Stills heating element?

[Bill-a-newbie]

On an electric still, What are you guys using to cover the exposed end of the heating element where the wires are attached? Is there some sort of cover that will enclose these so they can't be inadvertently touched?

[OBX Phantom]

I drilled a hole in the back of an electrical box big enough for the threads of the element to go through, so the box is tightened between the still and the element nut. I used a metal box because the electrical box also gave me a place to hook my ground wire.

[Brendan]

I was going to reply with some pictures of a thread that I wrote up on another site a while ago, but i've posted it on here instead, so i'll just give you the link for an idea

HERE --> Soldering Custom Element Guard

[muddog]

Re: Heating Element Control

Postby muddog » Thu Jan 30, 2014 4:14 am

Here's what I did . 1.5 inch pvc pipe with cap and waterproof cable fitting. pipe won't quite fit , I used a lathe to take some off inside , you don't need to take much off. A dremel tool would work You can also use heat to soften pvc and then mold over heating element, best to use heat gun, but propane torch will work .
I drilled screw holes to hold pipe in place. 2 ways to do this. I put the pipe on heating element and I drilled the pvc and into the flats of the heating element nut so the screw went thru pvc into the heating element nut. Don't drill into the nut too deep. I removed pvc after drilling pilot holes and enlarged hole in heating element so screws could seat better. You can drill closer to the end of pvc and screw under nut , into gasket . Silicone inside of pipe for good waterproof seal.
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woops, here's the link: http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 9#p7147079
these are nice : http://brewhardware.com/rimsherms-parts ... ementparts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[Bill-a-newbie]

Nice job guy's, as always you come up with great ideas!

[Cardinalbags]

I drilled a hole in the back of an electrical box big enough for the threads of the element to go through, so the box is tightened between the still and the element nut. I used a metal box because the electrical box also gave me a place to hook my ground wire.

I did the same. I used a strain relief through the side of the box and no issues with any tension to the heating element. It did require using a heating element wrench to get it as tight as I wanted it to be, but they are cheap and available at any Lowes or Home depot.

[Prairiepiss]

Big heat shrink tubing.

[Halfbaked]

I stumbled on what I think is a great way to make an element guard.

http://thebrewingnetwork.com/forum/view ... 0&p=221186" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow