Yet another where do I start with electric thread

[runningweird]

how do those work? I was thinking more of a manual toggle like a dpst light switch

 

[pvtschultz]

You still use the switch, except now it can be rated for as low as 1 amp. When you turn on the switch, current flows to a coil of the contacter which mechanically completes the high current circuit. It is very much like a relay with subtle differences.

 

[runningweird]

that would make things easier. amazon it is.

 

[runningweird]

ok, so last night I got everything all wired up. I ended up using a plastic tool box for a control panel. I will post pictures tomorrow.

All the wiring is correct - everything is grounded and the GFCI breaker is all wired up. I hooked up the BK element cord to the outlet on the box and ran the PWM I built thorugh low to high - watching the red light blink on faster and faster. The element worked great - brought 49 degree water to a boil much faster than propane and without that annoying propane sound.

I installed two outlets in the box for elements - one for BK and one for the HLT I will eventually build. I think I can cram all the rest of the parts into this box to include a PID and another SSR to control the heat for a HERMS setup.

Thanks for all the help everyone! - now I need to install an anode to stop the element from rusting.

I may need a larger tool box - but the box is a nice alternative ( although not as water resistant as a real enclosure though which is a concern) I think I can switch the guts to another panel in the future or waterproof a larger tool box.

room for improvement but it will work in the short term

 

[runningweird]

shot of the outside of the control box - really basic - the 30 amp dpst switch cuts main power to the entire setup and the PWM knob is easily accessible. I was going to take an internal shot but my camera battery died. I really need to mount the heat sink outside the box - it gets a bit too hot while boiling.

and here, just for kicks - is the ghetto insulated mash tun I made - I will replace the foam pipe insulation with reflectix as soon as I can get some from the store.

 

[runningweird]

I am going to brew with it again today - so I will take a shot of the internals so that I can show you all I didn't build a death trap - or if I did build a death trap you can tell me how to fix it.

 

[l3asturd]

You realize if you built a death trap, we'll probably never know.

 

[Double-R]

You realize if you built a death trap, we'll probably never know.

Maybe, Someone should stop by.
Just to make sure.. Ya never now..lol

 

[runningweird]

two views of the same thing, I brewed with it again tonight, and despite some issues with boiling water on my garage floor the brew went great. I even got my new mash tun to maintain temps well - it now looks like the Michelin man even more.

I know my wiring isn't color coded but it all works as it should with no smoking or popping noises. and most importantly I am still alive.

 

[runningweird]

I really need to put the heat sink outside - I think I will cut a hole in the back just small enough to squeeze the heatsink inside, then bolt it in place somehow and seal the gaps with silicone or something like that. Then I need to add the PID and temp probe stuff.