The semi epic electric build. AKA mistakes not to make

[kcinpdx]

I eliminated the alarm it could easily add it back and add a toggle switch

 

[kcinpdx]

Lights and switches. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1487562216.178678.jpg

Calling it a night. I'm going to mount the din rails and components tomorrow, and research the alarm buzzer a bit more.

 

[Brentk14]

Nice job. Similar to how I went about mine. I only have one PID currently, since I only have one element, but I'll be adding another down the line. I went with a three way switch to control the elements, and a light above each pid so I know which one is powered on.
The one other thing I did to make my build easier was the addition of push button light up switches from Auber, instead of separate switch and lights http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_32&products_id=350

 

[kcinpdx]

That's what I should have done in retrospect, but the kit seemed to appealing. I could have saved time and space for sure had I pieced it together. However there is some piece of mind in knowing you have everything you might need.

 

[ChocolateMaltyBalls]

CP looks good

 

[jcav]

Looking good!

John

 

[kcinpdx]

Ok - now I need assistance. I'm not using a timer. How would I go about adding a buzzer (triggered by one or both PID conditions) and a buzzer turn off switch?

 

[augiedoggy]

Ok - now I need assistance. I'm not using a timer. How would I go about adding a buzzer (triggered by one or both PID conditions) and a buzzer turn off switch?

ok so the alarm funtions on the pid are really just a relay switch... if you feed 120v into one side of the alarm contacts when the alarm goes off the relay closes and lets the 120v pass through to the other output going to a regular switch that if on would allow current to say the 120v alarm if its off the alarm wont get power and go off... make sense?

 

[kcinpdx]

Sort of. So for example, I set the alarm to go off when I hit HLT temp of 156. That function is set on the PID. I want to be able to flip a switch to turn off the annoying light and buzzer. I think I found a wiring diagram on Kals page : http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/control-panel-part-2?page=12
I think this will do what I want but with only one switch and 2 pids

 

[ChocolateMaltyBalls]

That'll do it

 

[kcinpdx]

No progress on the panel yesterday or the next few - long work days, a high school play and other commitments are taking priority. However I did get all of the Spike gear and it is super nice. Of course a week after I get it they posted a bunch of stuff in their bargain cave! Check it out.

 

[kcinpdx]

I need some wiring help..... here is a picture of the wiring diagram that came with the kit.
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1488078645.215260.jpg

This is going to sound dumb, but I'm lost. There are several places in the diagram hat shows two wires intersecting. Look at where the elements connect to the contactors. Near element 1, you see both the black anc red connecting to the contactor. It is very hard to get both wires in the contactor. Same with the white/gray and red feeding the light. Am I missing something? I'm looking on line at other panels and I have not seen any other instances of more than one wire going to one of the contactor legs. Help!

 

[spittybug]

If physically unable to attach both to the contactor, you can attach the lamp leads to the element connection or splice in anywhere along the line (messy). The purpose is simply to provide a parallel circuit (lighting the light) when the element is turned on.

 

[trav77]

I need some wiring help..... here is a picture of the wiring diagram that came with the kit.
View attachment 390506

This is going to sound dumb, but I'm lost. There are several places in the diagram hat shows two wires intersecting. Look at where the elements connect to the contactors. Near element 1, you see both the black anc red connecting to the contactor. It is very hard to get both wires in the contactor. Same with the white/gray and red feeding the light. Am I missing something? I'm looking on line at other panels and I have not seen any other instances of more than one wire going to one of the contactor legs. Help!

Just a friendly piece of advice... Don't forget to get an electrician to take a look at your finished product. Not saying you won't figure it out but safety first of you are unsure.

Cheers!

 

[kcinpdx]

I have an uncle who is a retired electrician and I'll have him check it out.

 

[kcinpdx]

A lot of wiring this weekend. Here are more things I've learned that I'll pass along:

I should have listened and gotten a bigger enclosure. It will all fit but wiring is in fact tight.
In retrospect going with lighted switches would have saved a lot of hassle.
Wiring will take 3x as long as you think. I'm not done.
Most schematics suck. It doesn't help that I can't read them very well. [emoji3]
It's really hard to twist 10 gauge wire with any other wire, then try to attach a connector.

.

 

[ChocolateMaltyBalls]

What are you using to make connections? Make sure your using the smallest size connector that's rated for the wire gauge you're using. It will help with tying multiple wires on one post.

 

[kcinpdx]

I bought the giant kit from harbor freight. The prob is the connectors that are big enough to fit the 10 gauge wire are too big to fit in the contactor slot. I found these at Home Depot and the have room for 2 wires and fit perfectly into the contactor slot. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1488233027.878086.jpg

 

[kcinpdx]

I've been busy wiring, rewiring and learning a ton. I've pulled the panel apart a few times and through trial and error learned quite a bit. The print outs that came with the ebrew supply kit are not very helpful, but I will say that the guide that they have on line has been very good. I should have the wiring done by the weekend and I'll post a few pics. It is as organized as I can get it in the small enclosure but I think it will suffice. I haven't found the company to be very responsive to emails, but the components are nice.

 

[stevehaun]

I could be wrong but your contactors are designed to accept the 10 gauge wire without any connector.

 

[kcinpdx]

After a long discussion with my better half, I've decided to change directions completely. Despite her confidence in my DIY skills, she suggested I simply buy something as she's concerned about my frying myself. So here is the new plan:
Order the new hosehead with craftbeerpi And I just did it....

Shelf the controller build for now. Since I have all the components, I can take my time, get a bigger enclosure and do it right. Or I sell it all assuming the hosehead delivers and I no longer see a need.
So next up is to build up the brewstand from Costco
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1488912358.600184.jpg

I have to admit I feel like a bit of a failure for not completing the panel. But there are some lessons in it all, and no amount of pride is more important than electrocution and a happy wife.

 

[trav77]

Good on you for not taking chances if you're not comfortable doing it.

Happy wife, happy life.

 

[itsnotrequired]

The print outs that came with the ebrew supply kit are not very helpful, but I will say that the guide that they have on line has been very good.

i had the same experience, the online guide better than the printed one. fortunately for me, i'm an electrical engineer so was able to identify the mistakes and work around them, even the ones in the online version.

 

[kcinpdx]

I wish I had seen the hosehead before buying all the panel parts!

 

[ChocolateMaltyBalls]

The important thing is that you will soon have the joy of electric brewing.

I'll never go back to gas (except for another Katrina or zombie apocalypse of course)

 

[augiedoggy]

After a long discussion with my better half, I've decided to change directions completely. Despite her confidence in my DIY skills, she suggested I simply buy something as she's concerned about my frying myself. So here is the new plan:
Order the new hosehead with craftbeerpi And I just did it....

Shelf the controller build for now. Since I have all the components, I can take my time, get a bigger enclosure and do it right. Or I sell it all assuming the hosehead delivers and I no longer see a need.
So next up is to build up the brewstand from Costco
View attachment 391789

I have to admit I feel like a bit of a failure for not completing the panel. But there are some lessons in it all, and no amount of pride is more important than electrocution and a happy wife.

just heads up that stand doesnt hold much weight with the wheels on it

 

[kcinpdx]

I started a thread a while back and had some discussion on it. My guess is that it is rated very conservatively. At least that is what I am hoping. I'll build it this weekend and go from there.

 

[kcinpdx]

A little progress while I await he hosehead arrival. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1489866424.010146.jpg

 

[newtobrew1981]

How do you like those kettles I've been seeing a lot of them lately

 

[kcinpdx]

Not sure- I have not brewed with them yet. I am waiting to get the electric set up going before brewing again. But I'm thinking they will be fantastic.