Basic Electric Controller (zero electrics experience)

[dan100]

Hi,
I'm looking to put together a very simple controller. I really just want to regulate the power going to the element (5500w) and also get s temperature reading.

I have all the parts bought and have had a 32 amp plug installed in the house.

I have never attempted anything like this and I just want to make sure I don't do myself or the equipment any harm.

I've attached a basic schematic of what I'm planning and I'm hoping someone with a bit more experience can take a look at it.

I should let you know that I live in Ireland as I'm sure that's relevant

Thanks!

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1461842917.855769.jpg

 

[doug293cz]

That design will not work as drawn, and looks like it was designed for the USA's 240V 2-phase mains supply (two hots, neutral, and ground) rather than Ireland's single phase 240V supply (one hot, neutral, and ground.) I can sketch something up later today (my time) and have it for you tomorrow.

Brew on

 

[UndeadFred]

That is indeed for US 220V. The PID is shown running on 110V (which I do with mine because I could too).. but if you get rid of the neutral bus (which is the center tap of the 110V/110V transformer here in the states).. and put opposite sides of the "Hot" (red and black on that drawing) on the PID and the two relays it's fairly correct. I don't understand the need for the two relays though. I use ZERO in my system but many criticize me for using the GFCI as the main switch in my setup.

In that diagram the relay on the left and the PID are powered by one side of the 110V circuit and the other relay on the opposite phase (180 degrees off) of the center tap.

The Right relay seems to shut off the element and not the PID and the one on the Left shuts off both. Again, this could be accomplished with one relay, the element one on the left and a switch on the PID since it draws almost no current.

Hopefully that makes sense.. if not wait for the drawing! I do NOT have time to do that any time soon.

 

[dan100]

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[dan100]

Thanks for the information UndeadFred and doug293cz, it's a steep learning curve but it'll be worth it.
If you could find the time to sketch a plan doug293cz it would be very much appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[doug293cz]

Ok, here's probably the simplest design you could use. EU wiring standards are Brown for hot line, Blue for neutral, and green w/yellow stripe for ground. Note that you only have to switch the hot lines, and not the neutrals, so you only need single pole switches. Not sure what kind of plug/receptacle you need for 30A in Ireland, but I do know that the high current wiring in the diagram (thicker lines) needs wire with a 3.0 mm^2 cross section to meet EU codes. The thinner lines in the diagram can use 0.5 mm^2 cross section wire. The controller is the Auber Instruments DSPR110, which I consider the best currently available option for a combined mash/boil controller. You could substitute a lower cost controller like the MyPin TD4 if you wanted. If you do use another controller option, make sure it has a manual mode for boil control.

If you are interested in additional features, let me know.



Brew on

 

[dan100]

Ok, here's probably the simplest design you could use. EU wiring standards are Brown for hot line, Blue for neutral, and green w/yellow stripe for ground. Note that you only have to switch the hot lines, and not the neutrals, so you only need single pole switches. Not sure what kind of plug/receptacle you need for 30A in Ireland, but I do know that the high current wiring in the diagram (thicker lines) needs wire with a 3.0 mm^2 cross section to meet EU codes. The thinner lines in the diagram can use 0.5 mm^2 cross section wire. The controller is the Auber Instruments DSPR110, which I consider the best currently available option for a combined mash/boil controller. You could substitute a lower cost controller like the MyPin TD4 if you wanted. If you do use another controller option, make sure it has a manual mode for boil control.



If you are interested in additional features, let me know.



View attachment 352333



Brew on

That's brilliant doug293cz, thanks so much for putting that together and for your explanation.
Going by the schematic I think this is something I'll be able to handle.
I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[BrunDog]

Make sure your source can supply 30 Amps as Doug drew!

 

[dan100]

Make sure your source can supply 30 Amps as Doug drew!

Thanks BrunDog, I've had an electrician install the correct plug in the house so hopefully everything is ready to go