Home Distiller

Hello,
I am in the process of wiring my keg with heater elements.

I want to heat up fast as possible then, power down and pot still.

I have 2 5500W 220V ULD elements on the 2" ferrule.

I hope to control both of these so during the heat up they can run just a little under maximum to potentially reduce scorching.

Looking at the online calculators, 2 X 5500W X 220V = 50 amps
Does that seem correct?

I have a 100 amp sub panel. I am going to wire a 50 amp welder outlet with a 60-70 circuit breaker for my welder. Right now it just has a 3 wire 220V 30A dryer outlet.

Can I use this new welder outlet (6 gauge wire) to a box that will control both elements?

I have two of those 10,000W 220v cotoller from ebay on order.

10000W AC 220V SCR Speed Controller Motor Electronic Voltage Regulator US

I think it is possible to put it all in one box with 6/3 SOOW cord and reduce it inside the box to 8 or 10 gauge.

As I type this, I think I would have to add the appropriate circuit breaker in the box?

Thanks for any and all ideas?

Each 5500W element will pull 23A, which would require a 10awg circuit with a 2 pole 220v 30A breaker i.e. the dryer plug you mentioned. Remember you shouldn't continuously pull more than 80% of rated capacity. Running both elements, that would be 46A continuous and require a 60A breaker, which seems in line with your plan. So yeah it will work, but if I were my project I'd probably do 2 x 30A circuits.

Also, since you're working with water, a GFCI is strongly recommend, which I've read doesn't like welders or large motors much. Probably prohibitively expensive at those larger amperages as well.

If the panel is close enough you can just use the breaker as your switch, also safer to make the circuit dark when you're not using it.

Note: best to double check electrical code in your area and keep everything safe.

Dear Expat,
Thanks for the quick reply.

Yes, your right. The best thing would be two 220V 30A dryer outlets. Each on a 30A GFI circuit breaker. And just make two controller boxes.
Safer, easier, redundant.

Parts and wire will reasonable size and common.

Thanks!

JoeFL77 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 06, 2020 5:04 pm he best thing would be two 220V 30A dryer outlets. Each on a 30A GFI circuit breaker.

Yes that would be the wisest way of wiring it up..

JoeFL77 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 06, 2020 5:04 pm And just make two controller boxes.

You wouldn't a second controller box.. all that would be required a 30 amp plug with switch inline.. one 5500 watt element will provide all your need once up to temp speed..

Mars

JoeFL77 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 06, 2020 7:52 am
I am in the process of wiring my keg with heater elements...

I want to heat up fast as possible then, power down and pot still...

I have 2 5500W 220V ULD elements on the 2" ferrule.

Thanks for any and all ideas?

Depends on the boiler size.
I think on a keg sized still a pair of smaller heaters would be a better option. 3500w or 4500w
Insulation will help heat up time with less drama than more power.

If the idea is to reduce scorching you would be better off using lower watt elements of which only one will need control. The other will only be on or off to get you up to temp.

You can avoid scorching by clearing your washes/wort before running them which makes life all around. It doesn't pay to rush things!