Twin element still

[CoopsOz]

Hi all,
After several failed attempts to make an element control for my 2.2kw element, I had a thought. Currently my setup has a 2.2 for startup and then I switch to a 1.3kw for cook off. Previously I tried running my 2.2 through a 110v stepdown transformer and the resulting 550watts was insufficient to keep things humming along. If i run both the elements through the 110v stepdown I should get 875watts, is that correct?

Do I simply add the two (adjusted) element values together?

I'm thinking 875watts should be ideal for a 50l keg bokakob. I know 1.3kw is too much in my situation.

[MikeyT]

Why not get an adjustable transformer? For instance, see item #250093471038 on eBay. Then you can crank up what ever wattage U want. Such transformers are commonly called a Variac. Just do an eBay search for 'variac' (Variable AC Transformer).

[fahdoul]

There's a really cute setup that is in the archives and discussed here often, using two elements and two switches arranged to give 4 combinations of heat, all arrived at mechanically with switch logic and no electronics or other confusions.

[MikeyT]

Or even better yet, get a thermostat out of an electric oven then you can set it to what ever temperature you want.

[dog1976]

With 2 240V 2.2kw you can run them on 120V and get 550watts each for a total of 1100watts or you can series them and hook them up to 240V and get 1100watts without using a transformer.

I use 2 240V 4500watt elements on 120V. 1 element I plug straight into 120v giving me 1100 watts. The other element I have on 120v with a 1000 watt light dimmer switch (cheep 1000watt dimmer switch $7.25) so I can totally control the watts to the boiler. I have had no problem running the 1100 watt element with the 1000 watt dimmer switch, they can do more than their rating.

Edit
With your 2.2 and 1.3 running on 120v will give you 875 watts