Ranco ETC question

[OMJ]

Can a ranco 111000-000 probe be left in water? In my current ferm chamber its not working well to have it taped to the side of a carboy. I am thinking it would be much better off left in a yeast vial of water. I just dont want to ruin the probe doing it. I think it should be alright as long as the whole probe isnt submerged and only 1/2 to 3.4 is in water but I would like a confirmation.

 

[broadbill]

No, it cannot be submerged. The probe isn't sufficiently sealed where the wire goes into the probe.

You can adjust it so that the probe sits in a yeast vial so it sits 1/2-3/4 submerged in water. You can also use the jelly from a thawed freezer pack instead of water.

I'm surprised to hear that simply taping the probe to the carboy isn't working for you. Do you insulate it? I know Jamil has good luck with this technique (less than 0.5 deg variation) but he first tapes the probe to the carboy, then tapes a piece of bubble wrap over the probe.

Hope this helps.

 

[Brewers Hardware]

Like Broadbill said, it can't be submerged. I offer both complete new SS probes or thermowells for direct liquid measurement with a Ranco (or Love for that matter)

Welcome to Brewer's Hardware

 

[OMJ]

I moved it to a different carboy in the chamber when that is not directly being blown on by the ac unit. If that doesnt work I will be ordering one derrin.

 

[Brewers Hardware]

I moved it to a different carboy in the chamber when that is not directly being blown on by the ac unit. If that doesnt work I will be ordering one derrin.

If it was in the direct stream of air flow that would affect it unless it was really well insulated. The plastic probes on the Ranco controllers have very little mass so getting it in an area where there are no influences other than what you want to measure really helps.

Try that and the bubble wrap like Broadbill suggested or I've had good luck with that flexible styrofoam packing. Those are decent alternatives to taking a direct measurement.

 

[Hang Glider]

I wrapped the end of mine in Contractor-grade HVAC foil tape (enough to cover what will get wet) - no problems.

 

[Brewers Hardware]

I wrapped the end of mine in Contractor-grade HVAC foil tape (enough to cover what will get wet) - no problems.

I'm pretty sure that foil tape is aluminum and while that's fine in the boil, not something I would want in fermentation

 

[wilserbrewer]

IMO there is no need to submerge the probe on a ranco. All you are looking to accomplish is to buffer the temp swings of the unit. I just wrap mine in a paper towel and then plastic wrap. A bit of insulation will accomplish the same thins as water.

 

[Hang Glider]

I'm pretty sure that foil tape is aluminum and while that's fine in the boil, not something I would want in fermentation

yeah, mine doesn't go INTO the fermenter, just the water jacket surrounding my carboys