possible control panel enclosure?

[Walker]

One thought: you can save some non-negligible space in the box by using clamped in pig-tail cords with female connectors on them instead of mounting female receptacles right in the box.

 

[HHP]

The receptacles have been purchased.

Im going with a large enclosure.

 

[HHP]

I think I'm going to spring for the console type enclosure: http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...-a-_Consolets/WC-C_Operator_Consolets/WC08C12

I asked a few questions that I kind of knew the answer to, but the one that I am legitimately curious about:

Should I put 25A breakers in front of the 30A contactors and 5500W elements?

 

[CidahMastah]

That is a very cool console HHP!

Too bad I am too cheap to buy it

 

[Walker]

I asked a few questions that I kind of knew the answer to, but the one that I am legitimately curious about:

Should I put 25A breakers in front of the 30A contactors and 5500W elements?

If you are feeding this box from a 30A outlet, you don't need to put any breakers in to drop down to 25A.

If you are feeding from a 50A outlet, then the breakers are a good idea.

 

[HHP]

Thanks Walker.

One more, and its just for clarification:

For the terminal blocks mcmaster #7641K51 I need the end pieces #7641K33 on both ends. Also I need the jumper #7641K15 (10 pole) to go across the top of the terminal blocks to make all the blocks fed by one input. Also, I need one jumper for each set of terminal blocks ... or can I just cut it say, in half and use it on two?

That is a very cool console HHP!

Too bad I am too cheap to buy it

Yeah, its double what a regular enclosure will cost from pioneer breaker, but at this point I am so far over budget I figured **** it.

 

[Walker]

Thanks Walker.

One more, and its just for clarification:

For the terminal blocks mcmaster #7641K51 I need the end pieces #7641K33 on both ends. Also I need the jumper #7641K15 (10 pole) to go across the top of the terminal blocks to make all the blocks fed by one input. Also, I need one jumper for each set of terminal blocks ... or can I just cut it say, in half and use it on two?

I didn't get my blocks and stuff from McMaster, but you can probably cut the jumper bar if it is a standard thing.

My stuff came from mouser.com, but I bought a 10-unit jumper bar and cut it into a bunch of 2-unit sections.

 

[CidahMastah]

Thanks Walker.

One more, and its just for clarification:

For the terminal blocks mcmaster #7641K51 I need the end pieces #7641K33 on both ends. Also I need the jumper #7641K15 (10 pole) to go across the top of the terminal blocks to make all the blocks fed by one input. Also, I need one jumper for each set of terminal blocks ... or can I just cut it say, in half and use it on two?



Yeah, its double what a regular enclosure will cost from pioneer breaker, but at this point I am so far over budget I figured **** it.

Yeah but it looks ****ing cool. I would feel like Dr. Evil whenever I bellied up to that thing for a brew session - ha!

I think that every ebrew set up eventually goes grossly over budget... but man are they worth it on brew day when they perform flawlessly.

 

[Walker]

oh... looking at mcmaster, I would say you are fine cutting it.

They tag some of their jumpers as "insulated, cannot be cut to size" but others (like the one you are getting) do not get that note on them.

 

[HHP]

Again, thanks walker

Yeah but it looks ****ing cool. I would feel like Dr. Evil whenever I bellied up to that thing for a brew session - ha!

I think that every ebrew set up eventually goes grossly over budget... but man are they worth it on brew day when they perform flawlessly.

Yeah, after I saw Ohio-Ed's console I knew its what I really truly wanted, I just didnt like the price.

I'm going to go with the 8x8x7.09, I think it should fit everything, especially if I poke the heatsink out of the back.

I really am stoked about the console.

 

[HHP]

I'm thinking about adding a timer.

Is Auber's timer is similar to the 4x more expensive Omega timer?

Can I run more than one timer at once on the Auber timer?

I would like to be able to set several count downs, for all my hop additions, boil, etc so they are all counting at once.

If the Auber timer doesn't do this ... is there one that does?

 

[konrad]

Auber only runs one timer at a time. I think Omega is like this as well.

 

[HHP]

Auber only runs one timer at a time. I think Omega is like this as well.

Yeah I emailed aubers support about this, and they said it was one at a time ... i tried to get them to recommend one that does what I want, but they wouldn't. I'm not sure one exists.


When I install my elements in my kettle I plan to solder or have welded a 1" NPS locknut on the outside of the kettle and screw the element into that. I dont really want to get all the stuff to have a coupling or half coupling of that size pulled through. What size does the hole need to be in order to fit the element and part of the threads through? Can I just use a 7/8 hole like the 1/2" couplings? That would make it convenient so I would only need to get one punch...

 

[HHP]

So, I get home to start R&R and have a giant pile of boxes, an hour and a half later they are all empty and my stuff is on the floor of my office.

I am starting to build it, and I am NOT going to finish ... way too much stuff to do in too little time, and everything is taking longer than expected with lots of unexpected problems. Which is what brings me here right now.

The enclosure I opted to go with is 14ga steel. I didnt realize what that meant at the time ... but it is THICK. How do i punch all the holes I need? I searched these forums and found some mentions of 'water cutting'. I'm starting to entertain the idea of drawing up the two faces that need to be cut and having it done. Any advice on the methods of cutting that are out there? Advice on doing it myself?

I dont want to spend an arm and a leg on this, but I dont want a piece of junk when its all said and done.

Thanks!

 

[EarthBound]

14 gauge? Holy sh!t. You might wanto consider switching to plastic...

 

[HHP]

Thanks man. lol.

I already have the enclosure, and I already spent $109 on it... So I'm trying to figure out how to make this work... you know?

Perhaps i'll use plastic and sell this enclosure? I dont know, accepting ALL ideas.

 

[EarthBound]

Ah. I was in the same situation you're in. I got the enclosure (18 gauge) for free and had it powdercoated for free. I did it myself with a step bit for round holes and a jigsaw for rectangular holes. It was pretty easy, but it was also pretty messy. Lots of little metal shavings. Just tedious really. But I enjoyed doing it.

Since you bought it... use it, and DIY.

 

[kklowell]

So, HHP. did you use it?Do you have a finished pic? I really like those sloped front boxes!

 

[iijakii]

Those sloped/console style enclosures are badass! I have been trying to find one on eBay but am not having any luck. $110 is a bit steep to swallow.

Not sure what other style of enclosure I want to do. I will not be mounting it, so I don't want to do the typical big rectangles everyone uses. Really like the metal toolboxes, but can't find a decent one. First world problems.