what type of metal am i introducing into my boiler?

[fatman]

So how about the type of element you stick in your boiler? I know how some like to rip on everyone for even the mention of using plastics, brass, steel, basically anything but copper or stainless. And I understand that, its a no-no!

Im probably going to use the Camco 5500w, 240 v bolt in element. But what is the difference in the black looking elements and the silver colored ones?
Just curious, in the 150 pages of threads/replies, I have read I didn't recall any mention as to what type of metal I would be introducing into my boiler with a water heater element?

[Old Anarchist]

Nichrome: Most heating elements use Nichrome 80/20 (80% nickel, 20% chromium) wire, ribbon, or strip. Nichrome 80/20 is an ideal material, because it has relatively high resistance and forms an adherent layer of chromium oxide when it is heated for the first time. Material beneath this layer will not oxidize, preventing the wire from breaking or burning out.

[Old Anarchist]

i also think you asked the difference. that i cannot answer.

[Johnny6]

The Camco unit that I looked up lists the jacket as "premium grade nickel and stainless steel". This one had the black-ish color. Could the black be nickel?

I'm pretty sure that the construction of the heating element has an outer sheath with the heating element insulated inside. I don't think the nichrome wire will be exposed.

[Johnny6]

I found this posted over on the "home brew talk" forum...

"The black heating rods on the Camco 4500W and 5500W ULWD models are made from the highest Grade Nickel and Chromium Incoloy which is high temperature and corrosion resistant. It is essentially a mix of premium grade nickel and stainless steel. Incoloy is about 8 times more expensive, lighter, and more corrosion resistant than standard 304/316 stainless steel."

[The KYChemist]

Sort of going to hijack, here, for moment. Since it is pertinent. Pertains to the area where the element "rod" mounts to the rest of the element. Mine appeared to be galvanised. Basically the threads, and the flat part that go into the keg. Is this the case? I have tried to find out, on my own, but can't find anything pertinent. Most info only covers element, itself.

[IrishEnigma]

From what I can see the nut looks galvanized and the threads look stainless.. Not sure though.

[Soggy Bottom Boy]

Sort of going to hijack, here, for moment. Since it is pertinent. Pertains to the area where the element "rod" mounts to the rest of the element. Mine appeared to be galvanised. Basically the threads, and the flat part that go into the keg. Is this the case? I have tried to find out, on my own, but can't find anything pertinent. Most info only covers element, itself.

The part you are talking about is plated and very magnetic, so it is not SS. It appears to me, holding one right now, to be of some zinc/alloy(tin or more likely nickel) plating.

I sent an e-mail off to the manufacturer just now, asking some pertinent questions. We'll see if they bother to answer it, or not.