Kettle stopped mid boil

[Mike]

Hi,

I'm 20 mins in and both elements stopped.  The first stopped just before it boiled and th scone one quit after 20 mins. The trip switch isn't gone.  Any ideas?

1. tried extension lead, didnt work.
2. I had the lid on to try and retain heat - perhaps it triggered the switch?  Have the lid off now to let it cool down.

[Ciderhead]

Hi,

I'm 20 mins in and both elements stopped.  The first stopped just before it boiled and th scone one quit after 20 mins. The trip switch isn't gone.  Any ideas?

1. tried extension lead, didnt work.
2. I had the lid on to try and retain heat - perhaps it triggered the switch?  Have the lid off now to let it cool down.

Silly questions, other items work off that plug socket? Tried fuse in your plug?
post a picture if you have time to see your element config
Unlikely that both burnt out more likely thermostat

[Mike]

Just checked the regular kettle in the same sockets and its fine.  I switched the fuse from the regular kettle plug with the boil kettle plug and it didnt work so its not the fuses...

One element stopped working as the brew boiled the last time but it was working when I went back to it today.  It was the same set up, it just failed at the boil but worked this morning.

[ColinC]

When was the last time you cleaned your elements? They cut out if they are caked in crud. Happens sometimes when you add DME and the elements are on.

Take out your elements (if you can) and give them a good scrub & scrape.

[Ciderhead]

Just checked the regular kettle in the same sockets and its fine.  I switched the fuse from the regular kettle plug with the boil kettle plug and it didnt work so its not the fuses...

One element stopped working as the brew boiled the last time but it was working when I went back to it today.  It was the same set up, it just failed at the boil but worked this morning.

Really sounds like the thermostat how have you got it configured. I read something on Beoir about similar issues where it kept tripping.
I kept all bits on my Argos elements including switches and never had an issue
Are your elements spotless and not caramelised.

[Ciderhead]

Here's the solution Mike let us know how u get on
http://www.beoir.org/community/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=7836

[Mike]

I havent cleaned the elements too well, I have given them a rub with a scrubber after each go but there is always a bit left.

Here is a photo of the set up like in your photo

www.imgur.com/q8h7n

Thanks for your help

[Ciderhead]

I havent cleaned the elements too well, I have given them a rub with a scrubber after each go but there is always a bit left.

Here is a photo of the set up like in your photo

www.imgur.com/q8h7n

Thanks for your help

Mine have a dedicated toothbrush and get a good scrub at the end of every brew to get them shiny
I also every 3rd or 4th brew soak in Oxiclean to soften up the hard to reach bits

[Mike]

Ah.... I took out the brew, gave them a scrub with cold water and they are working now.  Hopefully they get me through tonights boil and I can scrub them properly tomorrow. 

Thanks so much for your help

Mike

[Mike]

Nope, failed again.  Going to try all the solutions suggested tomorrow.  I've stored the beer in a sealed bucket - do you reckon it'll be alright if I get it going again tomorrow?

[Ciderhead]

Nope, failed again.  Going to try all the solutions suggested tomorrow.  I've stored the beer in a sealed bucket - do you reckon it'll be alright if I get it going again tomorrow?

Thats that damn copper kicking in and cutting it off again and you need to follow guidance given by the boys on Beoir :-(

PM me if you want to borrow my boiler tomorrow am heading to town at 10.

It will be ok overnight, I have read a couple of guys here doing overnight mashes!

As an aside after 12 boils mine looks like below, oxi cleaned after last boil, not a good idea to do too frequently as it rots the element!

[Mike]

Will scrub it tomorrow morning, thanks again

[JimmyM]

Sorry I didnt see this before now, as I was talking to ya today.
I didnt follow yhe links, so forgive me if youve already read this...but the root of the problem is that there is too much starch in your boil, prob as a result of not hitting the right numbers in the mash.
The gick builds up on the heat source, insulating it, causing it to cut out as it would a dry boil.
Happened me loads of times in the middle of brews, had to siphon out and clean mid brew.

[christhebrewer]

I solved this problem by doing away with all the bits and pieces from the kettle and connecting directly onto the element itself. There's a safety/thermal cut out of some sort built into the black plastic part that houses the plug. This seems to be the troublesome part. It's a bit of work but I found it well worth it to have a reliable kettle. I'll show you how I did it if you like.

[Mike]

Thanks folks, cleaning now. That would be great Zchris.