Electricity / Spark management when distilling indoors - can lights be on?

[HuckFinn]

Hi all,

My question is really in the title. When distilling indoors, what is acceptable from an electricity perspective? Obviously never open flames lol, but to get more specific what is okay vs not?

For example, can you have a ceiling light on? What is unsafe / safe in your view?

Thanks

[zed255]

Stilling in the dark is more dangerous than having the lights on. We do focus on safety here but you do not need an intrinsically safe environment for home distillation. So long as your still isn't leaking and you haven't made gross errors in operating it there is no reason to think there will be an issue. You seem to be overthinking things.

[still_stirrin]

If you don’t keep a light on, how are you going to be able to see the thermometer?

Would a fan be safer, or less safe when distilling in the house?

What about, if you have small children, can they be in the house while you’re distilling?

Inquiring “minds” want to know the answers to these, and other frivolous questions.
ss

[6 Row Joe]

Hi all,

My question is really in the title. When distilling indoors, what is acceptable from an electricity perspective? Obviously never open flames lol, but to get more specific what is okay vs not?

For example, can you have a ceiling light on? What is unsafe / safe in your view?

Thanks

You had better be running slow enough to be producing liquid alcohol and not alcohol vapors.

[Yummyrum]

I’d rather have the lights on than us a candle

But I get the gist of your post . ... good to see you are doing your own risk assessment.
But as has been said , it’s an extremely low risk and nothing to be concerned about unless you have some seriously arcing light switches and a still thats leaking a lot of un condensed vapour .

If you are concerned , use an LED headlamp torch

[Crabmanstyle]

Once your area is properly vented the risk is minimised and minimised further by the fact that there should be no leaks. Any vapour escape from cooling problems would be quickly identified and still shut down. Ethanol vapour is also heavier than air so it will sink to the ground rather than up to any light switches or sockets, again lessening the risk of ignition.

If you're still unsure or nervous do as Yummyrum suggested and get one of these:
https://www.knivesandtools.ie/en/pt/-pe ... gI6vvD_BwE

[The Baker]

There is a certain amount of risk where you have gas appliances that have a pilot light and/ or produce a naked flame.

Geoff

[HDNB]

i do some of my best work in the dark, but yes, i do keep the lights on when stilling.

[Dozingdruid]

Over thinking is one of my biggest downfalls too. Rather focus one adequite ventilation and a zero-leak policy. A batch of flour paste on hand before you fire-up the still is always my starting protocol, just in case.

[Expat]

This whole thread amuses me when there are others (like the so-called "nuclear" whisky) in which people do far dumber things with refined spirits, without thinking about it.

2 things to consider; an electrically powered still is far safer to operate then any fueled one simply because it doesn't rely on an open flame; electrical lights are not a significant risk unless you have serious wiring issues (overloaded circuits, sparking connections, etc.) in which case you have bigger issues. Second, a leaky still is dangerous no matter what its powered with, and shouldn't run at all until its fixed.

IMO the greater risk which people tend to gloss over is operating high voltage AC around water, meaning if you haven't done so already, you SHOULD install a GFCI breaker on your still power, and any other power used within 10 feet.

[Prairiepiss]

Why would electricity be a problem? Seriously! Do you turn all the lights off when you pour a drink? It’s not like your still is puking out highly flammable gasses. Liquids yes. But I hope the alcohol coming out of your still isn’t running over your light bulbs or switches.

[tubbsy]

It's enough of an issue that commercial distilleries (in Australia at least) need explosion proof switches and equipment close to the still. Now, I don't agree with it being needed if there is adequate ventilation, but it's a valid concern that shouldn't be so quickly dismissed.

[MartinCash]

Inquiring “minds” want to know the answers to these, and other frivolous questions.
ss

Are you setting off to purposely turn off newcomers with your passive-aggressive comments ss?

[HDNB]

Inquiring “minds” want to know the answers to these, and other frivolous questions.
ss

Are you setting off to purposely turn off newcomers with your passive-aggressive comments ss?

i don't see tongue in cheek humor as passive aggressive, but i do see your aggressive - aggressive response as trolling.