National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: Dara on November 03, 2013, 11:39:19 PM

Title: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: Dara on November 03, 2013, 11:39:19 PM
Hi.
Just wondering what people's experience is of electric elements cutting out? What gravity does your element cut out at for a standard 2.4kw kettle element. Want to do a fes/imperial stout at a gravity of around 1.065-1.070. Have a single element and no time to install a Second.  The highest gravity I have boiled has been 1.060 with out problem.

Dara
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: abv on November 04, 2013, 12:23:24 AM
Install a second element don't mess about with one, big risk and not worth it for the sake of 20quid.
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: CARA on November 04, 2013, 04:21:54 AM
One of my elements cut out for the 9.4 (ish) barrel brew, can't recommend 2 elements highly enough
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: johnrm on November 05, 2013, 03:45:06 PM
Dara, Kettle elements were not designed to be on for an hour.
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: Shane Phelan on November 05, 2013, 03:47:39 PM
I also had a cut out for the barrel brew. Very glad to have a 2nd element. The gravity was higher than 1.080 for the main boil but I think I did the damage when I started boiling the first runnings that probably had a very high gravity.
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: johnrm on November 05, 2013, 04:02:11 PM
Does Higher Gravity mean higher boiling point?

@Dara, open the element and nip the shut off ring with a wire cutter.
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: Shane Phelan on November 05, 2013, 04:28:02 PM
Yeah it would mean slightly higher boiling point but also increased risk of caramelisation which builds up on the element causing it to scorch and then cut out.
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: Will_D on November 05, 2013, 10:51:53 PM
Quote from: johnrm on November 05, 2013, 04:02:11 PM
Does Higher Gravity mean higher boiling point?
Yes, the higher the sugar(or equivalent) the higher the boiling point. Just ask a toffee maker!

Typical 1.060 mashes boil at about 102 - 103C
Title: Re: what temperature does your elec. element cut out at?
Post by: Dara on November 07, 2013, 10:46:54 PM
Thanks for the feedback. Tried to install a second element but drill bit is knackered from the last stainless drilling session. Think I'll do some more regular gravity beers until I can get it to a work shop to drill it for me.