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2500W Element Connected to Old Grainfather Controller for Sparge Kettle???

Started by gmcardle, April 19, 2017, 11:09:56 AM

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gmcardle

I want to convert my 70L Brew Pot into an electric sparge water kettle. At the moment I'm just heating up the sparge water on the hob but want the option of electric heating so that I can brew in other places but the kitchen. So I recently purchased a 240V 2500W Immersion Foldback Water Heating Element Screw In 1 INCH NPT Thread Tubular Heater Element see here:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/240V-2500W-Immersed-Foldback-Heating-Element-Screw-In-1-INCH-NPT-Thread-Tubular-Heating-Element/32546357152.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.AWVCRY

My Grainfather came with the new Connect Controller along with the old controller. Is it possible that I can connect the element to the old controller by using a 19'' 50cm IEC 3 Pin Male C14 to IEC 2 Pin Female C7 Extension Power Cord Cable, see cord here:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/251967817892

I also plan on adding a weldless thermowell to hold the thermometer connected to the Grainfather controller box.

Now I know there are other wiring parts I'll need etc, along with a cover or junction box to go over the connections which will then be grounded (i.e attaching the earth wire to the box). However, I'm just not sure if the combination of the element above, the cable above will work with the old Grainfather controller box so appreciate feedback from anyone who might know. In theory it sounds like it should work but maybe it won't for reasons I'm not sure of.

fishjam45 (Colin)

Watching this thread closely, as I'm sure a lot of others will do too.
I also have the new controller so therefore could use the old controller for a similar purpose.
Garden County Brewers

https://gcbrewers.wordpress.com/

johnrm

Careful now!

C14 is PC power cord - Sometimes referred to as a Kettle lead
C7 is from a Stereo (Figure 8).

Generally neither are appropriate for the Wattages described.
You probably need hot-condition plugs.

I'd say your best best is to organise a BBQ/Brewday and invite me over for some Beardy Man Ales on Draught.

gmcardle

Quote from: johnrm on April 19, 2017, 03:32:28 PM

C14 is PC power cord - Sometimes referred to as a Kettle lead
C7 is from a Stereo (Figure 8).

Generally neither are appropriate for the Wattages described.
You probably need hot-condition plugs.

I'd say your best best is to organise a BBQ/Brewday and invite me over for some Beardy Man Ales on Draught.

Hey there johnrm - lol yes I'll have to have you over before I blow up the house!!!! :-[ I forgot to mention that I'd planned to cut off the C7 end and connecting those wires to the element pins. The C14 plug looks similar to the two leads that are currently on the the Grainfather for the pump and element which both then plug into the new controller box. What are hot-condition plugs? Is the element wattage too high to do this?

gmcardle

Quote from: johnrm on April 19, 2017, 03:32:28 PM
Careful now!

C14 is PC power cord - Sometimes referred to as a Kettle lead
C7 is from a Stereo (Figure 8).

Generally neither are appropriate for the Wattages described.
You probably need hot-condition plugs.


@johnrm Would a IEC C15 Hot Condition Lead work? or does it need to be C16+ ? You about at the weekend, have some cider for ya!

dcalnan

Bit of googling resulted in this, https://youtu.be/mk4ogylBf7w
Looks very easy to do, instead of using an extra cable just gets some 2.5mm2 heat resistant flex and wire the element directly into the controller.

gmcardle

Quote from: dcalnan on April 19, 2017, 07:18:19 PM
Bit of googling resulted in this, https://youtu.be/mk4ogylBf7w
Looks very easy to do, instead of using an extra cable just gets some 2.5mm2 heat resistant flex and wire the element directly into the controller.

Cheers @dcalnan that looks good but I do want to have the option of disconnecting the controller box from the element similar to that on the Grainfather just for ease of setup, transport, storage and cleaning just so it's not permanently attached. The C15 Hot Condition Lead is a good option if I know it will work. I'll need cable connectors to fix the lead to the element pins.

Seeing that video you sent gives me a good idea regarding how I can attach the controller box to the the kettle!

johnrm