Hi all, I am in the process of making some stainless temp probes with DS18B20 sensors, the 1/4" stainless thermowells from Brewer's Hardware, and some Ethernet cable as suggested by Dallas.
I found that 5mm OD Ethernet cable fits like a glove inside these thermowells, and was pretty happy about that because some will be quite long and the rigidity will be good to make sure the probe makes it all the way to the base.
Several of these are going to be exposed to boiling or near boiling temps though, so now I am second guessing Ethernet cable (at least inside the t-well) due to the temps as that appears to be way outside of spec. Was wondering what temp-safe wiring others are using. ?? Gonna be a boat load of soldering and I definitely don't want to just have the wire coating melt away and short out on the first use!
Second question. I mentioned long thermowells... I am going to be dropping a temp sensor into the tops of my plastic conical a that need to be about 3ft long. I have some 1/4" stainless tubing and have not dreamt up a way to seal the ends. Not a fan of JB Weld touching my brew. I was thinking originally that I would try to blob up some silver solder to plug the end, but I am starting to be honest with myself that this idea is going to just end in frustration. (Haven't tried it yet though.). Any other ideas?
Thanks!
Jason
I found that 5mm OD Ethernet cable fits like a glove inside these thermowells, and was pretty happy about that because some will be quite long and the rigidity will be good to make sure the probe makes it all the way to the base.
Several of these are going to be exposed to boiling or near boiling temps though, so now I am second guessing Ethernet cable (at least inside the t-well) due to the temps as that appears to be way outside of spec. Was wondering what temp-safe wiring others are using. ?? Gonna be a boat load of soldering and I definitely don't want to just have the wire coating melt away and short out on the first use!
Second question. I mentioned long thermowells... I am going to be dropping a temp sensor into the tops of my plastic conical a that need to be about 3ft long. I have some 1/4" stainless tubing and have not dreamt up a way to seal the ends. Not a fan of JB Weld touching my brew. I was thinking originally that I would try to blob up some silver solder to plug the end, but I am starting to be honest with myself that this idea is going to just end in frustration. (Haven't tried it yet though.). Any other ideas?
Thanks!
Jason