Dual Channel Outlet help

[Lynchy217]

Hi all,

I have an electric kettle with 2 2kw elements that both run off of 120v. I've been trying to make my set up on brew day a bit faster, and as part of that, I want to install an outlet on my control box that I can plug my elements into directly. My problem is that most of the dual outlets I find are tied together, so I can't run the two elements off of separate circuits. Do you guys know of any dual outlets where the outputs can be run on separate circuits, rather than being tied together? I need something rated at least 20A.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[passedpawn]

Home Depot is full of 20A outlets (in fact, I think kitchens require them now by code). Looks just like a standard 15A one, but neutral slot has a extra slot thing. See pic below.

To separate the two outlets, you have to bend and snap off the tab that goes between them. Just use a pair of needlenose pliers and bend it back and forth till it breaks of.

 

[Lynchy217]

Ahh, I didn't realize the tab was the only electrical connection. That's perfect. Thanks!

 

[doug293cz]

I'm pretty sure the breakaway tab is only available on non-GFCI duplex outlets.

Brew on

 

[passedpawn]

I'm pretty sure the breakaway tab is only available on non-GFCI duplex outlets.

Brew on

Yea I think you're right. Woops.

 

[Lynchy217]

So if I want built in GFCI protection, I'll need one for each element? I do have some GFCI Adapters already, but I was hoping to take this opportunity to move them to the control box.. Having 3 sets out outlets for the 2 elements and a pump seems a bit weird, though.. Hmm. Maybe I'll have to think about this a bit more..

 

[doug293cz]

So if I want built in GFCI protection, I'll need one for each element? I do have some GFCI Adapters already, but I was hoping to take this opportunity to move them to the control box.. Having 3 sets out outlets for the 2 elements and a pump seems a bit weird, though.. Hmm. Maybe I'll have to think about this a bit more..

Since you are running two 2KW elements from two different 20A@120V circuits, you will need separate GFCI protection for each of the 20A circuits. Easiest might be to put GFCI outlets where your panel will plug into the wall.

Brew on

 

[Lynchy217]

Unfortunately, I rent, so I'm not really at liberty to start messing with the existent outlets in my apartment. I have 2 gfci adapters that I plug into my wall and I use that for my GFCI protection. I was just looking at outlets, and I found these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015SX3IW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

This is exactly the kind of thing I would love, since it includes a switch, GFCI protection, and an outlet in one. Unfortunately, I can only find them in a 15A version.. I can build it with single outlets and keep using the GFCI adapters for now, but it would have been cool to have everything self-contained. I'm almost considering buying the 15A ones and accepting that I can't use my elements at full power, but that seems dubious, so I think I'll stick to normal 20A outlet + switch setups for the element power and continue to use the adapters for GFCI protection.

 

[pumpkin02]

?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019A2V2O6/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61aoXjX3BHL._SL1000_.jpg

 

[Lynchy217]

Yea, that one has a pilot light instead of a switch. I was hoping to save some space, but I can just wire up a separate switch. Would have been slick to get them together, though.