Electric boiler: bypass kettle boil dry cutout

[Victor2112]

I've built a plastic BIAB boiler using two 1500w kettle elements like this:

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/q5cptKs

Unfortunately I am not sure how to bypass whatever it is in the elements that make them cut out once boiling. So, at the moment it will reach but not sustain a boil. Does anybody have any advice on how I could do this?

 

[Ghillie]

I don't see the inbuilt thermostats. All I can see is a 220V neon?

 

[simon12]

I am sure I have used exactly the element in the picture (for under £5 on Ebay) and there was no thermostat.

 

[Victor2112]

Ah, then my use of terminology is off. How do I stop them from cutting out? The 'prevent dry burn', as it puts it in the item description.

(I've edited the title and first post to remove reference to thermostats.)

 

[Ghillie]

Ah, then my use of terminology is off. How do I stop them from cutting out? The 'prevent dry burn', as it puts it in the item description.

(I've edited the title and first post to remove reference to thermostats.)

I don't see a thermal cutout either. If it does have one, it's likely moulded into the black base. Are you sure the elements are cutting out?

I had one like this, just plugged in without stats or thermal cut outs.

 

[the_quick]

I have stripped one from an old kettle. And it cuts out after about 45min of boil, but not at the switch.
Just wonder where is the thermostat.

By the way where did get the above one? Would that be OK for plastic brewing bucket?

 

[Victor2112]

I think if they're taken from a kettle they do have a cutout. Have a look at this video:

I got mine from aliexpress, but they're on ebay as well: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-AC-2...h=item3d23e6675d:g:CcsAAOSwdzVXwAoh:rk:2:pf:0

There are many videos on youtube on how to make a boiler out of a fermenter bucket. Here's a good one:

 

[Ghillie]

By the way where did get the above one?

https://www.brewbuilder.co.uk/2-4kw-kettle-elements.html

Would that be OK for plastic brewing bucket?

It will be fine with a plastic brewing bucket providing it's made of polypropylene - see below reply from BrewBuilder when I asked them the same thing:

We aren't fans of plastic buckets, so its not something we would recommend. But if its something you wish to do then there is no reason it couldn't be fitted.. As a minimum we would suggest using PP plastic as it has a high melting point

I used it in an old brewing bucket for some time without issue. It was for heating sparge water. I didn't like having it in the plastic bucket, it just kept screaming fire at me... It also wouldn't be capable of getting a good boil going; certainly not in an un-insulated plastic bucket. I can't confirm that, but it took me an absolute age to get 25L to reach 80C; and it wasn't wanting to go much higher than that. Although it's 2.4kW, it is very small - so there's not all that much surface area in contact with the liquid.

I'd recommend you to buy some sort of tea urn instead, looking back - I would have done if I were to start over again. You'll get a nice Swan/Buffalo used for £20-£50, stats are easy to link out and they are stainless, have taps, etc.