240 volt control box

If it plugs in, post it here.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Spowers2
Novice
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:43 am

240 volt control box

Post by Spowers2 »

Hopefully somebody here can give me some info on this!
I'm wanting a control box to run 2- 5,500 watt elements.
I found one made by Oakstills and was wondering if anybody has any experience with one of these? It power ratings look capable enough, just have to finish a little wiring. Just wondering if this is a good way to go, or any other options. Thanks for any advise!
User avatar
acfixer69
Global moderator
Posts: 4826
Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:34 pm
Location: CT USA

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by acfixer69 »

Post a link of what you are asking
Spowers2
Novice
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:43 am

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Spowers2 »

User avatar
shadylane
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10363
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:54 pm
Location: Hiding In the Boiler room of the Insane asylum

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by shadylane »

Looks like great quality for $150.
Parts alone would cost that much.
Some vent holes and a fan would be a good idea.
Spowers2
Novice
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:43 am

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Spowers2 »

Would surely add some vent holes & fan, might as well give it a try!
User avatar
Yummyrum
Global moderator
Posts: 7653
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Yummyrum »

I agree , it looks great value .... and it's in a metal box :thumbup: .... They do help keep the smoke in safely :D

Bit hard to freeze and zoom on that pic , but to me it looks like those "element switches" aren't directly disconnecting ( or isolating ) the elements . The wiring size would suggest that they just disconnect the Pot from the SSRV . It will work , but don't ever trust that the element is safely isolated or disconnected ... Just say'n ..... SSRVs can go leaky or short .

A real 40amp switch is a lot meatier than those .So don't rewire and use them to directly Isolate the elements especially if you are using 5500w element, they will melt .

From a standards point of view . All that green wiring is nasty wrong . Green should only ever be used for earth or ground and it's clear they are using it for live wiring . :thumbdown:

Other than that , great starting point controller .
SDEngr1
Novice
Posts: 71
Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2022 3:20 pm

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by SDEngr1 »

Spowers2 wrote: Sun Sep 11, 2022 5:49 pm Hopefully somebody here can give me some info on this!
I'm wanting a control box to run 2- 5,500 watt elements.
I found one made by Oakstills and was wondering if anybody has any experience with one of these? It power ratings look capable enough, just have to finish a little wiring. Just wondering if this is a good way to go, or any other options. Thanks for any advise!
Normally one of the elements would be switchable on or off and the other would have the variable heat setting. That way you could have 5,500 to 11,000 watts or if you need less than 5,500 watts you switch the one element off and would have 0 to 5,500 watt output. To have both elements variable serves no purpose.
User avatar
Yummyrum
Global moderator
Posts: 7653
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Yummyrum »

SDEngr1 wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 4:07 am
Spowers2 wrote: Sun Sep 11, 2022 5:49 pm Hopefully somebody here can give me some info on this!
I'm wanting a control box to run 2- 5,500 watt elements.
I found one made by Oakstills and was wondering if anybody has any experience with one of these? It power ratings look capable enough, just have to finish a little wiring. Just wondering if this is a good way to go, or any other options. Thanks for any advise!
Normally one of the elements would be switchable on or off and the other would have the variable heat setting. That way you could have 5,500 to 11,000 watts or if you need less than 5,500 watts you switch the one element off and would have 0 to 5,500 watt output. To have both elements variable serves no purpose.
When running something that might scorch , being able to run two elements at half power is better than running one element at full power .
User avatar
LWTCS
Site Mod
Posts: 12837
Joined: Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:04 pm
Location: North Palm Beach

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by LWTCS »

Yummyrum wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 3:56 am I agree , it looks great value .... and it's in a metal box :thumbup: .... They do help keep the smoke in safely :D

Bit hard to freeze and zoom on that pic , but to me it looks like those "element switches" aren't directly disconnecting ( or isolating ) the elements . The wiring size would suggest that they just disconnect the Pot from the SSRV . It will work , but don't ever trust that the element is safely isolated or disconnected ... Just say'n ..... SSRVs can go leaky or short .

A real 40amp switch is a lot meatier than those .So don't rewire and use them to directly Isolate the elements especially if you are using 5500w element, they will melt .

