Electric element mounted in plastic

[owentp]

I have heard that this can be done. Anybody have any experience with doing this? I am not sure how hot the base (with the threads) get that hot to affect the plastic.


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[Mojzis]

I have a 1500w 120v element in my hlt round cooler. It doesn't melt the plastic. I myself wouldn't use anything with more output than that.

Just make sure to ground the element. A metal washer or ring around the threads on the outside works for coolers. I prefer the Kal style boxes where possible though.

 

[owentp]

So a 2000w 240 would be too much?


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[dyqik]

2000W should be fine in a polypropylene plastic pail type thing, as long as it is always covered by wort when powered up. The wort will transfer enough heat to keep the element body below the softening point of PP.

The electric homebrew kettles sold in the UK are typically 2400W water kettle elements in a PP bin. e.g. this product.

 

[Mojzis]

So a 2000w 240 would be too much?


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No that should be fine. Just test it out with some water first and see if the plastic is being melted. I doubt it will be but better safe than sorry.

 

[Sideways]

The wattage shouldnt matter. If the plastic can withstand 212 deg F you are good to go.

 

[owentp]

It is a blue barrel hdpe #2. I may go get a slightly higher wattage element. This will be my HLT so it will get to a max of 170 F. Never going to boil i it.


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