Ahh rust

[dk4545]

So I have 2 of these elements http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310759398910 installed in my keg.

I have them attached to the keg with KM8 locknuts.  I have 2 more of the above elements for the other keg which will be the hlt so I got 5 locknuts from here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161085394175

£11.39 and free shipping with parcel motel. Was delighted with them. Nice and sturdy and no leaks at all. The plastic shroud/nut that comes with the elements is a joke.

So took them out yesterday to lay the keg on it's side to drill and install the tap and there was rust on the back of the locknuts and around the element holes. Feck.

Just been pricing stainless one's and they are 10gbp each!

Anyone know if these brass ones would work? http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/en/product/526949/LappKabel-52103050-SKINDICHT-SM-M40-x-15-Brass-Locknut%3bjsessionid=D3BCE56645F250406434BDF6E428B472.ASTPCEN22

They look slimmer too which would mean there would be enough thread for the shroud. Will I have to ground the keg now?

[Beerbuddha]

I have 3 elements in HWT and Kettle. Both kegs non commercial but all have plastic nuts on elements and I have had no issue's with them. Did you have leaks or something with plastic retaining nuts ?

[Beerbuddha]

Also if there is slight rust it shouldn't be an issue as it's outside of keg sealed from liquids so you could get years out of them.

[Will_D]

Kettle elements like your picture do not require any extra nuts. They may need thicker washers to cope with curved surfaces.

A mild steel bearing locknut is not what you want.
Why do you think you needed this?

Admittedly its on the outside, so rust is not a problem but why?

You certainly don't need a SS version

[dk4545]

Yeah I had leaks with the plastic ones. I'm very close to snapping them if I tighten anymore. They just feel very flimsy and I'm not confident with a keg of boiling water or wort. Part of the reason for the steel nuts was I thought they were supposed to help with grounding the keg? I think I'll get a silicon baking sheet first and make a few washers and go from there.

[dk4545]

A mild steel bearing locknut is not what you want.
Why do you think you needed this?

A lot of guys on the u.k forums seem to use the km8 locknuts after complaining about the plastic nuts cracking and not sealing.

[Beerbuddha]

As will said the curvature causes the issues that's why I welded in flat plates at element points but swing out of the plastic nuts and see if it leaks as you have spares so doesn't matter if they crack.

[dk4545]

I'll try the plastic nuts again and use another silicon washer on the outside aswell. And If I get to beat the shit out of the keg with a lump hammer and a block of wood all the more fun.

One thing I'm still not sure of is earthing the keg? Do I need to do this at all with these elements? Haven't got a clue about that part.

[Beerbuddha]

No need for beating the crap outta the keg lol.....extra washer should do. When it happened to me I put Belzona on outside to make sure it would never leak. That was my first setup. You don't need to throw more cash at this issue I think.

As for earthing I never did that and no issue's. If you feel more comfortable brewing with earthed kegs do it as it's your bum on the line. I'm sure others more professional can give you better electrical advice.

[dk4545]

No need for beating the crap outta the keg lol.....extra washer should do.

Ahh don't spoil my fun.

And just to show Will_D there was method behind the madness   Peco supply a km8 locknut with their 2.4kw element now http://www.pecoservices.co.uk/spare-element-mashing-bin---eb5-21-p.asp click the image for a better look.

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

One thing I'm still not sure of is earthing the keg? Do I need to do this at all with these elements? Haven't got a clue about that part.

The reason for earthing the keg is to prevent it from becoming live in the event that the insulation around the element breaks down. In this situation the circuit will fuse or the circuit breaker will trip in the event of an earth fault. If the keg is not earthed then it could easily become live with lethal consequences. You could drill a hole through the bottom apron of the keg and connect the earth cable via a set screw and nut. I would regularity see immersion elements like this one
http://www.ctm.co.uk/gallery/Emergency/Emergency_5_Burnt_out_water_heater_element.jpg

[dk4545]

Thanks for that Sorcerers Apprentice, seems like it would be easy enough to do. Cheers