Controlling a 240v element in HLT

[ChrisfromAbby]

I'm seriously contemplating the switch to 240 volt electric for my HLT. My attempts at a home-built heatstick are dismal, leaking 120v failures.
I figure might as well go whole hog at 5500W. If that works well, propane may disappear entirely.
What I want - Temperature control on the HLT. I'm very familiar with wiring up STC-1000s for 120v. I guess I'll need a 240volt version and a junction box. Unless a PID would be that much better?
I'll need a cable to connect the heater element to the PID/STC.
I'm planning to use my 30' Welder extension cord that I plug into my dryer outlet.
A 240v in-line GFCI device would be nice - do these exist??? I've got an electrician buddy I may need to call...
Bobby will be getting another order through BrewHardware soon it seems.

 

[day_trippr]

Might want to ping one of the mods and have this thread moved over to the Electric Brewing forum. The folks that hang there can easily answer all of those questions...

Cheers!

 

[Bobby_M]

If the HLT is part of a HERMS system, you want a PID. If you just plan to heat up water to a set point and roughly hold it there, you can rig an STC with a 30amp 2 pole contactor or power relay. In other words, the STC would close it's NO relay which would supply the power relay's coil with 240v to close.