Element touching touching drum or it's self?

[aamcle]

Evening all.

There is something I'm not sure of and it looks like you chaps probably know the answer.

A build I'm considering would need either a bendable element or a very flat type because there will not be much space for it.

Is it a problem if it actually touches the metal of the drum or even it's self? How are the long bendable elements supported?


Many Thanks. Aamcle

 

[ryan_george]

It shouldn't be a problem if the element touches your pot/drum or itself. The outer sheath of the element is electrically isolated (or should be) from the voltage you're applying to it. If you look inside a residential oven, the elements are usually just supported with steel brackets. What exact kind of element are you planning to work with?

 

[kal]

It won't be a problem as ryan mentioned.

Kal

 

[aamcle]

Thanks for the reassurances, sorry to be so slow getting back to you I'm on holiday and have only intermittent net access.

Aamcle

 

[Frige]

Try not to let it touch itself. It could cause a hot spot over time.

 

[vindee]

Try not to let it touch itself. It could cause a hot spot over time.

Agreed,
Touching the pot the element can dissipate the heat through the pot but touching another element or it's self will cause a hot spot creating an open circuit resulting in a failed element.
Ideally the element should not touch anything.

Strip heaters http://www.oemheaters.com/c-620-strip-heaters.aspx

 

[kal]

Depends on which element is used. The Camco ULWD ripple elements that are popular with brewers have such a low watt density that I really wouldn't worry about it touching it itself or the pot when immersed in water or wort.

kal

 

[aamcle]

Thanks gents


Aamcle