Control Panel Build for Brew Kettle 5500 Watt

[RickCask]

Started to build an electric brew kettle control panel with a 5500 watt heating element powered by 240 volts and 120 volts.
I'm trying to figure out how to set up the 40 amp ssr to be switchable from 240 volts to 120 volts. The 120 volts would be used just for low heat.
My question is what is the best way to change the voltage to the heating element ?
I would like the option to turn a selector switch to supply 120 volts or 240 volts to the ssr which is regulating the power to the heating element.

 

[ParadiseBeer]

Why would you want to switch the power? if you are using a PID, then the element will only fire when it's needed. in the long run you would save yourself a lot of time and wiring leaving it at 240 and letting the PID do its job. i would also go with a 50amp SSR. the higher the rating on the SSR the less work it has to do and the cooler it will be. the cost between 40amp and 50amp is not that much. If you are not going with a PID and using a rheostat i would still stay with a 240v only.

 

[ChocolateMaltyBalls]

Bobby_m did this I believe, might try a search on the old google.

 

[atoughram]

It can easily be done with an SPDT Switch rated at 25 amps or better, run the first hot lead L1 through the SSR normally for PID control and then to one side of the element. Run the second hot lead L2 to one of the throws of the switch, and neutral to the other switch throw, and hook up the other side of the element to the pole of the switch. Make sure everything is fused up correctly.

The problem with this is that if you autotune the PID on 240V it will probably do some wild oscillations on 120V or vice-versa.

 

[augiedoggy]

I agree with paradiseBeer here. The only time something like this makes sense is if you are building a rims tube that you want to use for quick heating of water as well as at lower power for recircing mash... otherwise a simple ssvr is a much better solution or a $26 mypin pid with manual pwm mode...this will give you total control instead of just 25% and 100% power...