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Voltage\amperage question
Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 2:43 pm
by 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?
Re: Voltage\amperage question
Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 2:49 pm
by 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.
Re: Voltage\amperage question
Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 3:48 pm
by raven_r_one
Cool!
A local brewer runs 2x 6000 watt elements, so set me adrift.
What about gfi?
Re: Voltage\amperage question
Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 6:51 pm
by 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
Re: Voltage\amperage question
Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 3:53 am
by 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)
Re: Voltage\amperage question
Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 4:51 am
by 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.