Heat mats.

[Ozzy]

I was wondering if anyone has used a electric blanket as a heat mat?
I've a small circler mat I use I the garage with a coat tied around the fermenter. I would like to put 2 batches on at a time and have been banished to the garage because of lack of space in the house!

 

[Ozzy]

Going to regulate it with an ink bird.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

It looks like it'll get hot enough to do the job and with the controller the temperature shouldn't fluctuate so i don't see why this wouldn't work.

How hot will they become?
Electric blankets vary as to how hot they become and will usually include changeable heat settings to allow you to select different temperatures the lowest heat generally starts from between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, rising to between 48 and 56 degrees Celsius.

https://askinglot.com/how-hot-do-heated-blankets-get

 

[Cheshire Cat]

I was wondering if anyone has used a electric blanket as a heat mat?
I've a small circler mat I use I the garage with a coat tied around the fermenter. I would like to put 2 batches on at a time and have been banished to the garage because of lack of space in the house!

Heat mats are not expensive don’t trust an electric blanket.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Heat mats are not expensive don’t trust an electric blanket.

I might be wrong in my earlier post but as he is using a controller i don't see why, would you care to explain why.

I assume he meant wrap the two FV's up rather than stand them on the blanket.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Heat mats are designed for the purpose of heating water electric blankets are not they are bed warmers. If there’s a YouTube video of them being used and it was safe then proceed carefully without mixing electricity and water.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

If there’s a YouTube video of them being used and it was safe then proceed carefully without mixing electricity and water.

If you take all proper precautions like blow off tubes etc there is no reason to mix electricity and water i have made hundreds of FV's of wine and i have never had one overflow the blow off tube

If this is a worry a £10 RCD would give peace of mind -

• 30mA Active RCD
• Power Indicator
• IP20
• Non-Latching Operation
• 40m/sec Trip Speed
• Rewirable

Edit - if you read the reviews the plus is Fused.


" This is an excellent idea for anyone using mains power tools outside or where there is water near the appliance.
One very important thing to note is the current title description Screwfix are using is incorrect, this plug is NOT unfused and does indeed contain a normal replaceable household plug fuse for extra safety.

" I bought this to replace a failed plug which I'd been using for over 10 years.
It was a direct fit with no cable pairing required.
NOTE: Contrary to the product description IT IS FUSED! "



https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-13a-unfused-plug-in-active-rcd-plug/44855

 

[Ozzy]

I only have the 1 ink bird and was trying to figure out a way round it. I've looking for heat mats that could take 2 fermenting buckets. 2 birds 1stone idea!

 

[Ozzy]

Might not be possible,I've got a bench set up with 1 double socket.
My brother in law wants me to make beer for a party,so I was trying to think out side the box for solutions.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

You could use this method if you can find a container that'll take two FV's


https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/how-to-set-up-a-water-bath-for-your-fv.66407/

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Why risk it and the heat mats are fit for purpos but never mind I’ll not offer safety advice again.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Why risk it and the heat mats are fit for purpos but never mind I’ll not offer safety advice again.

I assumed because the OP already had a heat mat and one controller but needed to heat 2 FV's he was not looking to buy another mat hence his question about the electric blanket, i was trying to make it work for him but as you say it might be dangerous i would give it a try with the RCD as backup but that's just me being a tightwad.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Chippy there’s a difference taking a risk yourself than and someone else taking it but understand your willingness to help.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

@Ozzy let us know how you end up sorting this.

 

[Ozzy]

Will do thanks again everyone for the solutions my issue,apologies if I caused some trouble.

 

[Tanglefoot]

I only have the 1 ink bird and was trying to figure out a way round it. I've looking for heat mats that could take 2 fermenting buckets. 2 birds 1stone idea!

I use an Inkbird to control two heat belts ( in a brew fridge ) using a double socket extension to the heating side.
If I've only got one FV fermenting I just unplug the other one.

Not sold on the electric blanket idea when you can get a heat belt/pad for 15 - 20 quid which, as Cheshire Cat says, is designed for the purpose.
If you can get hold on an old fridge that would be even better, controlled fermentation and the ability to cold crash.

 

[Bjorn Toulouse]

I use two heat belts and a std timer and a double socket extension works well

up here in glasgow the cold crash is created by pulling the plug out!

 

[fgoulding]

Hadn’t thought of using 2 heat belts with one inkbird. Time to start experimenting!

 

[Ozzy]

Can you use the cold socket on an ink bird for heat pads/belts ok? I was worried it was wired/set up for cold settings only.
It cold in co down but not as nippy as Glasgow!

 

[Victor Churchill]

Cautionary note re electric blankets (and nothing to do with water) : if you do go this way don't have the blanket folded or scrumpled up in any way. My daughter had one which she kicked into a lump overnight, didn't make the bed (of course), turned on the following night, fell asleep ... we ended up calling the fire brigade.