interested in converting to electric

[marshrunner757]

Ok guys. Please forgive me for this ignorant post. I am also interested in converting to electric. I'm running a 15.5 gal keg LM. I would like to be able to stay 120V if at all possible. I see RAD posted a couple schematics, but I also saw some talking back and forth about changing some of the items. I'm no electronics expert by any means, but I can do this with some help from the stilling gods. My first question is this. Does this circuit controll heat, or is it on/off. Second question would be, Have you built this and do you have a schematic of your build with a parts list? Also, how many watts would be good for my rig? I was thinking in the 3000 range. Tired of buying gas and worrying about an open flame. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[KY1792]

what size is your boiler and what is your end result needed? sugar or grains? cooling type?

[kenfyoozed]

I run electric and I wouldnt go back to gas unless I had to. I had the same keg as a boiler. I ran 4500w off 220. Now electrical is not my strong suit, but I think you'll be hard pressed to find a 3000w element thats 120v. If ya do great! Then you'll need a controller of some sorts. There is a large thread that speak about building one with the schematics. Many people have done so. Or you could simply buy a controller. I have one of Mulekickers first, and its still doing me good. Check the classified section, he has one left of his newest generation. Stay safe!

[marshrunner757]

what size is your boiler and what is your end result needed? sugar or grains? cooling type?

The 15 gal keg is my boiler. Sugar and grain, but I never run on the grain. Everything gets filtered thru a pillow case going into the boiler.

[banter_king]

i run my keg on two 1500W elements. i built the controller that pintoshine posted a long time back. i have NO electronics background. it took me a bit but i got it done. if you read down that thread there are parts lists and step by step with pictures all over the place. if i can get it done you sure as heck can.

[marshrunner757]

This is the build I'm thinking for the controller. (PINTOSHINES sketch) Mouser does not have the resistor in stock, so I guess I'll have to wait.
Any objections to this or any mods????
My thoughts are 2 elements. One just as an on/off for startup. The other being controlled. Thoughts? Comments?

[rad14701]

As I mentioned to marshrunner757 via PM, the 75 Ohm 25W resistor is overkill for a 120V controller... I am successfully using a 1.2K Ohm 1/2W resistor without any problems and have used a wide range of 1/2W resistors during testing... I have also successfully used both 300W and 600W dimmers, but I prefer to use 600W...

[MuleKicker]

You aren't going to control a 16 gal keg on 120. It will take you all day just to get it to boil. Maybe run 2 120 elements, and unplug 1 when you get up to temp. I would only suggest that if you don't have access to a good 220 circuit.

[rad14701]

You aren't going to control a 16 gal keg on 120. It will take you all day just to get it to boil. Maybe run 2 120 elements, and unplug 1 when you get up to temp. I would only suggest that if you don't have access to a good 220 circuit.

That's what he intends to do... One element running straight mains voltage and one on the controller... Each on a separate mains circuit...

[marshrunner757]

That's correct Rad. Thanks again for all the info.