Voltage\amperage question

[raven_r_one]

Hi again -

While my 110/15a build is going well, every time I'm in a home improvement store, I can't help but contemplate a 240 option.

There are several breaker options - which one should I choose?

30/50/60? Gfi?

[Cardinalbags]

30 amp DP breaker is sufficient. 5500W element is only 25 amp draw at 220v and that is about the biggest element you would ever need for the hobby scale.

[raven_r_one]

Cool!

A local brewer runs 2x 6000 watt elements, so set me adrift.

What about gfi?

[muddog]

GFI is a must have
If you building are a new service I'd go with 50A, just cause. Not much difference in cost.
If you are replacing a breaker with a GFI breaker in an existing service, for example your dryer circuit to run a boiler then you must use same size breaker.
I run 5500W on 15 Gal keg, it's more than enough. muddog

[raven_r_one]

Yeah - I had the "just because" mentality too.

I have a 200 amp panel, figured I could go higher.

I can't decide if I'm going to put the outlet near the main box and run and extension or buy the 10/3 or 8/3 and run it out to the garage.

If it makes it into the garage, 50a would be enough to run a small welder (I'm hoping).

(The utilitarian in me)

[superdaveva]

30 amp #10 , 40 amp #8 ,50 amp #6. If its a long run ,go one bigger. Personally I just use a regular breaker, dryer outlet.