E-kettle: How to install element?

[TheAleMaster]

I don't have one handy, but I will try and get one tonight.

 

[Walker]

I was thinking of using a silicone gasket + ss nut on the inside of the keg and then tighten the nut on the element on the outside down to hold everything in place. Do you think this will have potential to leak?

This is the actual intended use for the bargainfittings nut & o-rings sets.

 

[TheAleMaster]

I couldn't really get a good pic. But here is a mock up if you looked at the element from the top. I drilled and tapped a hole for a #6 screw. I then screwed the screw with two washers part way in, attached the wire with a fork connector in between the two washers and tightened it down.

 

[IrregularPulse]

FYI: if you have one of the Ripp heater elements (like this) you could have problems using a full coupling like this. My buddy has the ripp element and the angle of the bends does not allow it to be inserted through the hole in a full coupling.

A half-coupling will work, but not a full.

Good to know. I've currently only got one 1500W mounted in my newly welded kegs. I'll keep that in mind when I got to buy my 5500W for the boil kettle

I couldn't really get a good pic. But here is a mock up if you looked at the element from the top. I drilled and tapped a hole for a #6 screw. I then screwed the screw with two washers part way in, attached the wire with a fork connector in between the two washers and tightened it down.

Any reason you didn't use a ring terminal? Take the small chance away of the fork connector from sliding out.

 

[Figgy15]

I'm looking to add a heating element to my kettle but I use an immersion chiller. How would that work lol?

 

[GreenMonti]

Wow, big time revival.

 

[RationalRev]

I'm looking to add a heating element to my kettle but I use an immersion chiller. How would that work lol?

Old tread back from the dead.
I found that I will have to lower my heating element to the bottom of the pot, and only then will my chiller be fully immersed.

 

[David C]

Hey guys,

I recently made a keggle and would like to install an element, using it as a HLT and BK.

I've read a lot of posts about electric setups but could not find one that shows a best practice for installing the element.

Here are my questions:

1. What type of element is best (I believe 120vac 20amp breaker can support up to 1500W), but what about 220VAC? What is a good choice for heating 10-12 gallons in a reasonable amount of time?

2. Low density? What is the best choice here... where are you buying your elements?

3. How do I install this thing? What coupler is needed and how is the wiring on the back of the element covered?

Thanks for your help.

lustrum

I have just gone through the process that you outline and found that using a 1.5" Tri-clover connection for the element is what worked for me. Brewharware in N.J. have extensive video's and kits for sale that give you the connection and all ancilliary elements to completed the HLT and your Boil kettle. It is worth having a look at what Bobby sells/presents. The Tri-coupling is installed via a dimpled hole that you cut with a step bit, make sure you get a Cobalt one, the cheaper ones will be "one use only. Good luck with your project.

Dave C