RIMS rocket 120v?

[Outbred]

Anyone know if you can run a RIMS rocket at 120v?

I've been thinking about buying a RIMS tube and then wiring in my own element, but I'm really wary about this considering all the dire warnings on the websites selling them.

The local electricians will not do small jobs (not even outlets) unless the total is over 1000$ (I assume they have tons of work). I can already hear them laughing when I ask them to wire a piece of homebrew equipment.

I trust Blichmann implicitly and would love to buy a RIMS system from them but I certainly don't have a 240V outlet to spare (or any room to add one on the panel).

I know people sometimes run 240v elements at 120v to prevent scorching. Anyone know whether this is possible with the rocket?

Thanks!

q.

 

[AleForce1]

Checkout Brewer's Hardware http://www.brewershardware.com/RIMS-Tube/ , Glacier Tanks http://www.glaciertanks.com/TriClamp_Product_304_316-Rims_Tube_Kit.html , or Brew Hardware https://www.brewhardware.com/category_s/1832.htm

It can be done.

 

[Outbred]

I've really been strongly considering the brewhardware setup, but it still requires me to wire the element.

I realize the warnings are probably just to absolve the sellers of liability if the buyer does something really stupid, but I'd really prefer to buy a prewired setup.

As far as I can tell, Blichmann and Kegkits.com are the only place you can buy a RIMS tube prewired with a heating element (and kegkits has some seriously bad press on youtube and the BBB).

Unless installing an element and wiring it and waterproofing it is foolproof, I'd rather not screw around with electricity and risk orphaning my son.

 

[augiedoggy]

There's nothing to wiring a cord to an element.... a 5 year old could do it. Seriously your worrying over nothing... it doesn't even matter which wire goes were except the bare or green ground wire depending on type of cord you use... if you can make beer you can handle this. You will be glad you did... I built my own control panel with no knowledge of pids and such prior but I'm sure glade I did. Just use teflin tape and test it with water prior to plugging it in to make sure there's no leaks.

 

[IslandLizard]

Wiring an element is mostly common sense. You don't want strands sticking out or the live wires touching the "mantle." As long as the circuit has a breaker and working GFCI protection, you'd be safe during operation.

Do you have a friend or so who tinkers with electricity and wires who can do it or assist?

 

[Outbred]

I've done some wiring around the house (lights in the basement and what not) it's just that the warnings on the sites selling these rims tubes sounded way more dire than the usual.

Do either of you have experience with the brewhardware tube e.g. what element to use with it? They sell a few on their website but they don't given even the slightest hint of whether it will even fit in their rims tube and if so what size cord clamp you should request if you buy their element.

Thanks again!

 

[augiedoggy]

It's a standard 1" straight hot water heater element. The longer the better as long as it fits in the housing... I have not used Bobby Ms rims setup but I would think if he sells the straight element for a rims that he would state if it doesn't fit in his tubes... you can run any 240v element on 120 for 1/4 the power output. I would look for the brass or stainless base ones to prevent rust issues from occuring.

 

[JoshuaW]

I've done some wiring around the house (lights in the basement and what not) it's just that the warnings on the sites selling these rims tubes sounded way more dire than the usual.

Do either of you have experience with the brewhardware tube e.g. what element to use with it? They sell a few on their website but they don't given even the slightest hint of whether it will even fit in their rims tube and if so what size cord clamp you should request if you buy their element.

Thanks again!

Buy their 5500w element, running it at 120v will put it at 1375w. That is about perfect size. In Bobby's video, he was able to get about 30* of heat rise with it, which is more than adequate. For that element, you will want to use his longer RIMS tube (its like a $9 upgrade).

You will need a controller though. Some people use a Johnson, STC, etc or you can buy/build something with a PID. If you are going to go that route, look at some of the guides here, or consider contacting Ryan at eBrewsupply. He is helping me with my controller and is extremely easy to work with. If you tell him what you are trying to do, Im sure he will come up with something for you.

On the electrician front, look at Craigslist. I found a retired guy who works for cheap. He is even willing to let me do 90% of the work, and just come by and double check it or do the work in the breaker. Maybe you can find someone like that to help you out. With the element though, you dont need to worry about it. You can definitely DIY that.

Good luck!