From a standards point of view . All that green wiring is nasty wrong . Green should only ever be used for earth or ground and it's clear they are using it for live wiring . :thumbdown:

Other than that , great starting point controller .

Green is a standard in the far East. They don't really know why the West prefers not to use their color codes. Green wires are rife with electricity in the East.

And Yes I'd bet money their will be a current bleed.

It's one of those deals where you need to confirm everything and assume nothing.
Kinda like not relying on the rules of the road to avoid an accident. There are no rules therefore keep your eyes wide open and take note of all traffic flow.
Anyone from a Western country that has driven a car in an Eastern country knows exactly what I mean.
Well electrical components should be treated the same way. Assume nothing.
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Spowers2
Novice
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:43 am

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Spowers2 »

Thank you all for the valuable information! I went ahead and ordered one and I'll let you know how it works. I hope it handles the 11,000 watts, got me wondering if I should step in down a bit, I'm only working with a 26G aquarium.
User avatar
Salt Must Flow
Distiller
Posts: 1921
Joined: Sat Jan 29, 2022 2:06 pm
Location: Wuhan China (Novel Coronavirus Laboratory)

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Salt Must Flow »

Spowers2 wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 7:15 am Thank you all for the valuable information! I went ahead and ordered one and I'll let you know how it works. I hope it handles the 11,000 watts, got me wondering if I should step in down a bit, I'm only working with a 26G aquarium.
Aquarium? What will you be using this controller for exactly? Just curious.
Pure Old Possum Piss
Novice
Posts: 60
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2022 5:49 am
Location: Ain't no damn tellin!

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Pure Old Possum Piss »

Spowers2 wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 7:15 am Thank you all for the valuable information! I went ahead and ordered one and I'll let you know how it works. I hope it handles the 11,000 watts, got me wondering if I should step in down a bit, I'm only working with a 26G aquarium.
That's some mighty nice nomenclature I'm about to adopt.
As in: I've got a little bitty 4" firewater breathing dragon that lives atop my 26g aquarium. If I keep her feeding aquarium properly filled with cornfish, she'll keep me supplied with her precious fire water breath. If I can catch the breath of my magical critter, and condense it, it can make for a very magical, and pleasing drop!
:thumbup:
If it's got hide or hair, I used to ride it.
Wheels or tracks, I can drive it.
Rotor or fixed wings, I can fly it.
And if it's grain, I'll make a drop outta it!
The Booze Pipe
Swill Maker
Posts: 389
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2015 5:00 pm
Location: PNW

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by The Booze Pipe »

Spowers2 wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 7:15 am Thank you all for the valuable information! I went ahead and ordered one and I'll let you know how it works. I hope it handles the 11,000 watts, got me wondering if I should step in down a bit, I'm only working with a 26G aquarium.
So how did the controller work out? Was 11,000 watts too much or just right?
13.5g/50L keg boiler
copper pot still
modular 3" CCVM copper&stainless w/offset gin head
User avatar
madspeed
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 76
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 5:39 pm
Location: Somewhere deep in the hills

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by madspeed »

FWIW, I have the 22,000 watt version of this controller. Took a bit of messing with to get it functional, be glad to share my experience.
PXL_20230126_231611184.jpg
User avatar
LWTCS
Site Mod
Posts: 12837
Joined: Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:04 pm
Location: North Palm Beach

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by LWTCS »

madspeed wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 6:57 pm FWIW, I have the 22,000 watt version of this controller. Took a bit of messing with to get it functional, be glad to share my experience.

PXL_20230126_231611184.jpg
That the same controller being asked about over on the SD forum?
Trample the injured and hurdle the dead.
Bigvalveturbo
Novice
Posts: 56
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2019 8:09 pm

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Bigvalveturbo »

how did this box work out? i want to convert my propane set up to an electric...
CoogeeBoy
Rumrunner
Posts: 573
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 6:56 pm

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by CoogeeBoy »

Salt Must Flow wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 7:34 am
Spowers2 wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 7:15 am Thank you all for the valuable information! I went ahead and ordered one and I'll let you know how it works. I hope it handles the 11,000 watts, got me wondering if I should step in down a bit, I'm only working with a 26G aquarium.
Aquarium? What will you be using this controller for exactly? Just curious.
Broiled fish?
Taking a break while I get a new still completed....
lest1
Novice
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2021 6:42 pm
Location: North Queensland

