how many kettle elements do i need?

[LeedsBrewer]

I'm looking at setting up my 5G AG equipment. I'd like to have a 50L shiny pot like this http://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/index.ph ... ductId=389. and adding a 40mm hole for a kettle element.
My question is: will one 2kw kettle element (like this - http://www.thehomebrewcompany.co.uk/spa ... -1096.html ) be enough for the boil or will i need two of them? I'll only be doing 23L batches.

Thanks,

 

[Floodster]

I have done pretty much the same as you with a 50L pot but gone for 2 Tesco kettle elements. I would look into it as a cheaper option if that is any help.

 

[PD]

get 2 in, quicker boil and a spare if one goes *** uppards as we say

 

[LeedsBrewer]

I know nothing about electrics... I heard something about not running two of them off the same circuit or something?? Ive got two seperate plug sockets in my garrage. Would it be ok to run one element from one socket and one from the other?

 

[Floodster]

Yes, running 2 from the same socket or an adapter can be a bit dodgy.

 

[PD]

officially not, but lots of folks do. The two sockets will probably run off the same circuit. I've just has another circuit installed by an electrician.....( these are the hidden expenses ! )

 

[tazuk]

i thought tesco elements was 38mm fitting ?????????????????? :thumb:

 

[tazuk]

+1 if ones goes pete tong got one spare :thumb:

get 2 in, quicker boil and a spare if one goes *** uppards as we say

 

[LeedsBrewer]

i thought tesco elements was 38mm fitting ?????????????????? :thumb:

I think the tesco elements are 38mm. I've been told that the ones you can buy are 40mm (though i'll have to check this) and are of better quality and longer lasting.

PD - i was afraid you were going to say that. My garage is not attached to my house so for an elctrician to add another circuit... i have no idea how he would do that? well, other than digging up the driveway and laying new cables?? could i use an extension lead from the house (different circuit than the garage) to the garage for one of the elements? Or is this a bad idea?

 

[keith1664]

i thought tesco elements was 38mm fitting ?????????????????? :thumb:

I think the tesco elements are 38mm. I've been told that the ones you can buy are 40mm (though i'll have to check this) and are of better quality and longer lasting.

PD - i was afraid you were going to say that. My garage is not attached to my house so for an elctrician to add another circuit... i have no idea how he would do that? well, other than digging up the driveway and laying new cables?? could i use an extension lead from the house (different circuit than the garage) to the garage for one of the elements? Or is this a bad idea?

That's how I do it, don't forget to fully unwind the lead. Otherwise they get a bit warm!

 

[prolix]

i thought tesco elements was 38mm fitting ?????????????????? :thumb:

I think the tesco elements are 38mm. I've been told that the ones you can buy are 40mm (though i'll have to check this) and are of better quality and longer lasting.

PD - i was afraid you were going to say that. My garage is not attached to my house so for an elctrician to add another circuit... i have no idea how he would do that? well, other than digging up the driveway and laying new cables?? could i use an extension lead from the house (different circuit than the garage) to the garage for one of the elements? Or is this a bad idea?

my garage is not connected to house but supply is, got garage supply fuse boxed, as was 13Amp trip, laughable, get a sparky in and have ring main now so can have lots of power 6 double sockets

 

[Dronfieldbrewer]

Get two in. For 25 litres, 2 is a bit of overkill, but will bring to boil a bit quicker then switch one off or it will bounce all over

 

[PD]

yes an extension cable run from a separate circuit will do. However if it runs outside in the open air I would look for a heavy duty waterproof type one, and take normal precautions re folks tripping over it.
I've always been wary of electricity and its safe supply I like to be safe, so in dire need of extra sockets in the garage as well I bit the bullet and called in a " tame electrician " He cheated a little buy disconnecting my old immersion heater circuit which we havent used for 15 years and that provided an extra circuit, with 2 double sockets installed it cost me £50.
He's returning next month to run me around 6 other sockets around the garage at a cost of £75 so all in all the price was better than I anticipated. was a case of biting the bullet again...