Converting 15.5gal keg to electric

[JH1]

Hello, been reading a little bit about converting to electric. Running a 15.5gal keg w/ 2" column.

Now, after reading a bit I'm pretty sure I want to stick with 120v, since I do not have any 240v outlets.
So, I was thinking either 2 Camco 1500Watt 120v heating elements ($10/ea), or 2 Camco 2000Watt 120v heating elements ($10/ea).

I plan on the heating controller to have a main on/off switch for both elements, & a controller for 1 element.
I'm unsure on how to wire something like this, or what controllers I would need... I keep getting confused just reading about it.

Only experience I have here is knowing how to solder wires, connect wires, polarity, grounding, etc...
Would I end up having two plugs that need to go into the wall outlet, or just 1?


Can anyone point me in the right direction here, or show me something simple I can make?

[Bob Loblaw]

For a boiler that size, ideally you want 2 x 2000 watt elements to get it up to temp. Once you're there, you can run it on a single element with a controller. But each element will need to be on a separate circuit or it will blow your breaker. And for 2000w elements really require 20A breakers - which are not that common. Take a look at your breakers and see what you have, and go with the max you can run.

There are plenty of threads that show how to make controllers. You can also buy a kit with most of the parts you need from stilldragon, or you can source them separately at Amazon or an electronics retailer.

[S-Cackalacky]

You could also go with 240V rated elements and wiring and run it on 120V service. A 240V 5500W element will give 1/4th of its rated output when used on 120V service - 1375W. So, two of these would give you the potential of 2750W. There are also 6000W elements available. Two of these would give you 3000W. The advantage of using materials rated for 240V is that you can easily convert your system to 240V if it were to become available.

You can also order a 240V controller from eBay for about $20 that will work on 120V service. You would only need to install it in a box and possibly mount a fan in the box. There's a good bit written about these Chinese made controllers here on the forums.

[JH1]

Well, I'm guessing I have 15amp breakers. My breakers are not labeled & do not look easily changeable.
I don't own the house anyway, so I can't go around changing it.
I want to be able to run the still in my house, & propane seems fairly unsafe to do inside.

The 1500/2000 Watt elements are so cheap, I wouldn't mind buying 5500 Watt elements in the future, so I'll stick with 120v for now
(if I decide to do this project, or go with propane)

Also, I checked out the Controller Kit from Stilldragon; looks pretty decent & cheap too!

EDIT: Found some simple controllers on sale/ebay for $4.85 right now! US, so it doesn't take 1month to ship.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/220V-2000W-SCR- ... 25864a223e" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I'm gonna purchase 2 of these just in case 1 burns out or I decide to use both.


Questions:

- Is this a reason to just go with propane? Or should I try with 2 1500Watt elements?
- If I buy the 220v controller kit, and run 1 with just a toggle on/off switch, & 1 with controller, what would I need to do exactly? Or could I simply just wire the burner up to a wall plug? Example:

- Should I use

(Red wire shows 2nd method, without toggle switch)



- When you say each element needs its own circuit, does that mean I plug each element into a different outlet? Or can I plug each element into the same outlet that has 2 inlet plugs? Example:

[S-Cackalacky]

No, the circuits need to be on separate breakers. Most folks would run one element using the controller and the other simply plugged directly into an outlet. Be careful with the 1500W 110V elements. They're usually little short stubby things and could possibly scorch your wash.