Convert fan controller for element?

[cat herder]

I have a fan speed controller left over from my indoor gardening days. I was wondering if anyone knows if I can use it or convert it for use with an internal heating element. I read somewhere about people converting other controllers by adding a heat sink. Here is a link to the controller I would be using: http://controlwizardproducts.com/prodde ... Controller" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow Obviously I would be running on a 120v outlet and not 240v.

[still_stirrin]

How big is your internal heating element?

The speed controller might work, provided your heat element is 1.5kW or less.
ss

[dieselduo]

I have a fan speed controller left over from my indoor gardening days. I was wondering if anyone knows if I can use it or convert it for use with an internal heating element. I read somewhere about people converting other controllers by adding a heat sink. Here is a link to the controller I would be using: http://controlwizardproducts.com/prodde ... Controller" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow Obviously I would be running on a 120v outlet and not 240v.

Take the back off and add a heat sink

[shadylane]

here's a link to a hotrod speed controller
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 15&t=32906

[cat herder]

How big is your internal heating element?

The speed controller might work, provided your heat element is 1.5kW or less.
ss

I was going to use a 4500w element, but on a 120v circuit so it would be 2250w if I understand things correctly. That probably means I have to upgrade the wiring on the controller, right? Also my guess is that this thing would have to run on at least a 20amp circuit. 2250w is probably too much for a 15 amp circuit. Maybe it would be better to find an element that runs at 3000 w on a 240v circuit and run it at 1500w on a 120v. Thoughts? 15 amp circuits are what I have most readily available.

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

How big is your internal heating element?

The speed controller might work, provided your heat element is 1.5kW or less.
ss

I was going to use a 4500w element, but on a 120v circuit so it would be 2250w if I understand things correctly. That probably means I have to upgrade the wiring on the controller, right? Also my guess is that this thing would have to run on at least a 20amp circuit. 2250w is probably too much for a 15 amp circuit. Maybe it would be better to find an element that runs at 3000 w on a 240v circuit and run it at 1500w on a 120v. Thoughts? 15 amp circuits are what I have most readily available.

Nope. When you put it on 120, you get a 1/4 of the watts. So that 3000w becomes 750w.

[rad14701]

4500 / 4 = 1125W
3000 / 4 = 750W

Either 240V element would work...

[cat herder]

So all I need to do is add a heat sink to the controller, and wire the element to a power cord, right?

[bluefish_dist]

If that doesn't work, search for super simple controller. Cheap, easy to wire and if you add a volt/amp meter for ~$10 you have good control. Just make sure to add a fan to help keep it cool. Heat is your enemy.

[bluefish_dist]

If that doesn't work, search for super simple controller. Cheap, easy to wire and if you add a volt/amp meter for ~$10 you have good control. Just make sure to add a fan to help keep it cool. Heat is your enemy.

[Hound Dog]

Wouldn't it just be easier to buy a $20 SCR and know it works?

[cranky]

Wouldn't it just be easier to buy a $20 SCR and know it works?

+1
Here is a link to some of the best SCR info
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =2&t=43456

and although there are lots of build threads out there, here is how I did my own SSR controller
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 85&t=50385

I think either option is better and neither is very pricey.

[cat herder]

Wouldn't it just be easier to buy a $20 SCR and know it works?

+1
Here is a link to some of the best SCR info
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =2&t=43456" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

and although there are lots of build threads out there, here is how I did my own SSR controller
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... 85&t=50385" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I think either option is better and neither is very pricey.

This seems a good option to me also. I have to learn a bit about electronics to learn how to connect one to power and to the element, but it seems as though you just attach the wires to the right terminals and go. Unless I'm mistaken it's pretty simple.

[cranky]

With the SCR that's exactly what you do. With the SSR you have to add a potentiometer and a cooling fan.

[NineInchNails]

DIY Controller Kit: http://stilldragon.com/index.php/diy-sm ... oller.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Instructions: https://www.stilldragon.org/uploads/man ... 131020.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow