but I just leave out the not required pair of contacts.

Brew on :mug:
 
Back
Top