RIMS Element options

[stpetebrewer]

I'm in the process of putting together my rims system. I bought the brewers hardware 2" rims tube, and getting ready to order my electronics from Auberin's. I would like to see what people like as far as rims elements? I have done a lot of reading and it seems like there is a wide range of what people are using.

I will be running this on a 20 amp circuit. I have been thinking about going with a 2000 watt 120v element, but was concerned with the amp draw along with a pump on a 20 amp circuit. I would like to be able to ramp the temp up from mash temps to a mash out temp. What seems to be the general consensus as to what would work best? Thanks for the help!

 

[NivekD]

You'll be pulling about 17 amps with the element, how much does your pump pull? You can run the pump from a different circuit if pulls too much.

 

[stpetebrewer]

The pump is going to be plugged into the control panel. The pump has to be running before the element can be turned on though, so it won't have the start up spike of amperage.

I also thought about going with a 4500 watt 240v element. From what I understand, it would work better for ramping up temps for mash out. Would also pull less amps.

 

[ChuckO]

A 240v 4500 watt element would be fine if you have 240v available, but it will only produce 1125 watts of power on a 120v circuit, a lot less than your idea of a 2000 watt element.

 

[rpryor]

I also thought about going with a 4500 watt 240v element. From what I understand, it would work better for ramping up temps for mash out. Would also pull less amps.

I assume you mean a 4500 watt 240v element running at 120v? I believe I read that it will use less wattage and thus less amperage but not sure if it would be able to ramp up temperatures any better than a 120v.

 

[stpetebrewer]

I assume you mean a 4500 watt 240v element running at 120v? I believe I read that it will use less wattage and thus less amperage but not sure if it would be able to ramp up temperatures any better than a 120v.

Yeah I ment to say that I was going to run it at 120. I ended up finding a 5500 LWD at Lowes. I'm going to try that and see how it goes. I would prefer the 2000 watt, but concerned about it tripping the breaker.

 

[rpryor]

I'm using a 4500 watt 240v element running off of 120 volts and just got to break it in today. As of right now it took around 16 minutes to get up to mash out if that helps you out at all. Also using this and a pump on a 20 amp breaker and so far its been about 75 minutes without a trip! ::Knocks on wood::

 

[stpetebrewer]

I'm using a 4500 watt 240v element running off of 120 volts and just got to break it in today. As of right now it took around 16 minutes to get up to mash out if that helps you out at all. Also using this and a pump on a 20 amp breaker and so far its been about 75 minutes without a trip! ::Knocks on wood::

Thanks for the update! I'm glad it worked well for you. I'm hoping I will have good results with the 5500 watt element also.

 

[Ttownbrewer]

I'm in the planning phase of putting together a RIMS Tube. I'm on the bubble on getting the 1.5" vs. the 2" from Brewers Hardware. What made you decide to go with the 2"? Still on the fence on which element to go with also.. It's tough since I don't know much about wiring any of this up!

 

[stpetebrewer]

I'm in the planning phase of putting together a RIMS Tube. I'm on the bubble on getting the 1.5" vs. the 2" from Brewers Hardware. What made you decide to go with the 2"? Still on the fence on which element to go with also.. It's tough since I don't know much about wiring any of this up!

I ended up going with the 2" because I was told that some of the fold back elements could be a tight fit. Also, I think it was only $20 more then the 1.5".

My tube came in yesterday and the electronics will be here on Tuesday. Can't wait to get this up and running.

 

[Stevo2569]

I run a 2000W element and the March 809 along with the LED switches and PID and have never tripped the 20A breaker its on. Also beware of ramping up to mash out temps if your recircing wort. It is easy to scorch the wort and ruin your batch with a burnt flavor when the element is runnin full blown.

 

[stpetebrewer]

I run a 2000W element and the March 809 along with the LED switches and PID and have never tripped the 20A breaker its on. Also beware of ramping up to mash out temps if your recircing wort. It is easy to scorch the wort and ruin your batch with a burnt flavor when the element is runnin full blown.

That's good to know. If the element I bought doesn't work well I will most likely try the 2000W. I know some have had issues with scorching while heating up to mash out. I figured I would at least give it a try. I'm not sure if using a 240 volt element at 120 volt would be better or not.

 

[Ttownbrewer]

I'm in the process of putting together my rims system. I bought the brewers hardware 2" rims tube, and getting ready to order my electronics from Auberin's.

Which RTD did you choose to go with? I'm considering this one, but am unsure whether to go with the 65mm or 100mm length.

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20_15&products_id=107

 

[orangehero]

Anyone have one of these?

http://www.homebrewstuff.com/2000-w-ss-heat-stick-w-weldless-gasket-kit.html