PID's and Elements Re.Herms

[Sanders]

Hey, currently in the planning and research stage of my SS herms plan.
Anyway my first question is in regards to elements I am thinking of a 100l system using the Bergland stockpots as the basis. But I was wondering about elements I know that the tesco kettle element is popular for the smaller coppers and hlt's but I don't particularly want to be having to cut more holes than I need to and was wondering if anyone had used larger elements and if so what? I was thinking of something between 4 and 5KW but what?
I realize that a by using a larger element I'll need to wire in a new breaker board etc.

The next question is in regards to PID's I was considering ordering a few of the Rex's however from what I have read on here I realize that is probably a terrible idea? In that case I thinking of using these instead: (erm ok really sorry I can't seem use offsite urls, ummm try this eBay item number:231060729618)
Also if I am using a larger element should I be looking at using a 40A ssr if going with 5kw element?

 

[anthonyUK]

Hi,
I don't know anything about that PID but do know that the Sestos or Auberins are well known on this forum.
You may be OK with that Mypin if it is similar to others but from what I can read it is lacking a manual mode which may not be an issue for HERMS.

For elements of the wattages you are considering a 40A SSR whilst not strictly necessary would be worth it for the minimal extra cost to give you some safety overhead.

 

[Vossy1]

For elements search for stainless immersion elements, this is just one search result but it'll give you an idea here
I use 5.5kw as 2 x 2.75 but I would imagine 5kw is enough as 5.5 is a tad to extreme sometimes.
Keep in mid though that should you wish to make smaller batches 5kw may be too muc, using 2 smaller elements you can always turn one off.
Personally I prefer Auberins PIDS and I use 40A SSR's for 2.75 kw elements as I was told they would generate less heat in use than smaller rated SSR's do, so it might be worth going even higher amperage wise, no doubt someone will know exactly :thumb:

 

[Fil]

ive recently built a 98l ss stockpot boiler and hlt,

i used 2 elements in each so i could run each off a different ring main without major electirical overhaul,

i spent a lot on budget lemon elements before deciding on buying quality, and opted for those sold by mrlard aka he homebrewbuilder.co.uk

i fitted 1 x 3kw and 1 x 2.4kw elements in each pot.

a sestos pid controlling 2 x 25a ssrs to switch the hlt elements,,

i supply the brewshed wirh electricity from 2 extention leads plugged into 2 seperate rings from the house/garage. i use one for each element supply and use the power supplying the 2.4kw element to feed the controller/pid and lights power too.