Upgrading propane setup vs switching to electric all in one

[IslandLizard]

One member here built his own 5000W induction plate. IIRC, he regulates the power by cycling on and off with a temp controller.

Here's the thread where he documents his Induction Plate build:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/diy-5kw-induction-heater.689121/

 

[user 298779]

Thank you very much IL - That’s a great post on induction mods for a controller. . I’m not even going to think about trying that - I’d get electrocuted and probably burn the house down!!

I really like the eBIAB systems I’m using - kinda like a Solo Commander.

HT is excellent- thanks to all who participate! Cheers

 

[Bassaholic]

This had me wondering so I looked up the 65l Brewzilla. It calls for a NEMA 6-30R plug, which sorta looks like a face, but it's just 30 amps and the heating elements are a total of 3500 watts. I was going to say you could maybe get a breaker for about $75 but it really depends on your style box. I think I paid $65 about 2.5 years ago. I did find a really inexpensive GE 2 pole GFCI for $51.84. Forgive me if you already know this but you should check the model of your breaker box and see if the model # of the breaker works for it. Looks like those NEMA 6-30R outlets are about $10-12. Maybe under $100 if you are just changing out the outlet or a short run of line from the box but still wondering about that 50 amp reference.

So whoever wired the service initially installed a 50 amp plug on the 30 amp breaker. I need to double check, but I believe they used a smaller gauged wire as well. Worst case I’ll have to run a new line as well. Are you sure that breaker you linked is GFCI? I didn’t see that in the description. I think the one I bought was $75.

 

[HopSing]

Are you sure that breaker you linked is GFCI? I didn’t see that in the description. I think the one I bought was $75.

An alternative to having a GFCI breaker in the panel is to use an inline GFCI breaker. Pricing is probably about the same. The benefit of the inline cord is it gives you about another 6 feet of reach and it is portable, should you move to a different brew location. I also like that I can trip the inline breaker by using the reset button to completely kill the power to the unit without unplugging it. Its a good emergency "ALL STOP" button should you run into an issue, e.g. massive boil over.

Here's the one I got to power the Avantco 3500W induction burner.

https://www.grainger.com/product/SOUTHWIRE-Line-Cord-GFCI-55CW92?searchQuery=55CW92&searchBar=true
It has a different plug than the Brewzilla, but they probably make similar inline breakers. If not, they make an adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0814J1T87?psc=1&smid=A2565OKC78981M&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp
Either way, just make sure you're protected by GFCI.

~HopSing.

 

[ChiknNutz]

Once I move from propane, this is what I plan to go with. All in, with a new chiller, you'll be into it just over $1600 for a 20G setup. This also includes the Steam Slayer so you can brew indoors w/o an exhaust fan.

https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/biabpackagepremium.htm

 

[Deadalus]

So whoever wired the service initially installed a 50 amp plug on the 30 amp breaker. I need to double check, but I believe they used a smaller gauged wire as well. Worst case I’ll have to run a new line as well. Are you sure that breaker you linked is GFCI? I didn’t see that in the description. I think the one I bought was $75.

My apologies it does not appear so. It popped up as a link when I searched for a GFCI and GE. (I was looking for current prices and GE is my panel manufacturer.) The pigtail threw me off. Not sure of its purpose, product sheet says it is "thermal Magnetic Pole plus Nonautomatic Pole For Switching Neutral".

If the gauge was insufficient for 50 amps, consider running a new line for safety's sake. Someone may have been overloading the wire.