posible power controller

[frozenthunderbolt]

I find it realy hard to get my head around the electronic side of things, but dont want to run on gas.
Would this commercial unit be any good for running a 15.5 gal keg still? (sorry for the external link)
I haven't bought my elements yet but was thinking of a 2X 2500watt 240v elements
http://www.trademe.co.nz/business-farmi ... 210459.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[rad14701]

Variacs are a good alternative and have been used successfully by several members...

[Coyote]

I have a 15.5 gallon keg with, in one side a 220 volt water heater element
in the other side a 110 volt element. Generally I run 12 gallons of mash.

I run both until I get to my first few drips then unplug the 220 and finish the run on 110 volt
No controller, it works well and allows me to get run temp in about 40 minutes to first drips
and finish a run in about 4 to 4.5 hours

Merry Christmas to All

Coyote

[frozenthunderbolt]

Cheers guys,

Always good to know i'm not going to electrocute anyone or set anything (unintentionally) on fire!

@ Rad - if i got the variac Do you think i would be best off getting a 5000 or something of that ilk and then dialing it down once i was up to temperature?
If i can avoid having two power leads to trip over this would be a bonus.

[rad14701]

@ Rad - if i got the variac Do you think i would be best off getting a 5000 or something of that ilk and then dialing it down once i was up to temperature?
If i can avoid having two power leads to trip over this would be a bonus.

Size in accordance with your needs while not exceeding the current draw of the circuit powering it... Variacs are very stable throughout their operating range so there is no problem using one substantially larger than needed... Buy once to cover all possibilities...