using electric

[killian]

Electric Brewery Control Module - High Gravity

Im looking at picking one of these up but it would be nice to be able to find something similar but cheaper.

 

[luvmy40]

Electric Brewery Control Module - High Gravity

Im looking at picking one of these up but it would be nice to be able to find something similar but cheaper.

You could put something like this together for around $60.00 in parts.
The one I made for my heat sticks is similar. I am the only one using it and keep it put up when not in use, so I cheaped out a little and went with two 15amp, 110vac (my 220vac heaters pull less than 11 amps) switch/receptacle combos mounted in the same type box used in your linked controller. Add a dryer pig tail, clip the receptacle buss and wire up as switched receptacle. Doesn't meet code but it is safe if you know what you have. Mine came in under $40.00 with the short cut.

 

[killian]

well, Im about to contact my electrician to see if he will build the control box for me.

my plan for my system is a simple three tier gravity set up and for now I will only need to run one element at a time. Im thinking on/off control is all that I will need. I would like to have the control box ready for my next up grade when I can afford it, but for now it has to be as cheap as possible. Eventually I want to add a pump and some kind of temp control.

I think Im going with this

for the HLT - Heating Element - 5500 watt - Burners & Electric Pot Heaters - High Gravity

for the boil kettle -
Heating Element - 3500 watt - Burners & Electric Pot Heaters - High Gravity

What do I need to control 1 element at a time with only on/off control? The 240V outlet that I have access to is mounted on the ceiling so I think it will be about 12 to to 15 feet from the hlt and BK so I will have to have some kind of extension to reach the control box.

Any help is appreciated

 

[luvmy40]

killian,
Just my $.02
I would go the other way with the heating elements.
5.5kw in the boiler and 3.5 in the HLT.
I would also wire the 5.5kw control with a 110/220 4 wire line and switch to run it on 220 or 110Vac. You will not want 5500w constantly during your boil.
This presumes that you have a neutral pulled to your 220v service.

Good luck!

 

[killian]

That is an interesting idea, where could I find plans for something like this?

 

[luvmy40]

The electrician that you were going to talk to should not have any problem with it.
I could draw something up for you and pm it if you'd like.

Like I said, this would require a a 4 wire 110/220v circuit.

 

[redear]

The electrician that you were going to talk to should not have any problem with it.
I could draw something up for you and pm it if you'd like.

Like I said, this would require a a 4 wire 110/220v circuit.

I would love to see a rough schematic if you have it!