DIY all grain equipment checklist

[Gerryjo]

I've got absolutely tonnes of kettle leads, of varying length. I work in IT and play guitar so there are plenty around the house and even more so in work. I have read about the different ratings though, some being suitable for a boiler and others not, so I'll check that out before deciding whether I need to buy any or not.

Cheers.

Kettle leads and PC look identical but they not and are rated and constructed due to the current demand.Plug a PC lead into your and it will boil ok but then hold your button down on the kettle to mimic a boiler and you will notice a substantial heat gain due to the draw on higher current demand.
Get a proper rated lead and reduce the risk of electricution/fire....

 

[Dads_Ale]

Kettle leads and PC look identical but they not and are rated and constructed due to the current demand.Plug a PC lead into your and it will boil ok but then hold your button down on the kettle to mimic a boiler and you will notice a substantial heat gain due to the draw on higher current demand.
Get a proper rated lead and reduce the risk of electricution/fire....

I agree with this. I have burnt out 2 leads over the years. They are carrying a lot of load for a long time so need to be up to the job. Give them a check after use for any heat damage and always have a spare. In fact always pays to have a spare element as well :)

Check this thread to give an idea of what kit you need.

http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=69978

 

[Gunge]

I agree with this. I have burnt out 2 leads over the years. They are carrying a lot of load for a long time so need to be up to the job. Give them a check after use for any heat damage and always have a spare. In fact always pays to have a spare element as well :)

Check this thread to give an idea of what kit you need.

http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=69978

I'm almost certain that the leads I've been using for years are from a computer. Still work fine but I have noticed that the plug gets hot after an hour or two. Are they meant to do that?? Two elements fitted to the boiler is essential... to reach boiling in double-quick time (one takes forever ) and to have back-up in case one conks out mid-boil, the ultimate disaster if you only have one fitted!

 

[Dads_Ale]

I'm almost certain that the leads I've been using for years are from a computer. Still work fine but I have noticed that the plug gets hot after an hour or two. Are they meant to do that?? Two elements fitted to the boiler is essential... to reach boiling in double-quick time (one takes forever ) and to have back-up in case one conks out mid-boil, the ultimate disaster if you only have one fitted!

Think I was just unlucky as the leads were supposed to be for element. May have had an issue with the elements as I changed these out at the same time.

My plugs do get warm but not 'hot'. think that is fairly normal passing that sort of load for an extended period. Soon sorts out any bad connections :)

I have a 56litre boiler and 2 elements are essential to achieve a rolling boil in a reasonable time frame. And as you say there is a degree of redundancy should one fail mid boil.