Looking to buy heating element controller

[Kansas boy]

I'm using a keg for my boiler and want to put a couple 220 elements but have no experience with electrical so I plan on buying a prebuilt one the question is where can I find a quality controller at a fair price?? Any help would be appreciated

[bellybuster]

they really are easy to build but if you're not up to it there are a few retailers out there that sell them, expect to pay more than you probably did for your still though

[Kansas boy]

I would love to build one but don't know S*** about electrical and have tried to read up but I don't know the terminology and can't figure out some of the schematics posted on here

[bellybuster]

do you have 220 available where you still? We can easily help you through a controller build if you can get the parts.

one question "a couple 220 elements" you really do only need 1 either 4500 or 5500 watts.

[Kansas boy]

Yea I've got 220 where running at. And the help would be great

[bellybuster]

there are quite a few different controller designs available but one of the easiest for 220 is using a resistance input SSR and a simple potentiometer.
Do some research on the different controllers and decide what direction you may want to go and we can help from there.
this is the one that I've put together and it works well
http://ww1.homedistiller.org/forum/view ... =2&t=35595

there are other ones as well but this design is as simple as it gets.

If you want to go the DIY route, I have no problems helping you out at all. Cable and plug ends will be your biggest expense

[Kansas boy]

Thanks belly ill check out your link and go from there

[bellybuster]

you can just go buy one too if you want, don't mind me, I work seasonal and my season hasn't started yet

[Kansas boy]

If I can save some $$$ then that's the way to go

[bellybuster]

http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Voltage-Res ... m_sbs_hi_2
this is one way to go
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/10000W-220v-Adju ... 500wt_1413
this is another that is alreadt built for the most part. There's a few guys using this but don't think we've seen any reports of how they're working.

That's just a couple options but there are many more

all you need after that is a container and some wire/plugs. Used building material stores usually have surplus dryer plugs already wired

[sandsquirt]

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow This is a great place to start. These plans can be altered for your needs.

[bellybuster]

that's a great site and I've spent many hours there. It uses PID control as breweries run on temperature. PIDs are not a great choice for distilling.