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by lest1 »

it looks like the box isnt earthed , id be earthing the enclosure and the door maybe adding a earth bar

i also earth my still

if something goes wrong you will appreciate it
User avatar
elbono
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 610
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2021 1:05 pm
Location: Middle Tennessee, USA

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by elbono »

lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 11:45 pm it looks like the box isnt earthed , id be earthing the enclosure and the door maybe adding a earth bar

i also earth my still

if something goes wrong you will appreciate it
The earthing (grounding in the US) on anything is installed during installation. If you zoom in on the picture in the ad there is a hole marked as a earth point in the top left corner.

There isn't a bonding jumper to the door though, definitely a good thing to have/add.
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!
lest1
Novice
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2021 6:42 pm
Location: North Queensland

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by lest1 »

elbono wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 3:19 am
lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 11:45 pm it looks like the box isnt earthed , id be earthing the enclosure and the door maybe adding a earth bar

i also earth my still

if something goes wrong you will appreciate it
The earthing (grounding in the US) on anything is installed during installation. If you zoom in on the picture in the ad there is a hole marked as a earth point in the top left corner.

There isn't a bonding jumper to the door though, definitely a good thing to have/add.
i cant see the first pic but the door is kinda a must to be "Grounded"

for people that are not electricians it may seem trivial but its the most important part as a sparky

if the OP has any questions or querys dont be shy to post or message me , as its a very important saety concern and the community or myself would be happy to help
User avatar
elbono
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 610
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2021 1:05 pm
Location: Middle Tennessee, USA

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by elbono »

lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:44 am i cant see the first pic but the door is kinda a must to be "Grounded"
Like most things code related if it is required depends. In the US the door is required to be grounded if it is on lift off hinges. In Canada it is always required. I have no idea about the rest of the world. If it is a "NRTL listed" panel it only has to be installed by the manufacturers instructions. The manufacturer may gotten through the listing process without it.

Semantics aside, I am used to seeing this in industrial settings. It is definitely a good idea and not hard to do. If an electrician questioned something like this when I dealt with kind of stuff as an engineer my answer would have been "just do it".
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!
lest1
Novice
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2021 6:42 pm
Location: North Queensland

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by lest1 »

elbono wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:43 am
lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:44 am i cant see the first pic but the door is kinda a must to be "Grounded"
Like most things code related if it is required depends. In the US the door is required to be grounded if it is on lift off hinges. In Canada it is always required. I have no idea about the rest of the world. If it is a "NRTL listed" panel it only has to be installed by the manufacturers instructions. The manufacturer may gotten through the listing process without it.

Semantics aside, I am used to seeing this in industrial settings. It is definitely a good idea and not hard to do. If an electrician questioned something like this when I dealt with kind of stuff as an engineer my answer would have been "just do it".
great reply

im an electrician from Australia

and there's no semantics in my posts im just wanting OP to have safe equipment

Edit: not worried about codes or regs just personal safety of anyone near the control box or still
User avatar
elbono
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 610
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2021 1:05 pm
Location: Middle Tennessee, USA

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by elbono »

I agree "just do it"
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!
CoogeeBoy
Rumrunner
Posts: 573
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 6:56 pm

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by CoogeeBoy »

lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:03 am
elbono wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:43 am
lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:44 am i cant see the first pic but the door is kinda a must to be "Grounded"
Like most things code related if it is required depends. In the US the door is required to be grounded if it is on lift off hinges. In Canada it is always required. I have no idea about the rest of the world. If it is a "NRTL listed" panel it only has to be installed by the manufacturers instructions. The manufacturer may gotten through the listing process without it.

