Print Page - Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT

Title: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: SB on September 22, 2014, 10:10:33 PM

Hi,

Can anyone please tell me if they have ever added a thermostat to a homemade plastic HLT? I just have a cheap Argos kettle element for heating but it's a pain having to keep checking the temperature and switching it on and off to maintain it. I would love to just set it and forget it until I need it.

Thanks

Title: Re: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: John_C on September 22, 2014, 10:43:41 PM

Yeah, I have an STC 1000 which does the job. They're cheap enough on ebay but you'll need to be able to wire it yourself.

Title: Re: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: SB on September 22, 2014, 10:51:23 PM

Cheers for the reply. Do you have to cover the sensor somehow as it is just made from rubber. Would it not get destroyed in hot water?

Title: Re: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: John_C on September 22, 2014, 11:48:19 PM

I just put it in and I've never had any issue but I'm no expert.

Title: Re: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: Taf on September 23, 2014, 07:15:58 AM

I stick it straight in as well. Haven't had a problem, as not boiling, but think you can swap out the probe for a metal one if worried.

Title: Re: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: SB on September 23, 2014, 08:12:51 AM

Great will try that so. Thanks for your help lads

Title: Re: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: Greg2013 on September 23, 2014, 12:33:44 PM

I am assuming it is a pretty specific metal probe that's needed for the stc 1000 ? ;D

Title: Re: Adding a thermostat to a plastic HLT
Post by: Sorcerers Apprentice on September 23, 2014, 01:06:54 PM

It's an NTC type thermistor, if you google this plus stc1000 you should find some

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Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: SB on September 22, 2014, 10:10:33 PM