Heads up re: backer Kettle Elements

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brewzone

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I tested a backer 2.75kwh kettle element today.

The element is the new type from The Heating Element Company.

The shroud only screws on 3/4 of a turn without it even being installed into a boiler.

To get it to fit a 33L fermenter the fibre washer has to be discarded as it simply won't screw on otherwise.

Everything seemed fine until it got near boiling point.

I was sitting with My back to the boiler soldering some copper fittings when I heard a distinct pop.

I thought perhaps the element had tripped out.

No it was much worse, the shroud had slipped of the element completely.

I managed to turn off the mains switch and hastily put the boiler over the sink to empty the boiling water.

My point is this:

Had I not tested this prior to a real AG brew it would have been a disaster in more ways than one.

I have been using the 40mm locking nuts from Bearingboys.co.uk which are much better than the locknut/shroud that come with the Haden and Backer elements.

My advise is never simply trust something that You assume is fit for purpose.

Had I had the boiler facing the other way I would have been drenched in boiling water/wort.

Christ knows how these are supposed to fit a kettle because quite simply they are **** as standard!

I'm not sure how some of those cheap asda/tesco elements are secured but if they are like these then be careful!

Rant over!

BZ
 
I have used both and would venture to say that the Asda elements are certainly more secure.
 
brewzone said:
The shroud only screws on 3/4 of a turn without it even being installed into a boiler.

There is about 2mm-3mm on the end of the shrouds without any thread on them. I have a couple of those elements as well, I sanded them down until the screwthreads were on the edge of the shroud, this solved the problem & I can get mine nice & tight now.

brewzone said:
Christ knows how these are supposed to fit a kettle because quite simply they are **** as standard!

Probably because the kettle surface is flat, compared to a round boiler.
 
I've also had the same problem as Brewzone regards the Backer element shrouds. I made 2 boilers, 4 elements total, and overnight undisturbed 2 of the shrouds simply popped off :shock:
I decided then that I would not use them as supplied as it simply wasn't worth the risk.

I had previously used them on 2 smaller 70ltr boilers with no problems over 2 years...guess I was lucky!
 

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