Semantics aside, I am used to seeing this in industrial settings. It is definitely a good idea and not hard to do. If an electrician questioned something like this when I dealt with kind of stuff as an engineer my answer would have been "just do it".
great reply

im an electrician from Australia

and there's no semantics in my posts im just wanting OP to have safe equipment

Edit: not worried about codes or regs just personal safety of anyone near the control box or still
An electrician in Queensland, you'd be the smartest bloke in the state I'm guessing. :lol:
Taking a break while I get a new still completed....
lest1
Novice
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2021 6:42 pm
Location: North Queensland

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by lest1 »

CoogeeBoy wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 1:41 pm
lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:03 am
elbono wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:43 am
lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 4:44 am i cant see the first pic but the door is kinda a must to be "Grounded"
Like most things code related if it is required depends. In the US the door is required to be grounded if it is on lift off hinges. In Canada it is always required. I have no idea about the rest of the world. If it is a "NRTL listed" panel it only has to be installed by the manufacturers instructions. The manufacturer may gotten through the listing process without it.

Semantics aside, I am used to seeing this in industrial settings. It is definitely a good idea and not hard to do. If an electrician questioned something like this when I dealt with kind of stuff as an engineer my answer would have been "just do it".
great reply

im an electrician from Australia

and there's no semantics in my posts im just wanting OP to have safe equipment

Edit: not worried about codes or regs just personal safety of anyone near the control box or still
An electrician in Queensland, you'd be the smartest bloke in the state I'm guessing. :lol:
haha not even regular qld, hillbilly nth qld

i take it your a southerner
CoogeeBoy
Rumrunner
Posts: 573
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 6:56 pm

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by CoogeeBoy »

lest1 wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 4:04 am
CoogeeBoy wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 1:41 pm
lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:03 am
elbono wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:43 am
An electrician in Queensland, you'd be the smartest bloke in the state I'm guessing. :lol:
haha not even regular qld, hillbilly nth qld

i take it your a southerner
I am indeed!
Taking a break while I get a new still completed....
User avatar
Yummyrum
Global moderator
Posts: 7653
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Yummyrum »

CoogeeBoy wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 7:11 pm
lest1 wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 4:04 am
CoogeeBoy wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 1:41 pm
lest1 wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 6:03 am
An electrician in Queensland, you'd be the smartest bloke in the state I'm guessing. :lol:
haha not even regular qld, hillbilly nth qld

i take it your a southerner
I am indeed!
Deed ….. ? Is that somewhere near Sydney ?
CoogeeBoy
Rumrunner
Posts: 573
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 6:56 pm

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by CoogeeBoy »

Yummyrum wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 8:46 pm
CoogeeBoy wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 7:11 pm
lest1 wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 4:04 am
CoogeeBoy wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 1:41 pm

An electrician in Queensland, you'd be the smartest bloke in the state I'm guessing. :lol:
haha not even regular qld, hillbilly nth qld

i take it your a southerner
I am indeed!
Deed ….. ? Is that somewhere near Sydney ?
:roll: :clap: :clap:
Taking a break while I get a new still completed....
User avatar
shadylane
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10363
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:54 pm
Location: Hiding In the Boiler room of the Insane asylum

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by shadylane »

Yummyrum wrote: Mon Sep 12, 2022 4:13 am
When running something that might scorch , being able to run two elements at half power is better than running one element at full power .

It also let's Ya run more total power before the wash begins to foam up and puke.
Sean_Jeremy
Novice
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Sep 26, 2023 6:51 pm

Re: 240 volt control box

Post by Sean_Jeremy »

Apologies, my brain is a little scrambled right now for a few reasons. I thought taking a break to wire up some stuff would be a nice relaxing activity, but Icould use some guidance.

Finally got together everything I think I need to wire up my rig but I'm now running into something I'm not sure clear on, NEMA 14-30 vs 10-30.

I swapped over our dryer for 3 prong to 4 prong, and hooking things up made sense then, but I'm not gathering how where I'm suppose to land the neutral in what I'm trying to do.

I bought a male and female 14-30 twist lock plug, a 14-30 splitter so we can keep the dryer plugged in to reduce wear on the receptacle, and have my 10-3 wire on hand (as well as an extra 4 prong dryer plug I thought I'd be able to use).

Looking at the OakStills guide https://oakstills.com/pages/how-to-wire ... ontrollers looks like they just used 10-2 for power feeding into the breaker on the controller. Same thing with the Dernord heating element, just the 2 hots and a ground.

I just want to make sure I am doing things safely & properly.
Post Reply