Grainfather G30 V2 (120v) power plug specs?

[Carolina_Matt]

I've been using a Wilser Bag with a Digiboil for years, but I got a very good deal on a used Grainfather that I couldn't pass up ($250 for the G30 V2 plus the GF30 Conical Fermenter). He couldn't find the power cord though, so he gave me a new cord he had in his garage. It looks like the cord to a computer monitor and is rated for 10 amps. Is that enough, or will it overheat? I spent about a half hour trying to find out the specs of the cord that came with the unit, but I've come up empty, and I don't see that they offer replacement cords on their website.

 

[tdf]

The cord that came with my G30 V2 120v is a NEMA 5-15p to IEC 60320 C13.
It's rated for 15a, 125v.

I wouldn't use a cord rated for 10a - the g30 is notorious for melting even the proper plug if you don't get a solid connection.

 

[Carolina_Matt]

Thanks, that's what I suspected. I ordered a 15a cord off of Amazon.

 

[jschein]

The cord that came with my G30 V2 120v is a NEMA 5-15p to IEC 60320 C13.
It's rated for 15a, 125v.

I wouldn't use a cord rated for 10a - the g30 is notorious for melting even the proper plug if you don't get a solid connection.

Yes, make sure all of your power cords are pushed up tight to the controller. If you move the controller double check the connections.

 

[Carolina_Matt]

I have a follow-up question. When I gave it a brief test run today, I had trouble with the silicone ring on the bottom plate like everyone else seems to have. When I looked at pics and videos online, it looks like the bottom plate is one layer. Mine is two layers (a thicker plate like the top plate, then a more flexible fine mesh plate). Does everyone else have a finer plate as well, or could it have been an add-on from the original owner? I was trying to put the silicone ring around both of them and it was a mess, but maybe the ring just needs to go around the thicker plate.

 

[RA Clark]

Similar situation, bought a used g30, no power cord. Tried it today, my ex computer cord got very warm very quick. I'll order the proper cord. The bottom plate is NOT like yours, only one plate. (I did order the rolled edge plates, much easier to deal with) MERRY CHRISTMAS and enjoy the Grainfather

 

[jschein]

I have a follow-up question. When I gave it a brief test run today, I had trouble with the silicone ring on the bottom plate like everyone else seems to have. When I looked at pics and videos online, it looks like the bottom plate is one layer. Mine is two layers (a thicker plate like the top plate, then a more flexible fine mesh plate). Does everyone else have a finer plate as well, or could it have been an add-on from the original owner? I was trying to put the silicone ring around both of them and it was a mess, but maybe the ring just needs to go around the thicker plate.

No that was added on

 

[Snuffy]

I used a rolled plate on the bottom since it drops right in and then I use the original top plate with the silicone ring because it keeps the weight of the top plate off of the mash.
I would ditch the mesh thingy.
Great deal on a GF, btw.

 

[tdf]

I used a rolled plate on the bottom since it drops right in and then I use the original top plate with the silicone ring because it keeps the weight of the top plate off of the mash.
I would ditch the mesh thingy.
Great deal on a GF, btw.

That’s a strategy I hadn’t considered. If I can find the original plates I’ll try it next time

 

[toxdoc49]

Yes, make sure all of your power cords are pushed up tight to the controller. If you move the controller double check the connections.

Since I have been considering getting a grainfather, I assume you mean that the power cord is notorious for melting on the grainfather. That sounds like a big problem! Or is it just in reference to making sure the connections are tight?

 

[Snuffy]

Since I have been considering getting a grainfather, I assume you mean that the power cord is notorious for melting on the grainfather. That sounds like a big problem! Or is it just in reference to making sure the connections are tight?

I have used my G30 for over 40 brews now and have never had any cord issues. I have seen the threads about melted cords and have yet to see what the common issue is there. Mine is a 110v unit I bought used from a guy who said he had 7 brews on it. I plug it directly into a GFI outlet with no extension cord. Cord never even gets unusually warm.

 

[jschein]

Since I have been considering getting a grainfather, I assume you mean that the power cord is notorious for melting on the grainfather. That sounds like a big problem! Or is it just in reference to making sure the connections are tight?

I have not had a problem, mine is about 10 years old and well over 300 batches.
Just a reference, I did see the melting posts and I double check

 

[toxdoc49]

I have used my G30 for over 40 brews now and have never had any cord issues. I have seen the threads about melted cords and have yet to see what the common issue is there. Mine is a 110v unit I bought used from a guy who said he had 7 brews on it. I plug it directly into a GFI outlet with no extension cord. Cord never even gets unusually warm.

Thank you. it's good to know. I think the grainfather looks like a good all in one system. I may consider the 220/240V system if only that it heats faster. Or do you think the 110V system is fine?

 

[Snuffy]

Thank you. it's good to know. I think the grainfather looks like a good all in one system. I may consider the 220/240V system if only that it heats faster. Or do you think the 110V system is fine?

The 110v takes longer to heat up, but then provides a gentle rolling boil. It starts heating to 208 F while you sparge, which is helpful. It's great for stepped mashes. The best part about it IMO is the software interface where you build your recipe on the Gf website and then on brew day it walks you thru the schedule of everything with prompts for all your adds. I used to have to make check lists and set timers on my phone to get thru the brew. There are some upgrades you will want to consider. I have added the thermal jacket, the short pipework for smaller brews and the rolled plates so you don't have to curse the stock ones with the silicone edge ring. I picked up the round overflow screen thingy but rarely use it. The counterflow chiller that comes with it is the stuff. I catch the first bit of wort out of it and dump it to toss anything left in the tubes from the last cleaning and then let it run back into the GF to sterilize until the temp gets down to about 140 - 150F and then swap it to the fermenter. In the summer it comes out ready to pitch at mid 70s to 80F and winter it can get down to 60s using cooling water from my garden hose.