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Thoughts on heat belts etc

Started by cochised, January 11, 2015, 05:40:08 PM

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cochised

Wired up my STC a while back but not brewed yet

Have one of those plastic film type heat belts like this


Did a quick trial run today but hard to tell if it works or not

Am happy to invest in one of the other style belts I see most people use, such as:
https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/better-brew-brew-belt-for-30-litre-fermenters-and-greater-p-2546.html

or the red Youngs belt

Any advice?

Will_D

Yes:

Just be fekkin careful around these yokes. The earth lead is just riveted into the mylar!

The live and neutral are protected by a glob of silicon!

I suspect they don't carry a CE mark!

Now theres nothing wrong with a carbon filament printed heater - Its just the lack of ANY enclosure of the mains connections.
Remember: The Nationals are just round the corner - time to get brewing

cochised

Hmm, also a good point Will, would be a little wary in that regard

googoomuck

Quote from: Will_D on January 11, 2015, 06:20:55 PM
Yes:

Just be fekkin careful around these yokes. The earth lead is just riveted into the mylar!

The live and neutral are protected by a glob of silicon!

I suspect they don't carry a CE mark!

Now theres nothing wrong with a carbon filament printed heater - Its just the lack of ANY enclosure of the mains connections.
Which heat belt are you talking about Will?

auralabuse

I use the Richie brew belt,  good quality and does the job,  the Youngs one I had fell to bits

cochised

Went ahead an ordered the Youngs one, hopefully stand up better than it did for you ^-^

Will_D

Quote from: googoomuck on January 11, 2015, 07:04:08 PM
Which heat belt are you talking about Will?
The one in the picture in the OP.

Its not a belt as we understand it. It is a printed pattern on thick mylar.
Remember: The Nationals are just round the corner - time to get brewing

cochised

Is there any particular temp I should set the STC at?
My bucket will be in a fridge so well insulated
So if I want a ferm temp of 20, do I put it at 20, or a bit lower to account for residual heat in the belt?

googoomuck

Quote from: Will_D on January 12, 2015, 11:25:18 AM
Quote from: googoomuck on January 11, 2015, 07:04:08 PM
Which heat belt are you talking about Will?
The one in the picture in the OP.

Its not a belt as we understand it. It is a printed pattern on thick mylar.
Cheers, couldn't see the picture initially. They look like heat mats for lizards and the like.

Frequent Sequence

Quote from: cochised on January 12, 2015, 12:07:42 PM
Is there any particular temp I should set the STC at?
My bucket will be in a fridge so well insulated
So if I want a ferm temp of 20, do I put it at 20, or a bit lower to account for residual heat in the belt?

What I do is set the stc at exactly the temp you want the beer to ferment at. But the probe should be placed tightly against the fermenter and then insulated from the air in the chamber.



I have also seen people use putty to attach/insulate the probe.


rukkus

Quote from: cochised on January 11, 2015, 05:40:08 PM
Wired up my STC a while back but not brewed yet

Have one of those plastic film type heat belts like this


Did a quick trial run today but hard to tell if it works or not

Am happy to invest in one of the other style belts I see most people use, such as:
https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/better-brew-brew-belt-for-30-litre-fermenters-and-greater-p-2546.html

or the red Youngs belt

Any advice?

I'm fairly sure one of those film ones blew a stc on me, i dont think they are safe and wouldnt use one again

cochised

Well, went with the Youngs brew belt and very happy
3/4 days into first brew using it and an STC, amazing how well the temp is being maintained  :D