Heads up re: backer Kettle Elements

[brewzone]

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

 

[garwatts]

I have used both and would venture to say that the Asda elements are certainly more secure.

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

Have some posts been removed, I hope were not getting like Jim's with the monitoring/removal.

 

[jamesb]

Have some posts been removed, I hope were not getting like Jim's with the monitoring/removal.

Not according to the logs, no.

 

[Aleman]

Have some posts been removed, I hope were not getting like Jim's with the monitoring/removal.

The only ones that were removed recently that I know of (I did it) was trimming the word association posts to get rid of Aprils

If the plastic shrouds are so poor then perhaps its another good idea to mention the KM8 Bearing Nuts or better still Bru's excellent Stainless Shrouds

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

Sorry lads, my mistake it was on Jim's that I'd posted, and it's still there!

BB

 

[Brewman]

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.

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.

 

[Vossy1]

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!